Roof treatment

[Outbackmel]

As posted in the past few days, I just took my 2011 Outback 5er into the RV dealership for electrical check and needed repair. When checking it in, they asked if I needed anything else looked at or completed. I had 2 small repairs I wished to have done. During the conversation, the service rep indicated that Keystone recommends roof treatment annually. Being one year old, I was all ears. In the past, with my 2005 Keystone Hornet, I roof washed it twice a year and checked around seals to ensure not peeled or looking like they could leak...no one wants a water problem if it can be avoided.

Having said that, WHAT DO OTHERS DO who use their RV VERY REGULARLY all year round, sun , cold, etc. I have a permanent spot with NO trees or mildew.

I am certain we will not keep this Outback more than 4 more years and then swap it for something else. We are already planning on it. At age 69, I am not planning on any roof maintenance after my early 70's ... right now I am physically willing and able to do this stuff myself. Being retired has some advantages other than growing old!

[therink]

I have read that the roof membrane manufacturer recommends regular inspection and cleaning using a mild non abrasive and non petroleum based detergent. The instructions also say that use of treatments or coatings is not necessary.
I am a firm believer that by following this protocol is all that is needed, stressing the importance of Maintaining the caulk seams.
I don't trust anyone with my roof but me. No dealer will guarantee no leaks under their roof maintenance plans. I suppose if you trust your rv service facility, then go for it. I know that I wouldn't have peace of mind if I left my roof maintenance up to the half wit dealerships in my area. All they want is $$.

[Festus2]

Rubber roofs should be checked at least once a year - preferably twice. Areas around vents, aerials, A/C's, termination moldings, seams and other similar spots need particular attention. Caulking should be carefully inspected and any suspicious spots should be looked after using an EPDM approved sealant such as Dicor.

Chalking is a natural product of weathering and doesn't present any threat to the integrity of the roof membrane but may cause streaking on the RV's sidewalls.

The rubber roof can be cleaned without using any kind of special RV roof cleaners or treatments. All that is needed is some warm water, borax and a medium bristle brush.

As mentioned above, do not use any citrus-based product or anything containing petroleum distillates- including silicone on your roof.

If you want to add to the protection of your roof which, BTW, is naturally resistant to UV rays and other elements , I would suggest using Aerospace303 which is very compatible with EPDM roofs.

If you still physically able to get up the roof and do this maintenance on a regular basis yourself, the roof should last many years.

[Halibutman214]

Originally Posted by Outbackmel

During the conversation, the service rep indicated that Keystone recommends roof treatment annually.

What is roof treatment?

[Outbackmel]

Festus Thanks for the input. Very helpful. I will note and buy Borax etc so I have it on hand when it cools off a bit. My ACE hardware likely sells Borax. Steve. Thanks as well. I know you have the twin to mine in a 2010. Always count on your "been there, done that" experience. I did want to get suckered into a $600 roof treatment that i do not need.

[happytrails]

Originally Posted by Halibutman214

What is roof treatment?

I thought roof treatments were like window treatments??? I've been driving down the road with curtains and blinds blowing all over the highway.



Honestly I have no idea I just needed to laugh.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by therink

I have read that the roof membrane manufacturer recommends regular inspection and cleaning using a mild non abrasive and non petroleum based detergent. The instructions also say that use of treatments or coatings is not necessary.
I am a firm believer that by following this protocol is all that is needed, stressing the importance of Maintaining the caulk seams.
I don't trust anyone with my roof but me. No dealer will guarantee no leaks under their roof maintenance plans. I suppose if you trust your rv service facility, then go for it. I know that I wouldn't have peace of mind if I left my roof maintenance up to the half wit dealerships in my area. All they want is $$.

Steve I have to agree with you!
Always been a DYI guy, been inclined that way, and when I was younger it was partly to save money. Now that i am older I still enjoy doing it myself, because I know it is done right. It is also a bit of therapy from my daily grind.

[Outbackmel]

I envisioned Robin Williams in that RV you described. Sometimes i feel like that guy. In fact today, about 25 miles from our destination, I had to check the mirrors to see if I put the steps up. I go through wheel plastic chock blocks faster than a woodchuck chucks wood!

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Outbackmel

I envisioned Robin Williams in that RV you described. Sometimes i feel like that guy. In fact today, about 25 miles from our destination, I had to check the mirrors to see if I put the steps up. I go through wheel plastic chock blocks faster than a woodchuck chucks wood!

LOL!!

I do about three walk around's before taking off to be sure, still look in the mirror at the to see if the steps are still down, LOL!!

[SteveC7010]

dicor.com for manufacturer's recommendations.

1. Keep it clean - extensively covered in this and previous threads.

2. Seam & caulk maintenance -extensively covered in previous threads.

3. 303 Protectant, while optional, is a great product. Also use it on your MaxxAir vent covers or stock vent covers, and on the AC shroud.

4. Inspect your roof frequently. While not very common, holes or tears can happen. Eternabond tape followed with Dicor Self Leveling Caulk around the edges of the Eternabond is a very good repair.

The roof on our 11 year old Sunline was in great shape when we traded it in last fall. I would expect it to give at least another 10+ years of good service. The roof membranes on our Keystones are the same material. Maintain them well.