Community Forums

mdecastra · 09-01-2016, 11:15 AM

I just got my first RV wash at a Truck Wash. It looks great. One of the guys climbed up my ladder on back and took a pressure washer to my roof (which I think is TPO).

It took him about 20 mins to do the entire top and I did not go up to see what it looked like. I am not the first owner and I do not know if it was ever done before.

Is that bad for the roof? I walked all over it around the AC units on top.

How would you do it and how often does it need to be done.

I already have a 'to do' to go up and look at the seals around my units, which I have not done yet. My unit is a 2014 and has only approx. 5k miles. It has been parked outside for most of it life.

**CLIFFTALL** · 09-01-2016, 11:18 AM

I wouldn't let anyone near me with a pressure washer. The TPO roof requires a gentile wash with Murphy's Oil Soap as per the Mfg . I occasionally add a little Dawn . I hope yours survived without any damage.

pointrow · 09-01-2016, 11:27 AM

I've pressure washed the roof on every rv I've owned. Just have to use your head and not damage any seals or caulking. Hot low pressure by not getting too close with the tip and you will be fine.

If nothing else use a simple water hose and a soft brush.

good luck

pointrow

Dr4Film · 09-01-2016, 11:31 AM

I have used a Karcher 2650 psi 2.6 gpm gas pressure washer on my one piece fiberglass roof since owning the coach back in 2003.

I used to pressure wash the roof 3-4 times per year as the unpainted fiberglass would oxidize and turn dark with black specs and the only way to easily remove the oxidation was with a pressure washer while holding the white nozzle head about 2-3 inches above the roof.

Since coating the fiberglass roof with Tuff-Coat I only need to power wash the roof lightly once per year plus no more oxidation of the unpainted fiberglass.

BTW, what is a TPO roof?

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Mr_D · 09-01-2016, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

BTW, what is a TPO roof?

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Thermoplastic polyolefin, a very tough plastic roofing material used on lots of commercial buildings and RV roofs. It's not "rubber"

dennis45 · 09-01-2016, 11:58 AM

Let the flames fly.

I have been using the pressure wash at a car wash on my roof at least once per year on my Britek (so called rubber) for years. I use Murphy Oil Soap with a long handled brush and then hit with the pressure wash. Just don't be too aggressive and all is fine.

MSHappyCampers · 09-01-2016, 01:26 PM

I would never let anyone use a pressure washer on my roof!

I wouldn't hesitate to do it myself though, being very careful not to get too close to the sealant around the openings! JMHO

Atom Ant · 09-01-2016, 01:35 PM

The Blue Star truck washes I go to have sprayers at the ceiling that do the roof, but they are not real high pressure.

jacwjames · 09-01-2016, 04:27 PM

I finally pressure washed my fiberglass roof last year, I wanted to get it as clean as possible to be able used Zep Commercial Floor Wax. I was careful not to get to close with the pressure washer nozzle and used a stiff brush to assist in some areas. Got the roof very clean and it still looks pretty good, need to do a fast wash and do another coat or two of Zep.

mdecastra · 09-02-2016, 11:15 AM

Thanks for everyone's input. I will look for damage and not use pressure wash again to avoid any risk of damage.

Topworth · 09-08-2016, 01:17 PM

Ive been happy with the Blue Beacon truck was facilities, Like someone else mentioned they have nozzles in the roof that spray large amounts of water on the roof not at a high pressure. They have a free app you can download and find one on the road when needed. Best of luck and enjoy the ride.

Don & Myong

TSM · 09-08-2016, 01:49 PM

Purchased in 2013, 2006 National Sea Breeze, the fiberglass roof may have never cleaned and was very dirty. Replaced 100% of the chalking with new Dicor, and the Eterna bond on both ends. Replaced all vent covers and replacing the bathroom vent as well. Removed and cleaned air conditioners covers, cleaning the units as well. Replaced the antennae with a newer model and new Dicor applied. Completely scrubbed the entire fiberglass roof with a scrub brush then carefully finished with a Karcher 1800 psi electric pressure washer. When cleaned applied the ZEP floor wax. Subsequently each Spring clean with brush, soap and water rinsing with the power washer. Always applying a coat of Zep when finished, the roof looks new. The unit is kept parked in a covered facility.