Community Forums

Bob (WA0MQE) · 10-26-2006, 01:27 PM

I have a Pace Arrow with what Fleetwood calls a 'Tuff-Ply' rubber type roof. It's not smooth rubber it has a slight texture to it. Which in my case, makes it a little more difficult to clean.

I have a Cottonless Cottonwood tree that drops sticky seedlings every year and if I don't get up on top and keep them cleaned off immediately, they leave a very hard dark stain and are very difficult to remove.

Has anyone had a similar problem and if so, any good ideas on how to dissolve and/or remove this type of stain?

Bob (WA0MQE) · 10-26-2006, 01:27 PM

I have a Pace Arrow with what Fleetwood calls a 'Tuff-Ply' rubber type roof. It's not smooth rubber it has a slight texture to it. Which in my case, makes it a little more difficult to clean.

I have a Cottonless Cottonwood tree that drops sticky seedlings every year and if I don't get up on top and keep them cleaned off immediately, they leave a very hard dark stain and are very difficult to remove.

Has anyone had a similar problem and if so, any good ideas on how to dissolve and/or remove this type of stain?

retiredrlk1 · 10-26-2006, 01:43 PM

I have used a white wall tire cleaner to spot clean my rubber roof. If its good enough for tires, it should be good enought for a rubber roof and it does wook on stains on the roof. I spray the spot and let it set a bit then wipe off. I dont't wash it off for fear of damaging the fiberglass sides.

dieselclacker · 10-26-2006, 02:38 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by wa0mqe:
I have a Pace Arrow with what Fleetwood calls a 'Tuff-Ply' rubber type roof. It's not smooth rubber it has a slight texture to it. Which in my case, makes it a little more difficult to clean.

I have a Cottonless Cottonwood tree that drops sticky seedlings every year and if I don't get up on top and keep them cleaned off immediately, they leave a very hard dark stain and are very difficult to remove.

Has anyone had a similar problem and if so, any good ideas on how to dissolve and/or remove this type of stain? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Get rid of that tree!!!!

Sorry, couldn't resist. I have no other solution for your problem.

Dieselclacker

Paulin · 10-26-2006, 05:23 PM

Bob,

Your Pace Arrow has a TPO roof made by Alpha Systems. Here is what Alpha Systems says about cleaning

"As the next generation to EPDM roofing, Alpha Systems introduced Royal Tuff-Ply thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing to the RV industry in 1994. It is another attractive and lightweight alternative to metal roofing. TPO represents the latest advance in plastic technology and will provide many years of performance in products on which it is use.

Tuff-Ply TPO sheeting provides tear and puncture resistance 20 to 50 percent higher than EPDM rubber. The material offers excellent UV protection, will not retain odors and is resistant to rot. Tuff-Ply is easy to clean and resistant to mold, algae, fungus and other biological agents. It is easy to repair through an environmentally friendly heat welding process.

Alpha Systems also manufactures the roofing adhesives and sealants necessary to best fit your manufacturing or construction applications of Royal Tuff-Ply TPO.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Royal Tuff-Ply Roof

Proper care, cleaning and maintenance of TPO roofing is quite simple due to the basic properties and longevity of the material. Periodic cleaning is the primary maintenance needed. Alpha Systems recommends using Murphy's Oil Soap® with a soft nylon brush or sponge to clean Tuff-Ply.

DO NOT USE SOLID OR GRANULATED CLEANERS, as they will mar the natural finish.

DO NOT USE ARMOR-ALL® OR OTHER OIL OR SOLVENT-BASED CLEANERS, as they will leave a slick surface and possibly damage the membrane.

A thorough cleaning with moderate scrubbing action, per the suggestions above, should remove most stains and keep the roof looking good. For removal of more stubborn stains, contact Alpha Systems Customer Service at (574-295-5206).

Annual roof inspection is recommended. Check the membrane for possible damage and check the caulk or lap sealant used in all termination areas and around all accessories and fasteners."

Their website is www.alphasystemsinc.com

Bob (WA0MQE) · 10-28-2006, 03:17 AM

Thanks Bluewind... I'll see if I can find Murphy's Oil Soap and give it a try. If that doesn't work I'll give them a call and see what they suggest.

Paulin · 10-28-2006, 09:37 AM

You're welocme Bob. Murphys Oil Soap should be available at most hardware stores and many grocery stores. It probably won't be strong enough to remove stains, so checking with Alpha Systems would be recommended.