How to Seal RV Windows

Mobile homes require basic home repairs that can be done yourself.

RVs and mobile homes need repairs and maintenance just like permanent homes do. Windows require monitoring for damage. Leaking windows, if unfixed, can lead to other problems such as wood rotting, mold, and frame damage. Provided you know the proper steps, you can seal RV windows on your own.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning solution
• Kitchen sponge scrubber
• Razor blade
• Masking tape
• Clear silicone seal
• Scissors
• Screwdriver
• Caulk gun
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Pick a window to seal. Use a cleaner and a sponge scrubber to clean around the outside of the window frame. A clean surface is necessary for the best caulking results.

2. Remove old caulking material. Use a razor blade to cut out and strip away most of the caulk (you do not need to remove all of it). When the blade feels dull, throw it away and work with a new one. Do not scratch the fiberglass or paint on the RV's siding.

3. Use rubbing alcohol or a cleaning solution to clean the area again. Once most of the old caulk is removed and the area cleaned, you are ready to being preparing the window for new caulk.

4. Apply masking tape around the window frame to prevent caulking from getting where you do not want it.

5. Remove the cap from the tube of silicone caulking, and snip off the tip with scissors. Insert a screwdriver into the hole in the tip you just cut and puncture the aluminum seal a few times.

6. Put the caulk tube into the caulk gun.

7. Put on your pair of rubber gloves prior to caulking.

8. Begin caulking. Press the bead of caulk down into the window frame and the RV. Continue caulking around the window, pulling the caulk bead along behind the tip of the caulking gun. When you stop running a bead of caulk, release the pressure in the tube that pushes out the caulk by pushing the lever on the back of the caulking gun. This stops the caulk from coming out of the tube.

9. Complete all four sides of the window. When finished, allow the caulk to set for 24 hours. Leave the masking tape on the RV while the caulk dries.

10. Run a razor blade very lightly over the masking tape nearest to the window frame to remove excess caulk that got on the tape, so that when you remove the tape, you do not accidentally pull up the caulking from the window.

11. Remove the masking tape. Your window is now sealed. Repeat the process for other windows you want to seal.

References

• RV Living Magazine: A Do It Yourself Guide To Repairing Leaking RV Windows