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Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Roof cleaning (Black roof and lots of green mild in seams)
Roof cleaning [message #313935] Wed, 01 March 2017 12:37 Go to next message
Glenbrook75 is currently offline  Glenbrook75   Canada
Messages: 46
Registered: January 2017
Location: Dauphin, Manitoba
Karma: 0
Member
I am getting ready to cleanup my new gmc as soon as weather warms up and want to get my supplies ready, the coach has sat out in the elements for at least last 2 years without being cleaned so the roofs is black. Any suggestions on products to use, everything I see is for rubber roofs while ours are aluminium and smc .

Terry 75 Glenbrook Dauphin, Manitoba
Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313938 is a reply to message #313935] Wed, 01 March 2017 13:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Emery Stora is currently offline  Emery Stora   United States
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Actually yours is a painted roof. First try a good car wash soap. If you have access to a pressure washer that might help. Walmart and Home Depot both sell heavy duty detergents for use with a power washer that won’t affect the paint. Some are specified for vehicles and boats.
You might one of those even if you don’t have a power washer and they are a heavy duty detergent. If you have mildew or grime on the roof you may have to use a scrub brush with the detergent.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

> On Mar 1, 2017, at 11:37 AM, Terry wrote:
>
> I am getting ready to cleanup my new gmc as soon as weather warms up and want to get my supplies ready, the coach has sat out in the elements for at
> least last 2 years without being cleaned so the roofs is black. Any suggestions on products to use, everything I see is for rubber roofs while ours
> are aluminium and smc .
> --
> Terry
> 75 Glenbrook
> Dauphin, Manitoba
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


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Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313944 is a reply to message #313938] Wed, 01 March 2017 14:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
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Senior Member
As emery said. Pressure washer. Make sure you clean the area you plan on
standing FIRST and i would do the sides of the roof where it curves from a
ladder. The roof is fairly slippery whennit is clean and wet. Add a layer
of wet mildew and it is downright dangerous. I have had the force of the
water pressure pivot me all the way to my feet like a lazy susan when the
gun trigger is pulled. Spooky.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
Seattle
On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 11:10 AM Emery Stora wrote:

> Actually yours is a painted roof. First try a good car wash soap. If you
> have access to a pressure washer that might help. Walmart and Home Depot
> both sell heavy duty detergents for use with a power washer that won’t
> affect the paint. Some are specified for vehicles and boats.
> You might one of those even if you don’t have a power washer and they are
> a heavy duty detergent. If you have mildew or grime on the roof you may
> have to use a scrub brush with the detergent.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
>> On Mar 1, 2017, at 11:37 AM, Terry wrote:
>>
>> I am getting ready to cleanup my new gmc as soon as weather warms up and
> want to get my supplies ready, the coach has sat out in the elements for at
>> least last 2 years without being cleaned so the roofs is black. Any
> suggestions on products to use, everything I see is for rubber roofs while
> ours
>> are aluminium and smc .
>> --
>> Terry
>> 75 Glenbrook
>> Dauphin, Manitoba
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313951 is a reply to message #313944] Wed, 01 March 2017 14:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

As my signature notes I'm pedantic and would like to note that you should be
careful if you use a high pressure water washer with the direction you point
the nozzle at any point where there is a seam especially at the front and
rear caps. The caps go over the aluminum so at the front direct the spray
towards the rear and at the rear towards the front. If you don't do that
you'll run the risk of driving water between the cap and roof.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Todd
Sullivan
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2017 7:08 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning

As emery said. Pressure washer. Make sure you clean the area you plan on
standing FIRST and i would do the sides of the roof where it curves from a
ladder. The roof is fairly slippery whennit is clean and wet. Add a layer
of wet mildew and it is downright dangerous. I have had the force of the
water pressure pivot me all the way to my feet like a lazy susan when the
gun trigger is pulled. Spooky.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
Seattle
On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 11:10 AM Emery Stora wrote:

> Actually yours is a painted roof. First try a good car wash soap. If you
> have access to a pressure washer that might help. Walmart and Home Depot
> both sell heavy duty detergents for use with a power washer that won't
> affect the paint. Some are specified for vehicles and boats.
> You might one of those even if you don't have a power washer and they are
> a heavy duty detergent. If you have mildew or grime on the roof you may
> have to use a scrub brush with the detergent.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
>> On Mar 1, 2017, at 11:37 AM, Terry wrote:
>>
>> I am getting ready to cleanup my new gmc as soon as weather warms up and
> want to get my supplies ready, the coach has sat out in the elements for
>> at least last 2 years without being cleaned so the roofs is black. Any
> suggestions on products to use, everything I see is for rubber roofs while
> ours are aluminium and smc .
>> --
>> Terry
>> 75 Glenbrook
>> Dauphin, Manitoba
>>


