Easy DIY: Seal Your Leaking RV Windows
Author: Carrie Todd
You enjoy the freedom that your camper, RV, or trailer provides, but—as with any home—it is bound to occasionally require effort toward its maintenance and repair. Of all the things that can damage your rig, loss due to a sudden—or even a slow—water leak is one of the easiest to prevent. Leaking windows can cause water to soak into the walls and result in mold and rot in the insulation. This water could also ruin electronics and other possessions. A few of the supplies you may need for the task include the following:
- Flexible silicone sealer
- Caulking gun
- Ladder
- Masking tape
- Petroleum jelly
- Razor blade
- Sponges or clean cloths
As everyone knows, "An ounce of prevention, is worth a pound of cure," and this method to prevent water damage from a leaking window is remarkably easy. Follow these steps to help ensure you get many more years of enjoyment from your trailer.
Clean the Window Frame and Remove All Debris
Before you begin sealing your window frame, use a good cleaner like Dawn dish soap and a clean sponge or cloth to thoroughly clean the outside window frame and remove any dust and grime that might keep the caulk from adhering properly. You'll likely need to use a ladder to reach the upper parts. While you're on a ladder, you might go ahead and clean the outside of the windows, as well. Once dry, use masking tape to cover the areas you aren't caulking to make cleaning up afterward that much easier.
Determine the Location
If at all possible, find where the leak originates. If most of the caulk is intact, you may not need to replace all of it. Use a razor blade to carefully scrape the old caulk from the area where the leak is otherwise your new sealant may come loose. This could cause lifting, which allows leaking, rendering your efforts pointless.
Apply the Sealer
Caulking is incredibly easy. Begin by opening the tube and cutting a hole in the tip. Use a screwdriver or other pointed object to poke a hole in the tube. Then, place tube in a caulking gun. Focusing on the area where the leak is located, apply a bead of caulk to the edge where the window and frame meet. Use consistent pressure and move in a steady pace. If you need to pause, push the release lever at the back of the caulking gun to stop the flow. Applying it to the entire edge stops any developing leaks.
Then put a little petroleum jelly on the tip of one of your fingers—so the caulk doesn't stick to your skin—and run your finger along the wet caulk to really get it into the groove. Let it dry for at least 24-hours, and then remove the masking tape.
In Conclusion
When done properly with adequate time to dry, your windows should be totally leak-proof. This is just one less thing to worry about in your home-on-wheels. Plus, since an RV or travel trailer is a fairly sizable investment, and properly sealing the windows is so easy, it just makes sense to do it. Good luck and happy traveling!
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