roof cleaning

[PeterW]

I hope I don't sound really stupid here,I'm very new to all this.

What is the best way to clean the roof of our van.Its in storage so we are unable to use a hose,we carry the water to the van in a bucket.Last weekend saw me up and down a step ladder with a long handled brush.When you are only 5ft 2" that roof looks quite daunting.Trying to reach around those roof lights was nigh on impossible and I have not got it at clean as I would like(I hate dirt).Without anyone thinking I have a screw loose is it safe to stand on the roof or would I do some damage?

Marion

 

[ScouseIan]

Hi Marion

Sorry, I can't help but I have been asking myself the same questions after buying my first van last year.

Also, the front part of the van above the middle window. I can't get a step ladder close enough. I tried reaching, fell off ladder from top. I could have landed on the hitch/jockey wheel but I managed to land on the ground, on my feet. Unfortunately, one of my feet landed directly in the full bucket. A size 11 landing at that speed caused most of the water to shoot upwards and all over me. I was safe, but soaking. Then I saw the four schoolkids who had been walking past and were now hysterical with laughter.

I shall watch this one closely........

 

[Bazz1]

Hi Marion and Ian, this subject seems to get a good airing at this time of year, must be the nest builders. Any way DONT climb on to the roof its a long way down and as Ian has proved could be soggy! Try and use a good 2xpair of steps, one to stand on the other to put your bucket on, saves reaching all the way to the floor. Make sure you are on level ground but just be so careful. There are from time to time ads in various mags for steps for this activity, I dont remember the company sorry, Bazz.

 

[MikeJE]

I have one of those "brushes on a long pole with water fed through the pole to the brush" things to tackle the bit above the centre window and as much of the roof as I can reach from the step ladders and this is an ideal way to get water running down your arms, to your arm pits then down your rib cage. Used with care though you can cover a fair bit of the roof and stay dry.

But who can actually see the roof to know if it is dirty or not ?

 

[Damian]

The safest answer is NO it is not safe to stand on the roof of a British made caravan, as with I believe maybe one exception the roof structure is not strong enough to take the weight of a person.

There is also the very real risk of sliding off on the wet surface and it is about 9 feet to fall on to usually a hard surface.

Standing on the roof may also lead to end panel damage and leaking around the roof fittings, which is not something you want to have happening.

 

[albert3]

Hello Marion

I also use the extendable brush with a hose attached but I have purchased a small scaffold tower and use it on both sides of the van and then you only need t cover a half of the roof from each side. If you use this tower make sure the ground is level and firm

Hope this helps

 

[PeterW]

Thanks to all of you who have replied.

I had thought about one of the scaffold towers,but dont think we would get that into the car.The ground is not level at the compound where we store so one of us holds the step ladder while the other one is up it.My goodness did we get wet last weekend whilst cleaning,I can't believe the places that water got into.

Having read the point about the roof I won't be trying that either.Guess I will just have to do the best I can.

 

[ThePlotter]

I agree with the rest do not stand on the roof,not having access to a hose makes it more difficult but you can by one of those pressurised garden spray things to was the roof.Also if you have a Heki/Remi rooflight you can reach a lot of the roof through that by standing on the caravan step inside the van.

 

[Rick1]

Hi I use one of these spray bottles 5 litre that hangs on the shoulder, pump it up for the pressure then get up the steps and direct the jet where i want, used mine for nearly 25 years never had a problem

Rick

 

[ThePlotter]

You have used it for 25 years,my word your roof must have been dirty .LOL

 

[Bryan_374360331]

Park your caravan sloping to front or back and the roof will stay cleaner. At least it won't need cleaning so often.

 

[chris_374398963]

Just do what i do ask the local dealer to clean the caravan it only cost me

 

[dougdotcom]

Or you could buy a roof cover it just covers the roof and i beleve half way down the sides.

 

[emmerson2]

Keeping the van at home is a great advantage, which I'm fortunate to be able to do. Years ago, at a bankrupt stock sale, I bought a warehose ladder for a couple of quid. You know the ones with four wheels to move it around, and two of them lock to keep it steady. With this I can stand above the roof, and reach it all easily. I still only do it twice a year though.

 

[mcghee]

im fortunate with my hobby. i get up on the roof with a bucket of fenwicks and mop away.

 

[Janet_374362349]

Hi Marion and others

I've cleaned the roof well enough using a ladder of suitable height, a bucket of car shampoo and soft long handled brush. Like others finished with wet arm.

I do have a further question. It is always neccessary to clean away leaves and grime around rooflight surround by fully opening the rooflight and attacking the job from inside. The shower rooflight/vent surround on my Bailey Pageant champagne can be cleaned from outside but the rooflight itself is double skinned.Does anyone know how to clean between the two sheets of perspex?

 

[James_374408700]

Hi Marion and others

I've cleaned the roof well enough using a ladder of suitable height, a bucket of car shampoo and soft long handled brush. Like others finished with wet arm.

I do have a further question. It is always neccessary to clean away leaves and grime around rooflight surround by fully opening the rooflight and attacking the job from inside. The shower rooflight/vent surround on my Bailey Pageant champagne can be cleaned from outside but the rooflight itself is double skinned.Does anyone know how to clean between the two sheets of perspex?

Hi Janet,

The only way I have found is to remove the 4 hinge screws and remove the vent complete from the inside. Immerse in warm soapy water and use thin bottle brushes to reach in between the inner and outer. Not easy but it does make quite a difference if it is really dirty. Hope this helps. Good luck........Jim

 

[RonD]

Hi Janet,

The only way I have found is to remove the 4 hinge screws and remove the vent complete from the inside. Immerse in warm soapy water and use thin bottle brushes to reach in between the inner and outer. Not easy but it does make quite a difference if it is really dirty. Hope this helps. Good luck........Jim

James,

I want to take my rooflights off and clean them but can't see the screw access. Do I have to pull off the 4 plastic covers? Will this give me access to them?

Ron

 

[James_374408700]

James,

I want to take my rooflights off and clean them but can't see the screw access. Do I have to pull off the 4 plastic covers? Will this give me access to them?

Ron

Hi Ron,

Providing we are talking about the 4 way directional vent as in toilets etc. the screws. are located where the 4 pivot points are. My screws are visible but perhaps yours have cover caps fitted.

 

[Roger_374423391]

I have one of those decorating tressels which I plan to use and one of those long pole brush gadgets from lidl. On the other hand I do like the idea who sees it anyway