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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313952 is a reply to message #313951] Wed, 01 March 2017 14:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
sgltrac is currently offline  sgltrac   United States
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
Senior Member
If the pressure washer lifts the sealant then it needs ti be replaced
anyway.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
Seattle
On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 12:35 PM Rob Mueller wrote:

> G'day,
>
> As my signature notes I'm pedantic and would like to note that you should
> be
> careful if you use a high pressure water washer with the direction you
> point
> the nozzle at any point where there is a seam especially at the front and
> rear caps. The caps go over the aluminum so at the front direct the spray
> towards the rear and at the rear towards the front. If you don't do that
> you'll run the risk of driving water between the cap and roof.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> USAussie - Downunder
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Todd
> Sullivan
> Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2017 7:08 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning
>
> As emery said. Pressure washer. Make sure you clean the area you plan on
> standing FIRST and i would do the sides of the roof where it curves from a
> ladder. The roof is fairly slippery whennit is clean and wet. Add a layer
> of wet mildew and it is downright dangerous. I have had the force of the
> water pressure pivot me all the way to my feet like a lazy susan when the
> gun trigger is pulled. Spooky.
>
> Sully
> 77 eleganza 2
> Seattle
> On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 11:10 AM Emery Stora wrote:
>
>> Actually yours is a painted roof. First try a good car wash soap. If
> you
>> have access to a pressure washer that might help. Walmart and Home Depot
>> both sell heavy duty detergents for use with a power washer that won't
>> affect the paint. Some are specified for vehicles and boats.
>> You might one of those even if you don't have a power washer and they are
>> a heavy duty detergent. If you have mildew or grime on the roof you may
>> have to use a scrub brush with the detergent.
>>
>> Emery Stora
>> 77 Kingsley
>> Frederick, CO
>>
>>> On Mar 1, 2017, at 11:37 AM, Terry wrote:
>>>
>>> I am getting ready to cleanup my new gmc as soon as weather warms up
> and
>> want to get my supplies ready, the coach has sat out in the elements for
>>> at least last 2 years without being cleaned so the roofs is black. Any
>> suggestions on products to use, everything I see is for rubber roofs
> while
>> ours are aluminium and smc .
>>> --
>>> Terry
>>> 75 Glenbrook
>>> Dauphin, Manitoba
>>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Sully 77 Royale basket case. Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list) Seattle, Wa.
Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313954 is a reply to message #313952] Wed, 01 March 2017 15:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Keith V is currently offline  Keith V   United States
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I just used a stiff brush and some strong cleaner, AK 409 etc, looks way better.

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Todd Sullivan
Sent: Wednesday, March 1, 2017 2:43:35 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning

If the pressure washer lifts the sealant then it needs ti be replaced
anyway.

Sully
77 eleganza 2
Seattle
On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 12:35 PM Rob Mueller wrote:

> G'day,
>
> As my signature notes I'm pedantic and would like to note that you should
> be
> careful if you use a high pressure water washer with the direction you
> point
> the nozzle at any point where there is a seam especially at the front and
> rear caps. The caps go over the aluminum so at the front direct the spray
> towards the rear and at the rear towards the front. If you don't do that
> you'll run the risk of driving water between the cap and roof.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> USAussie - Downunder
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Todd
> Sullivan
> Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2017 7:08 AM
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning
>
> As emery said. Pressure washer. Make sure you clean the area you plan on
> standing FIRST and i would do the sides of the roof where it curves from a
> ladder. The roof is fairly slippery whennit is clean and wet. Add a layer
> of wet mildew and it is downright dangerous. I have had the force of the
> water pressure pivot me all the way to my feet like a lazy susan when the
> gun trigger is pulled. Spooky.
>
> Sully
> 77 eleganza 2
> Seattle
> On Wed, Mar 1, 2017 at 11:10 AM Emery Stora wrote:
>
>> Actually yours is a painted roof. First try a good car wash soap. If
> you
>> have access to a pressure washer that might help. Walmart and Home Depot
>> both sell heavy duty detergents for use with a power washer that won't
>> affect the paint. Some are specified for vehicles and boats.
>> You might one of those even if you don't have a power washer and they are
>> a heavy duty detergent. If you have mildew or grime on the roof you may
>> have to use a scrub brush with the detergent.
>>
>> Emery Stora
>> 77 Kingsley
>> Frederick, CO
>>
>>> On Mar 1, 2017, at 11:37 AM, Terry wrote:
>>>
>>> I am getting ready to cleanup my new gmc as soon as weather warms up
> and
>> want to get my supplies ready, the coach has sat out in the elements for
>>> at least last 2 years without being cleaned so the roofs is black. Any
>> suggestions on products to use, everything I see is for rubber roofs
> while
>> ours are aluminium and smc .
>>> --
>>> Terry
>>> 75 Glenbrook
>>> Dauphin, Manitoba
>>>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
Re: Roof cleaning [message #313956 is a reply to message #313935] Wed, 01 March 2017 15:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Glenbrook75 is currently offline  Glenbrook75   Canada
Messages: 46
Registered: January 2017
Location: Dauphin, Manitoba
Karma: 0
Member
Thanks for all the tips

