How To Care For Your RV Rubber Roof

If your motor home, travel trailer or fifth wheel is only a few years old, chances are it has a rubber roof. It’s not the natural latex rubber we normally think of, it’s a material called Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) which is made for RV roofing. EPDM rubber roofing membrane is made to last 20 years or longer and usually has a 10 year+ warranty, depending on the manufacturer.

EPDM manufacturers advise that rubber roof membranes don’t require the use of any protective roof treatment or roof protector product. The only recommendation is a good cleaning four times a year.

If you own a rig with an EPDM roof, you probably noticed the roof surface is a bit chalky. Manufacturers say not to worry about this and even after 10 years only 10 percent of the material is lost due to chalking.

Regular cleaning will reduce chalk buildup and minimize streaks on the sides of your RV. The correct cleaning product is important. Never use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives or citric based cleaners on your EPDM roof. Using these solvents will cause damage and will most likely void your warranty. If you are uncertain about what is in the product, don’t use it. Each EPDM manufacturer recommends using their own brand of cleaner, but all approve the use of mild laundry detergent.

To clean your roof, work on one three-foot-square section at a time using a mild laundry detergent mixed with water. Scrub the entire roof with a medium bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly to avoid residue build-up on the roof or sidewalls. You can use diluted household bleach for more difficult stains, but do NOT use cleaners that contain petroleum solvents or harsh abrasives, as these may cause irreparable damage to your roof.

After cleaning the roof each time and before you climb down, be sure to inspect all the roof seams, around vents, etc., to make sure the caulking is still in good condition. Be sure to inspect your roof for swelling, areas of uneven thickness and loose spots. These are all signs that the roof has been damaged by petroleum distillates, which cause adhesives to loosen and the membrane to balloon.

Also after cleaning, many RVers treat the rubber roof with an EPDM-safe protectant to clean and protect against future stains.