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Topic: roof cleaning

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ratcatcher

30/3/2014 at 6:31pm
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I have one of those ladders that is wide at the base and ends in a point, it has a rubber shoe that just rests on the top rail of the MH. Fine for most things but I just can't reach the middle of the roof to clean it properly.
Has anyone got similar access problems or tips, at 18 stone getting on the roof is not an option and I think a full scaffold seems a bit unrealistic (got a telescopic brush as well but it's just not good enough)

thanks

kbcalypso

30/3/2014 at 9:05pm
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be careful leaning a ladder against the side as when you wiggle about trying to reach it only takes secs to slide down the side. i used a large pair of convertable steps that can be extended to a ladder but i usethem as step ladder mode and lean onto the roof

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keep on moving

-mojo-

31/3/2014 at 12:32am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: VW T5

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I've used one like this for a few years now and they are extremely stable:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/lyte-ladders-mpl4x4-aluminium-multi-purpose-la-2

For a bit more money some come with a platform that fits across it but tbh I didn't find that useful for a motorhome, as it leaves you with nothing to hang on to.

alanpad

31/3/2014 at 4:21pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Citroen Relay Conversion

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I use a double aluminium ladder and wrap an old blanket round the top and tie it on to lean against the van.

ratcatcher

31/3/2014 at 7:55pm
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Quote: Originally posted by kbcalypso on 30/3/2014
be careful leaning a ladder against the side as when you wiggle about trying to reach it only takes secs to slide down the side. i used a large pair of convertable steps that can be extended to a ladder but i usethem as step ladder mode and lean onto the roof

thanks for the concern, but the ladder that I use has a very wide foot and with the rubber top it could have been tailor made for working on the sides and first couple of foot of the roof but as said I may have to go higher and tie a padded ladder on and kneel on the edge on the roof edge to get to the middle

Can't help thinking that I am missing a trick though

thanks all

TGSGL

31/3/2014 at 11:05pm
Location: west yorkshire
Outfit: Motorhome Hobby

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I use a telescopic type ladder easy to adjust to correct height.Carpet underlay wrapped around top tread to stop rubbing paintwork.I can reach all the roof with ease using this type of ladder,I also have roof bars fitted so i could tie the ladder to those for extra safety.

pepe63

01/4/2014 at 8:29am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: None Entered

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Hi ratcatcher..

For the average MH, by using an extendable/long reach brush,you should be able to reach far enough in by just working from either side...

Having said that I found that, if it was really dirty(first major clean after winter etc), the soft bristles of the telescopic brush we have, didn't always shift everything...So on those occasions, I used a lightweight,plastic bristled "kitchen broom" to disturb the worst of it..

Another handy thing for roof cleaning, is a narrow(again, plastic bristled)washing up brush, tapped to a 2ft length of dowel/broom handle/stick..I found ours ideal for getting in between vents/aerials etc..

BenNevis

01/4/2014 at 12:50pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Ace Capri camper (tent now retired!)

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I use a highish platform ladder for spraying the top and for after winter use the long reach brush bought from Towsure. I can then change the platform to an A-frame ladder with small ledge for tools. I use a 5 litre pressure sprayer, Lidl, for spraying the cleaner or finisher on and reach all over the top with a microfibre flat floor cleaner, telescopic so very useful.

I find the difficult places to reach are where the roof lights are so I get the medium aluminium steps and open the Heki full and clean around the top no problems.

The first time I did it it took several days but this year it took one morning last week!

ratcatcher

01/4/2014 at 6:59pm
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Thats it, going to try one of those A frame type ladders. They look about the best bet and will be OK for getting to the bull nosed front as well
The long brush is OK most of the time but I really need to get close and personal with the roof vents in the center of the roof

HT James

11/4/2014 at 5:11pm
Location: Llandeilo Wales
Outfit: Swift Kon-Tiki

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I just borrow the 'Cherry Picker' from work

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Of all the things I have lost I miss my mind the most.

ratcatcher

12/4/2014 at 5:15pm
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Quote: Originally posted by HT James on 11/4/2014
I just borrow the 'Cherry Picker' from work

Too right one of our MEWPs would be perfect !!

Bit the bullet today and found that the roof rail will cope with my weight kneeling on it.
So nice clean roof now

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