Terry 75 Glenbrook Dauphin, Manitoba
Re: Roof cleaning [message #313975 is a reply to message #313935] Thu, 02 March 2017 11:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
Senior Member
Libman makes a brush that fits a broom handle or painters pole thread. Black with red bristles and the ends are not feather cut. I found the normal no scratch same style truck wash brush with the green feather cut bristles would not work on the black growth and only skimmed the surface no matter how much pressure applied. Had to move up to Simple Green and then did final wash repetition with a car wash and wax product.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: Roof cleaning [message #313976 is a reply to message #313975] Thu, 02 March 2017 11:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Spic and Span in hot water, with brush work will remove the black growth.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313979 is a reply to message #313938] Thu, 02 March 2017 12:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Emery Stora is currently offline  Emery Stora   United States
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Perhaps I was too subtle.
What I am saying is that you are not cleaning an aluminum surface nor a smc surface. You are cleaning a painted surface so use a soap or detergent that will work on your paint.
You should not have a problem with any of the commercially available ones as the paint used is very durable.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO

> On Mar 1, 2017, at 12:09 PM, Emery Stora wrote:
>
> Actually yours is a painted roof. First try a good car wash soap. If you have access to a pressure washer that might help. Walmart and Home Depot both sell heavy duty detergents for use with a power washer that won’t affect the paint. Some are specified for vehicles and boats.
> You might one of those even if you don’t have a power washer and they are a heavy duty detergent. If you have mildew or grime on the roof you may have to use a scrub brush with the detergent.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
>> On Mar 1, 2017, at 11:37 AM, Terry wrote:
>>
>> I am getting ready to cleanup my new gmc as soon as weather warms up and want to get my supplies ready, the coach has sat out in the elements for at
>> least last 2 years without being cleaned so the roofs is black. Any suggestions on products to use, everything I see is for rubber roofs while ours
>> are aluminum and smc .
>> --
>> Terry
>> 75 Glenbrook
>> Dauphin, Manitoba
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>


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Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313991 is a reply to message #313979] Thu, 02 March 2017 18:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Glenbrook75 is currently offline  Glenbrook75   Canada
Messages: 46
Registered: January 2017
Location: Dauphin, Manitoba
Karma: 0
Member
Thanks I understood that but I was also hearing that different products were hard on painted aluminum like " mean green" so just wondered
I also have a spot on the back smc cap that looks like layers of something have peeled off like maybe roof was painted with one of the rv roofing paints. I have a pic but it does not seem to load


Terry 75 Glenbrook Dauphin, Manitoba
Re: [GMCnet] Roof cleaning [message #313992 is a reply to message #313991] Thu, 02 March 2017 18:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Emery Stora is currently offline  Emery Stora   United States
Messages: 959
Registered: January 2011
Karma: 4
Senior Member
Those car wash or heavy duty general purpose detergents will not hurt aluminum or SMC either.

You would just have to watch out for any acidic ones or perhaps some with strong solvents in them.

Hope you get it cleaned up OK.

Emery Stora

> On Mar 2, 2017, at 5:02 PM, Terry wrote:
>
> Thanks I understood that but I was also hearing that different products were hard on painted aluminum like " mean green" so just wondered
> I also have a spot on the back smc cap that looks like layers of something have peeled off like maybe roof was painted with one of the rv roofing
> paints. I have a pic but it does not seem to load
> --
> Terry
> 75 Glenbrook
> Dauphin, Manitoba
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org


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Re: Roof cleaning [message #314002 is a reply to message #313935] Fri, 03 March 2017 03:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Burton is currently offline  Ken Burton   United States
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
Senior Member
I take mine to the local self service car wash at least once, and usually twice, a year. It clears the overhead stuff by almost a foot. The first time I pulled it in there I had a friend stand on the back ladder as I pulled in to make sure it would clear everything.

One time I wet it all down. Then I climbed up on top and scrubbed it good with watered down Simple Green and a slight amount of bleach. (the bleach neutralizes / kills the black stuff) After that I pressure washed the whole coach again (top dpwn) with rinse water (no soap) to get all of the soap off. I only did it that way once but it did do a good job.

Just bring a lot of quarters with you and do not fall off of the top. It is slippery up there. You could always bring a step ladder to stand on to reach the top if you are afraid of falling.


Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Re: Roof cleaning [message #314007 is a reply to message #313935] Fri, 03 March 2017 08:00 Go to previous message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
Senior Member
Detergent and a bit of Clorox <tm> takes the tree crud off nicely. Wear gloves and goggles, or the Clorox <tm> will redden your hands and hurt your eyes. Flood it when you're done. Took the pine tree grot off mine a year or so ago nicely. Wear old clothes, the bleach may spot them.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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