The most common types of rubber roofs are Modified Bitumen, both Coated and Uncoated, and EPDM-Type roofing. And the only one of the three that would be a concern is the Coated Modified Bitumen as it contains fibrated aluminum. Therefore, those cleaners that foam and brighten the aluminum fins or those that are quite strong in concentration should not be used on this specific type of roofing material. Instead, cleaners like regular CalClean or Tri-Pow'r should be used.
Below are the results of the analysis performed by our laboratory as to the effects of various products on commonly used roofing materials.
Modified Bitumen-Type Roofing Materials
Four pieces, cut to sizes of approximately 2" x 1" were used in testing each product. Polymeric Film (adhesive) was removed from the bottom side of all pieces. One piece each was taken and submerged into the indicated samples of concentrated product and appropriate use dilution. Two additional pieces were painted with a fibrated aluminum roof coating (Lucas No. 358) and submerged into indicated samples of concentrated product and appropriate use dilution. Pieces coated with fibrated aluminum roof coating were attacked immediately by all products and testing on these pieces was discontinued. Other, un-coated pieces were stored in contact with product for a period of 30 days in closed containers and observed at 7, 10, 20 and 30 days after set-up. Control samples were also set up using water.
Two pieces, cut to sizes of 2" x 1" were used in testing each product. One piece each was taken and submerged into indicated samples of concentrated product and appropriate use dilution. Pieces were stored in contact with product for a period of 30 days in closed containers and observed at 7, 10, 20 and 30 days after set-up. Control samples were also set up using water.
| Product | Dilution | Coated | Uncoated | EPDM-Type |
| Alka-Brite | Concentrate: 4:1 Dilution: | Attack1 Attack | No Effect2 No Effect | No Effect No Effect |
| Nu-Brite | Concentrate: 3:1 Dilution: | Attack Attack | No Effect No Effect | No Effect No Effect |
| Foam-Brite | Concentrate: 3:1 Dilution: | Attack Attack | No Effect No Effect | No Effect No Effect |
| HD CalClean | Concentrate: 5:1 Dilution: | Attack Attack | No Effect No Effect | No Effect No Effect |
| Control (Water) | No Effect | No Effect | No Effect |
1 Attack: Immediate corrosive action on fibrated aluminum roof coating with release of hydrogen gas. Coating completely removed in all cases within 2-3 hours.
2 No Effect: No visible damage in terms of discoloration, cracking, pitting, tensile srength, expansion or softening. Please note that all observations as to effects were made by visual means only.
1. None of the products tested are compatible with the fibrated aluminum roof coating. Attack was visible and immediate in all cases. None of the products tested should be used on or around roofs that are coated with this type of product.
2. All products tested showed no visible attack on uncoated/untreated, modified bitumen or EPDM type roofing materials. All products tested are safe to use on or around these materials.
