How to Stop a Leak Through a Window on an RV

rv image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Much like the window and door frames on your house, the window frames of an RV are sealed with caulk. Over time, caulk eventually decays, causing a leak. With their thinner walls, these leaks are much more apparent on an RV. They can also be much more destructive to the plywood construction used in many RV models. You should act to replace the caulking on the window as soon as you become aware that the window is leaking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Disposable razor blades
Putty knife
Acetone-based solvent (possible)
Car wash detergent
Old rags
Caulking gun
RV sealant

Step 1

Inspect the caulking around the perimeter of the RV window frame. Wherever the caulk is cracked, crumbling or a gap has opened between the bead of caulk and the window frame is a potential leak.

Step 2

Remove the damaged caulk from the RV window frame. Cut and pry up the bead of caulk with a disposable razor blade or a putty knife, and pull as much of the bead out by hand as possible. Remove the remaining caulk by scraping it out with a razor.

Step 3

Clean the RV window frame seams. If there are any major bits of old, damaged caulk still in the seam, break it down and remove it with an acetone-based solvent. Then wash out the seam with car wash detergent, water and an old rag. Allow the clean-up to dry before proceeding.

Step 4

Caulk the RV window frame with RV sealant. Apply steady pressure to the caulking gun's trigger as you slowly draw a constant bead of caulk around the window frame, filling up the seam. Gently remove any excess caulk with the razor blade.

Tips & Warnings

As a RV window frame's seams are on the exterior of the vehicle, do the job on a day free of rain if you cannot do it in a sheltered location. The caulk needs to set overnight, and a rain shower could ruin the job.

If you are not confident in your skills with a caulking gun, lay down masking tape around the perimeter of the RV window frame, just as you would if you were painting a window frame or baseboard molding. Remove the masking tape and cut away any excess caulking after the caulk is dry to create a neat, even appearance.

If no RV sealant is available, exterior household silicon caulking or marine caulking can be used in a pinch.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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