How do you clean your roof

 
 
 
 
 
 
ColinM
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How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #1
Is it normal and accepted practice to walk on the MH roof to clean it. I have seen a man cleaning his roof like it is the kitchen floor, mop and bucket , walking back and forward . I struggle in my drive with a set of steps, reaching a cross with a brush, dipping the brush into the bucket on the ground, to reload with water. Many times the steps have tilted, nearly launching me and brush in to my hedge. This year I got a suction handle to attach to the side of the MH , and then attach my steps to the handle with bungy cord, adds a bit of stability.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #2
Quote by ColinM

Is it normal and accepted practice to walk on the MH roof to clean it.


No!!!!!.....I wouldn't even dream of it, then again I'm just under 20 stone so you can see why :-)
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #3
Consider One like this

Try avoid traffic film remover as it can damage paint work 👍🏻
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #4
I walk on mine regularly, think it depends on the van and the man! I've worked up there plenty of times, fitting solar etc

If it squeeks and moves get off it, if it feels solid it should be ok.

IIRC your manual should state whether you can or not.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #5
If the van is fitted with its own ladder I don't see why not, otherwise you probably shouldn't
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #6
No ladder on mine. Walking on it has never caused any issue.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #7
This folding ladder https://www.ie.screwfix.com/fo…3-72m.html, with high density foam plumbing insulation taped to it where it makes contact with the motorhome means you can get higher whilst being a bit more stable.
Don't overstretch... I've nearly lost balance a few times. Not pleasant! Saying that, I'd rather fall from a ladder than slip off a roof...
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #8
When away I go to self service lorry washers they tend to have a large platform on wheels a coin operated jet wash, I use the soap setting not high pressure and they always have a soft brush, brush the soapy water rinse. I should imagine they have them in Ireland but I have never needed one here. At home I use a very high set of steps, extending brushes and a good car shampoo.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #9
I would rather leave it dirty than walk on it, we had a caravan years ago that someone walked on the roof and it leaked shortly after, I know modern Motorhomes have a different method of construction now but I can’t see any point in tempting fate. I always managed to do it from the side with a long handle brush.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #10
Definitely wouldn't walk on a caravan roof!
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #11
I use ladders with bubble wrap on parts that make contact with van, long extendable brush with hose attached and that has always worked for me. Would tend to agree with Chausson and don't take the chance.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #12
Quote by Ally



IIRC your manual should state whether you can or not.





RTFM? 🤔🤫😂
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #13
@Ally Fair enough...you could always do that then😀
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #14
Get the wife to clean it, then you won't fall off anything 😂
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #15
There have been threads on other forums that advocate the use of patio cleaner. Simply spray it on the roof and allow it do work it’s magic. Depending on the state of the roof it may take a couple of applications. I haven’t had to use it myself but certainly would consider it as some of the posters are dependable.

I will post a link when I find it.

My previous van was parked under a tree and hence got pretty green. It had a rear ladder and the main flat roof could take 75kg. The overcab Luton was a no go area, thin and flexible. The main area of roof had moulded upstands along the sides, so less danger of sliding off. There were 3 cross bars as well, so working on the roof was fine.

Davy
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #16
Quote by Davy

There have been threads on other forums that advocate the use of patio cleaner. Simply spray it on the roof and allow it do work it’s magic. I will post a link when I find it. Davy


This is what I use
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #17
The forum that had the original thread (wild camping) is down for maintainence at present. Here is a thread which ran at about the same time on motorhomer.

https://motorhomer.com/threads/wet-n-forget.38715/

Many of the members on WC are also on motorhomer, so the threads are similar.

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How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #18
I recently saw a guy washing the roof of his van while walking along the car park wall about 5ft heigh beside where it is usually parked it.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #19
I park mine in the middle of the yard and drive the forklift along the side with a pallet to stand on,just move forklift as required.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #20
 

You mean like this?
Nigel said bit scarey when slippery with soap.
You do have to head for heights but he used to inspect tower cranes!
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #21
Quote by ntg

I park mine in the middle of the yard and drive the forklift along the side with a pallet to stand on,just move forklift as required.


There is a queue outside your house!
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #22
Quote by Ally

Quote by ntg

I park mine in the middle of the yard and drive the forklift along the side with a pallet to stand on,just move forklift as required.


There is a queue outside your house!


Did you mention the small fee 😂
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #23
Quote by ntg

I park mine in the middle of the yard and drive the forklift along the side with a pallet to stand on,just move forklift as required.


6 ton Dumper with a load of stone for me
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #24
Mine has a ladder and roof bars and I weigh just under 75kgs so I have had no issues. I always walked along the roof with a soft brush and mop bucket. I kept a small power washer with me but purely to push the dirty water away from a distance and not for removing dirt itself. Quicker than a garden hose and I kept in on low power and at a good distance. I’ve since had a shelter built so I don’t need to clean the roof anymore!
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #25
On my last motorhome, a '99 Dethleffs globetrotter, I was able to lift out, (4 screws), the roof vents and stand on a small step ladder and stick my upper body above the roof and reach about 90% of the area. Very handy and safe.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 12.09.2019  ·  #26
In my line of work, ladders are not an issue. I have a couple of 11 foot A ladders, that see me comfortably over the roof. I would be nervous of walking on mine, but some are designed to take a person
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 13.09.2019  ·  #27
 

This was an old Niesmann advertisement about the strength of the roof so I should be ok. I don't think I weigh quite as much as the combined weight of all these guys.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 13.09.2019  ·  #28
Wow
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 13.09.2019  ·  #29
Quote by Chevy g20

 

This was an old Niesmann advertisement about the strength of the roof so I should be ok. I don't think I weigh quite as much as the combined weight of all these guys.


Didn't know Spok from Star Trek worked for Niesmann!
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 13.09.2019  ·  #30
Haha wtf
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 13.09.2019  ·  #31
Quote by Ally

Haha wtf

I'm no Trekkie, but I think Spok had "OCD" tendencies... Makes sense now that we know he's from planet Germany!
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 13.09.2019  ·  #32
Spock probably would mind meld with a levitating ET , that could sort my problem.
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Re: How do you clean your roof

 ·  Posted: 13.09.2019  ·  #33
Quote by Chevy g20

 

This was an old Niesmann advertisement about the strength of the roof so I should be ok. I don't think I weigh quite as much as the combined weight of all these guys.


Probably a half dozen Acro's under the roof Paul, you shouldn't believe everything you see :lol:
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