Community Forums

KentuckyRVer · 05-21-2016, 06:26 PM

This spring I've been replacing failing and not so pretty previous patches to the caulk on my '03 Excel. Straightforward stuff, if a little time consuming. My question is about caulking windows. Some of the windows on my RV are caulked completely around the perimeter - both sides, top, and bottom in a continuous bead. On others the bottom is left open, with only the sides and top sealed. I'm not sure if that's what was meant and there's a reason they're different, or if it's just that my trailer's original owner was a bit willy-nilly with reseals. The few windows with no caulk along the bottom appear to have always been that way. As I recaulk, should I leave the bottoms open on all of them?

wrvond · 05-21-2016, 06:41 PM

I'd reseal them all using butyl rubber tape. Remove the window from the unit, clean off all old sealant, put down a continuous layer of butyl rubber with the seam at the bottom. Reinstall the window, tighten down, trim off the excess rubber that squeezes out around the perimeter.

Workshop · 05-21-2016, 08:26 PM

I'm sure you will find every option mentioned. On my present Alpenlite I inspected the area where the window, door or compartment frame contacted the sidewall/surface and caulked the top and sides as required. Being the second owner the prior didn't have a consistent plan either.

Here are two photos.

I was helping the owner with a problem he was having with this window....the photo shows that the window was caulked all around as well as all 3 of the windows on the rear of the unit. The photo also shows that this corner/radius was just (if any) making contact with the fiberglass. Unit was an early 200?

This photo was from the main slide on my prior 2001 Excel....I rebuilt the interior side wall below the window in 2009 because of water damage. Notice the small gap/opening between the frame and surface. None of the windows on the unit were caulked. I was the third owner.

You have to chose what feels comfortable... I inspect and do top and sides.

workhorse

rockintom · 05-21-2016, 10:50 PM

The later models 2011 and forward (IIRC) use the black butyl tape as rvrond mentioned. Over time, especially in the summer heat it does ooze and requires finessing with a plastic hockey stick to keep it looking nice.

Or you can simple run a nice bead of caulk all the way around. PI always recommended 100% silicone. But other folks like the Pro Flex stuff.

KentuckyRVer · 05-22-2016, 08:04 AM

Thanks for the help, guys.

Workshop, I'll do the top and sides as well since that appears to be how it was originally done.

Rockintom, Peterson Industries did not use butyl tape prior to 2011? I assumed both tape and caulk were used. Wrvond, on my previous Winnebago Class A none of the windows were caulked. Based on the RVs I've seen, caulked windows seem to be more of a trailer thing. Or maybe just a particular era RV kind of thing.

rockintom · 05-22-2016, 08:50 AM

Patrick, PI may have used both on butyl and caulk way back when as I'm not sure. Our 05 FLR had "foam tape" and caulk on windows. Not caulked on the bottom of window. My understanding is the foam tape was considered a failure. rockin'

KentuckyRVer · 05-22-2016, 09:29 AM

OK, thanks. Good to know. It never occurred to me that caulk could be my only protection against leaks. Based on Workshop's experience I'll play it safe and keep an extra close eye on all the windows.

wrvond · 05-23-2016, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KentuckyRVer

Thanks for the help, guys.

Workshop, I'll do the top and sides as well since that appears to be how it was originally done.

Rockintom, Peterson Industries did not use butyl tape prior to 2011? I assumed both tape and caulk were used. Wrvond, on my previous Winnebago Class A none of the windows were caulked. Based on the RVs I've seen, caulked windows seem to be more of a trailer thing. Or maybe just a particular era RV kind of thing.

Many years ago I had a Holiday Rambler class 'A' with butyl rubber caulking all around and never had a leak. Just three years ago, I went to look at a Georgetown, the seller pressure washed the unit just before I arrived (never a good idea) which resulted in a large puddle of water on top of the bedroom dresser. Turned out he was spraying upwards and it basically entered directly into the room through the bottom of the window. I have noticed both motor homes and TT's seem to no longer be caulked on all sides of anything. I recently recaulked the exterior lights of my TT only to discover nothing more than a thin silicon bead across the top of each light with a piece of foam behind. I've come to the conclusion the new method is a cost cutting and time saving effort. To my mind the interior of these units is too easily damaged by water intrusion to risk it, so I seal every mating surface I can find.