power washing the roof

LarryD-THOR

Senior Member
RV LIFE Pro
Joined
Sep 26, 2019
Posts
241
Location
Bradenton
question: is it ok to use a power washer on the roof of the Magnitude or is this a bad idea? Obviously would not get too close with the wand.
 
The TPO probably wouldn't care but I can't say the same for the lap sealant.

What's wrong with following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions? Soap and water. You can also use a soft bristle boat brush on a stick if you need to.

61dWur7fBmL._AC_SX679_.jpg
 
Just use a soft bristle brush and detergent as ACE said. Not necessary to power wash... and not recommended. Go by what TPO/EPDM roof manufacturers recommend and you're safe.

The only way someone could see your RV roof anyway is to get up on it. If that's the case, tell them to get the **** off of your roof!! :rofl:
 
sounds like its a bad idea. I'm just looking for a faster easier way to get it done but certainly not at the risk of damaging the roof.
 
sounds like its a bad idea. I'm just looking for a faster easier way to get it done but certainly not at the risk of damaging the roof.

To me... a power washer would slow me down. I use a foam cannon that dispenses off a regular water hose. I spray with soapy water / foam and let it sit. Using the brushes pictured above, I wipe /brush down, then I just rinse off. I do about 10 feet at time, 30 minutes I am done, getting everything out to work with, washing/brushing, and the put away. There has never been a stain on the roof that I have seen that warranted high pressure. if it was that bad, I would just do that single spot by hand.

FWIW, I wash my roof 4 - 6 times per year.
 
The only way someone could see your RV roof anyway is to get up on it. If that's the case, tell them to get the **** off of your roof!! :rofl:

So I was up on the roof pondering if I ever got Solar where the **** would the Solar Panels go, then I read this. You don't have to get so mad about it, I am getting off the roof now!!!! :LOL:
 
So I was up on the roof pondering if I ever got Solar where the **** would the Solar Panels go, then I read this. You don't have to get so mad about it, I am getting off the roof now!!!! :LOL:

Doing 2 of the stick on BougeRV 200watt solar panels this weekend (hopefully). Thats the whole reason for this thread.
 
So I was up on the roof pondering if I ever got Solar where the **** would the Solar Panels go, then I read this. You don't have to get so mad about it, I am getting off the roof now!!!! :LOL:

I got some lag bolts just itching to be driven through that shiny fiberglass roof. I even have some Dicor which I'll never use to throw into the deal! Just whisper "I know it's your first time, so I'll be gentle". :LOL:
 
Doing 2 of the stick on BougeRV 200watt solar panels this weekend (hopefully). Thats the whole reason for this thread.

How does that Stick On work with Membrane roofs? I thought that material was designed to gradual shed over time akin to bottom paint on a boat? My roof is Fiberglass so Stick On might work, but I would still be skeptical. I may be wrong, but I would for sure verify.
 
I got some lag bolts just itching to be driven through that shiny fiberglass roof. I even have some Dicor which I'll never use to throw into the deal! Just whisper "I know it's your first time, so I'll be gentle". :LOL:

So I go back up there, like I said I don't have any space for Solar. We can sleep on the roof when it is hot and can't use our genny. I can also use the space to practice my golf swing if camping in rocky or uneven terrain.

If you ever wish to piss WBGO off, call their Customer Service number and ask them what type of Dicor you should use :eek: They get nervous quickly. I did that years go, but I simply didn't know any better. Growing up on a Thor Forum Dicor is pretty much the norm, but over there it is a big no no. You must only use what is in their call out sheets. I have to admit It ( Manus Bond) works well and I can touch up myself. You can see it in the pictures.

@ OP
This roof has never had a pressure washer touch it in 5 years. I do own and use a pressure washer for my cars. That is how and why I know it is actually more work. Since it is Fiberglass, I wax it twice a year. I do go up there occasionally to inspect and to ensure no one has pranked me by putting Solar Panels on the roof that I would have no need for :whistling:
 

Attachments

  • 20210731_185840_rotate.jpg
    20210731_185840_rotate.jpg
    57.1 KB · Views: 35
Last edited:
If my roof so much as stains its pants
I'll have a 1/4 inch of rhinoliner sprayed on it, wrapping an inch or more down the sides over the seamed joints.
My solar will go on the rear wall if I ever decide to do solar. I don't need it to work at 100%efficiency if I add 150% of what's required.
 
All my RVs took a trip through Blue Beacon every other trip at a minimum. There overhead nozzles handle the roof cleaning. This was done on TPO and the current fiberglass roofs.

