How to Fix RV Dual-Pane Windows

Families often camp in RVs.

Having an RV can be a great way to travel and go camping while bringing the comforts of home with you. However, like a home, an RV has basic maintenance needs. Window repair can be common, especially if your RV is stored in a cold location for months on end without any use. Harsh weather can break the seal on the panes of an RV window. In order to avoid leaks or drafts, it is important to keep fixing these leaks in panes. Repairing a broken double-pane window in an RV is the same as repairing a single-pane window. A double-pane window will be thicker and heavier, but both types of windows sit the same in the window frame of an RV.

Things You'll Need

• Cordless drill
• Phillips screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Suction cup with handle (optional)
• Phillips drill bit
• Butyl tape
• Silicone caulk
• Craft knife

Instructions

1. Remove any window treatments that may be on the window. Also remove any curtain rods or blinds mounting brackets that could easily get in the way. Remove any screws that are holding these pieces in place, then pull them away from the window.

2. Remove the inner trim of the window. Remove any screws that may be holding the trim in place. Use an electric drill and a Phillips bit to do this, then pull it away from the double-pane window. The window will come loose when the trim is removed. You may need to have some way of holding the window once the trim is removed. A suction cup with a handle will be helpful if attached before removing the trim.

3. Remove the double-pane window from the frame. Use a putty knife to scrape any sealants from around the window. They may cause the window to stick in place until removed.

4. Scrape any excess sealants or putty off of the window frame. Use the putty knife once again to do this.

5. Apply butyl tape to the window frame. Apply extra in the area of the leaking pane. Make sure the surface is dry and clean when applying the tape.

6. Place the double-pane window back in the frame. Use a suction cup with a handle to hold the window in place if needed.

7. Reinstall the trim around the window frame. Use a Phillips-head drill bit on an electric drill to replace the screws that hold the trim in place.

8. Remove any excess butyl tape. Use a craft of utility knife to do this.

9. Apply caulk to the window where it meets the frame. Use a caulking gun to spread a bead of caulk to seal the window.

References

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