How to Repair Leaking RV Windows

You enjoy the freedom your RV gives you when vacationing on the road, but eventually maintenance issues will arise. One of the most common problems is leaking windows. If left unchecked, water will seep into the walls and cause major damage such as rotting and unhealthy mold. This article will allow you to do the job yourself at any time and save money for your fuel tank.

Getting Started

Knowing where the leak is will save you a lot of time, because replacing all of the caulk may not be necessary if it appears intact. Once the leak is located, carefully remove the old caulking from around the edges of the leak with a razor blade. Use caution to not scratch the glass, surrounding siding or cut yourself.

Step 1: Cleaning

Thoroughly clean the outside of the window frame using any good cleaner and a sponge. The cleaner the area is, the better your caulking will stay in place. This is also a good time to get the windows washed as well. This is where you will need the ladder, to reach the upper areas of the windows. Use the masking tape to cover areas you do not want the caulking to adhere to. This will make cleanup a lot easier.

Step 2: Apply Sealer

Open the tube of silicone sealer and cut a hole into the tip. Use a long nail or screwdriver to puncture the membrane in the tube. Insert the tube into the caulking gun. Now you are ready to begin sealing.

Apply a bead of caulking around the entire window edge, paying close attention to the leaking area. This will help to prevent new leaks from developing in the future. Once caulked, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the tip of your finger. This will help keep the caulk from sticking to your skin. Run your finger along the bead of caulking, working it into the area in question.

Each time you pause when applying the caulk, push the release lever on the back of the gun, or you will have a mess on your hands. Let the caulking dry for at least twenty-four hours before removing the tape. This will ensure solid adhesion and reduce the risk of tearing it off along with the tape. Avoid using duct tape for this reason.

Step 3: How to Apply Pressure

When done correctly, this method of repairing leaks in your RV windows is relatively easy. The only tricky part is getting to know how to use the caulking gun. By using consistent pressure on the trigger as you work to place the bead, with a minimum amount of pausing, the job will be done in no time.

Try to choose a warm sunny day if possible to complete this task. Your sealer will then most assuredly dry and adhere as intended.