How to Fix a Window Seal in an RV
RVs, or recreational vehicles, are motorized trailers that are used as mobile homes. While these vehicles are fitted with most of amenities found in regular homes, like plumbing and electricity, the windows used are very different. Whether the windows on your RV open or not, they will have a waterproof seal around them to keep the elements out. These seals can get old and worn and may need to be replaced occasionally. You can perform this task yourself, with standard home improvement materials.
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Things You'll Need
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
- Cloth
- Rubbing alcohol
- Painter's tape
- Silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
Instructions
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1
Run the edge of a putty knife behind the old seal to loosen it from the window. Use a utility knife to get through the difficult points of adhesion of the seal.
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2
Pull the seal away from the window until it is all removed. If the seal breaks off in small pieces, make sure that you get each piece out.
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3
Clean the space between the window frame and the side of the RV walls with a cloth and rubbing alcohol. This alcohol will remove any traces of the seal left behind when you removed it.
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4
Apply painter's tape over the window frame to protect it when you apply the new seal. The edge of the tape should line up with the edge of the window frame.
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5
Mask the RV walls with the tape to create a barrier for the seal. The tape should be 1/8 inch away from the window frame.
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6
Fill the gap under the window frame with silicone from a caulk gun. Press the silicone into place with your finger. Make sure that the caulk is firmly in place and there are no gaps.
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7
Allow the caulk to set for an hour. Remove the painter's tape you used to mask off the window frame and the walls.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan to reseal several windows, do one at a time so you don't end up leaving a window without a seal if you run out of time.
Do not work in wet weather. The caulk won't set properly, and you will be unable able to create a seal.
