Hi, I'm Liz from Caravan Guard insurance. Cleaning your caravan roof can be a
thankless task, but it's important to keep on top of those black streaks that
run down off the roof onto the side of the caravan. Also, it's important to keep
a regular check of your caravan roof, particularly if you have a solar panel
fitted. Keeping it clean will maximize the charge going into your caravan's
battery.
We're here at Peter Roberts Caravans and Motorhomes
where we're going to clean this Bailey Unicorn behind me. But first
of all let's look at the equipment needed to get this roof clean.
To clean the roof you only need a few pieces of equipment. These include
a long-handled brush,
a squeegee for drying,
some microfibre cloths and a sponge,
a water source such as a hose pipe or a pump sprayer,
a bucket,
some shampoo and polish
and an appropriate ladder.
Before we start let's discuss ladders.
Make sure you use a ladder that is the correct height for the job. Also inspect
the ladder before use and follow label instructions. Set ladders on a stable
level ground and always maintain three points of contact. That means two hands
and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder at any one time. And finally,
have some help to pass equipment and steady the ladder for you.
It's vitally important that you never stand on the ladder's top step. In a lot of cases this
isn't a step, it's just part of the hinge mechanism.
This is a good example of a
ladder that should NOT be used. Notice how it's not tall enough and this will
cause a dangerous overhang of the person who's cleaning the roof. So please invest
in a tall well-made ladder that is suitable for the job.
As we are at a dealership today we're
using these sturdy, lockable platforms. They allow
good access and a platform to walk on. They lock in place so they don't
require extra footing from a second person.
Before starting to clean the roof
lower or raise the jockey wheel of the caravan. This will encourage water runoff
and on this occasion we're lowering the caravan nose to encourage water to run
off the front.
To begin the cleaning process start with washing down and
removing any debris. If you have a hosepipe don't get too close to any of the
vents or roof lights but use the spray to disperse any debris off the roof.
If you're using a pump sprayer just moisten the roof as best you can.
Dilute some shampoo in a bucket and dip the long handled brush into the solution.
Divide the roof into six equal parts. For example, the front left, the left side, and
the left back. And then focus on each segment.
Start by cleaning around and on
the roof lights. In some cases the roof lights might be quite dirty on the lip.
If this is the case the easiest way to clean this is to nip inside the caravan
and raise each roof light and use a microfibre cloth to wipe down the edge
of the roof light. And if you can clean the roof area that
the roof light sits on. Keep dipping the brush into the shampoo as you continue
to clean off the dirt from the roof. Brush around any vents and fixings but
be gentle. You may not be able to get too close or under those items and in that
case use a microfibre cloth or sponge to get in and under the items, such as a
solar panel and TV antenna.
Once half the roof is complete use your water source
again to wash off any debris and dirt, and repeat this process until the entire
roof is clean.
To dry the roof you can use the squeegee. Use this to soak up as
much water as you can and then wring out and repeat the process.
For items such as solar panels,
it's important to keep this as clean as you can. This will maximize
the charge the panel can create to put back into your leisure battery
whilst in storage.
If you are cleaning the roof before winter storage you might
want to consider an overwintering product like this one or use a good
polish to minimise algae or moss buildup.
And of course once the roof is clean you
will also need to clean the caravan sides, front and back, as debris and muck will
have been running down these sides.
So there you go. There's our top tips on cleaning
your caravan roof. For more hints and tips why not head on over to the
Caravan Guard website.
Thanks for watching!