Once a year my mobile tech inspects the roof and reseals as necessary. I’m too old to be climbing ladders.
 
Last edited:
All my RVs took a trip through Blue Beacon every other trip at a minimum. There overhead nozzles handle the roof cleaning. This was done on TPO and the current fiberglass roofs.

Once a year my mobile tech inspects the roof and reseals as necessary. I’m too old to be climbing ladders.

I think the point should be made that one can use a pressure washer safely. The fear is consistency to not get too close. The actual pressure differential is great between 6 inches away from surface as opposed to 18 inches from same surface. Sometimes you can get 2 or 3 inches just by moving around. You can rip off decals and create unwanted links, really bad if the unwanted leak is an unknown leak. I don't think the professional truck / RV facilities get that close to cause damage. The actual surface pressure may only be marginal more than a regular high quality / high pressure hose sprayer.

FWIW Mobile Car wash & RV wash professionals will also use high pressure hoses, but if you wash vehicles all day long everyday, you master the technique. But for me, when on the roof, and I reach over to pick up a beer I tend to focus on my feet and hand that is going to get the beer, the other hand with pressure washer could be ripping up my roof. :facepalm:
 
How does that Stick On work with Membrane roofs? I thought that material was designed to gradual shed over time akin to bottom paint on a boat? My roof is Fiberglass so Stick On might work, but I would still be skeptical. I may be wrong, but I would for sure verify.

but then wouldnt that be a problem with Dicor as well?
 
but then wouldnt that be a problem with Dicor as well?

It's not the lap sealant but the roof membrane itself. I avoided the flexible solar, first because of inefficiency, two because of heat buildup under the panel and third because the flexing makes the cell connections weak and prone to failure. They're more expensive for something that is inferior to basic aluminum frame glass panels.

But for those who like the look, go for it IMO you're paying for aesthetics. You're a brave soul depending on an adhesive (rather than mechanical fasteners) to hold solar panels reliability on a TPO roof.
 
but then wouldnt that be a problem with Dicor as well?

For clarity I have a SOB and there is no Dicor anywhere on my Fiberglass roof. WBGO use a product called Manus Bond.

But with that said, I don't think comparing Dicor or a similar sealant is the same as applying a material that is intended to act as an adhesive to hold a foreign mechanical object on a roof with winds 60 - 70 mph? Maybe the weight of the solar apparatus is light enough so it has no impact? I doubt it. It sure has to have some impact, imagine if air can penetrate a seam, it may slowly lift? My advice was to simply say I would verify 1st.

I have read posts on this very forum where people have lost Winegard units and even the roofs themselves while driving. I am certain if the Mfg says it works on Membrane roofs it may, but the question is do they say that?

If they do; PM me your RV make, model, colors, & state license plates numbers so should I ever get behind you I will know to stay back 500 feet :LOL:
 
Last edited:
So I go back up there, like I said I don't have any space for Solar. We can sleep on the roof when it is hot and can't use our genny. I can also use the space to practice my golf swing if camping in rocky or uneven terrain.

If you ever wish to piss WBGO off, call their Customer Service number and ask them what type of Dicor you should use :eek: They get nervous quickly. I did that years go, but I simply didn't know any better. Growing up on a Thor Forum Dicor is pretty much the norm, but over there it is a big no no. You must only use what is in their call out sheets. I have to admit It ( Manus Bond) works well and I can touch up myself. You can see it in the pictures.

@ OP
This roof has never had a pressure washer touch it in 5 years. I do own and use a pressure washer for my cars. That is how and why I know it is actually more work. Since it is Fiberglass, I wax it twice a year. I do go up there occasionally to inspect and to ensure no one has pranked me by putting Solar Panels on the roof that I would have no need for :whistling:

I know you live in Texas. I hope there is another air conditioner on that roof and your photo is just not showing it.
 
I know you live in Texas. I hope there is another air conditioner on that roof and your photo is just not showing it.

Yes sir, two ACs was one of the Top 5 things I learned on this Forum BEFORE I bought an RV. I recall someone suggesting that I could buy a single unit and then add a 2nd one later, then someone else made the ultimate statement to me; which was if you know you need 2 ACs why not just buy a unit with 2 ACs. The way we use, I would go crazy without a true 50 amp services.
 

Attachments

  • 20210619_200125 rotate.jpg
    20210619_200125 rotate.jpg
    67.6 KB · Views: 18
Mold armor rapid remover for leaf and organic matter. Rinse apply with a lawn/ garden pump, brush with a soft brush, lightly rinse and let the magic work over night.
 

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top