Walking on the roof - cleaning / inspecting

Resorts · 11-04-2007, 06:46 AM

My roof is starting to get fairly dirty and Id like to clean it before its too bad. Also Id like to inspect the sealant around the vents and stuff. Does anyone have any setup ideas for getting on the roof without screwing up the aluminum?

Aluminati · 11-04-2007, 07:45 AM

I would like to know the answer to that as well. My 68 "O" is in need.

Gunnyusmc · 11-04-2007, 07:56 AM

Airstream say's you can walk on the late model roof's and they walked all over mine with no damage.
I walk on the ribs when washing or repairing and would walk on the ribs of older units.

Gunny

Resorts · 11-04-2007, 08:11 AM

I think id still be afraid to walk on it. If I push down between the ribs it does flex. Id hate to stretch the rivet holes and create a leak. I was thinking about making some kind of platform but Im not sure what the best way is to set it up. I have steped on the rib one time but it can get slick up there.

Resorts · 11-04-2007, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunnyusmc

Airstream say's you can walk on the late model roof's and they walked all over mine with no damage.
I walk on the ribs when washing or repairing and would walk on the ribs of older units.

Gunny

Did you see any flex when you walked across the ribs?

Gunnyusmc · 11-04-2007, 08:20 AM

None.

Gunny

Royce · 11-04-2007, 08:37 AM

When the time comes that I need to get on top of the Minuet, I will make a bent lamination to fit the curve of the roof. Figure about 18" wide by 5' long should be about right. Easy for me as I make bent lanmintion on a regular basis in suport of other parts of my custom design business. If you have access to someone that can make same locally ask and see what they would charge. Otherwise give me a call when you travel through Colorado Springs and I can arrange to make one customized to fit your coach.

tpi · 11-04-2007, 08:55 AM

I rested aluminum extension ladder on the top of the door frame and climbed up that way. I put some duct tape on the door frame to avoid scratches.

I stayed on the rivet lines and didn't notice the roof bending or buckling.

I don't go up there unless necessary but a couple UV damaged and broken vent caps needed to be changed.

gotohatteras · 11-04-2007, 10:47 AM

If you just need to wash it with brush or mop on a pole...use a 10 ft. step ladder, put it as close to camper as you can, have someone lean against it on the opposite side while you are on it doing your was thing. Also, what I did when inspecting the seals, and replacing a vent cover, was to lean one of those aluminum teloscoping ladders against a rib area(with towel wrapped around it for marks) and got on rib area as much as possible, but laying on butt with a leg crossed under you seems to spread out the weight sufficiently. Just be careful not to slip off on the edge. Dents to aluminum aren't as important as dents to your body!

53flyingcloud · 11-04-2007, 11:19 AM

This an excellent time to pass on this reminder..
Weight limitations for the Airstream roof is, as stated by Airstream, 250lbs on the rivet line.
Be careful~

Tincrew · 11-04-2007, 12:32 PM

Jim washed & waxed ours using 2 ladders and a plank. Never actually put his weight on the roof. Would recommend padding on the awning to protect your chest though.

Good Luck,

Leslie

Resorts · 11-04-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tincrew

Jim washed & waxed ours using 2 ladders and a plank. Never actually put his weight on the roof. Would recommend padding on the awning to protect your chest though.

Good Luck,

Leslie

Thats kinda what I was thinking about doing. What size and type ladders did you use? I bet it could get a little shaky up there.

Lumatic · 11-04-2007, 03:45 PM

I use a folding ladder similar to a "Little Giant" but generic and cheaper. I fold the top section at an angle so it rests on the roof. The next section down rests against the side of the coach. I glued carpet scraps to the inside ladder frame where it contacts the skin. To move around on the roof I use several planks to distriubute my wieght.

Inland RV Center, In · 11-05-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resorts

My roof is starting to get fairly dirty and Id like to clean it before its too bad. Also Id like to inspect the sealant around the vents and stuff. Does anyone have any setup ideas for getting on the roof without screwing up the aluminum?

This subject has been kicked around many times, on this forum.

WALKING ON THE ROOF OF AN ARGOSY OR AIRSTREAM TRAILER IS OK,
as long as you stay within the length of the awning rail.

DO NOT go beyond the length of the awning rail.

Leaning a step ladder against the drip cap that's on top of the windows from 1966 and up, will not damage the trailer.

Many years ago Airstream had 30 (thirty) mechanics stand on the roof of a 30 foot trailer. They water tested it after the fact, and found no leaks.

Walk with caution and stay on the horizontal stringers, when ever possible.

Obviously, you don't want to do any rock and rolling dances while on the roof.

Having special ladders, platforms and the like, is a waste of time and money.

No dealer or the factory, ever has a problem walking on the roof. They all do it.

Wear soft sole shoes or sneakers when on the roof.

DO NOT attempt to get on the roof if it's wet, or even damp. If you do, you will probably fall off, very quickly.

Andy