Community Forums

wmcrinc · 09-11-2021, 08:10 PM

I have a couple windows where the rubber exterior trim is shrinking. The windows don't leak but I'd like to find out if this is fixable or do I have to replace the entire piece.

FIRE UP · 09-11-2021, 10:22 PM

This is a very, very common issue. In all reality, there's not a lot you can do with your present trim. You need to take a good measurement and simply purchase enough new trim, to do ALL your windows. And, if and when you decide to do this, do take note of the actual dimensions of the trim. There are different sizes. Been there, done that.
Scott

MSHappyCampers · 09-12-2021, 10:01 AM

I have the same problem, though not to that extent!

ROUGHRIDER3 · 09-12-2021, 03:00 PM

Where do you buy the trim?

Dutch Star Don · 09-12-2021, 11:12 PM

This was brought up once before. You can always cut the trim in the middle, push/glue it back in place and then fill the gap between the two with black silicone.

rvtips · 09-12-2021, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

This was brought up once before. Yo can always cut the trim in the middle, push/glue it back in place and then fill the gap between the two with black silicone.

===========================================
That is exactly what I did.Nice and neat.

MSHappyCampers · 09-13-2021, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

This was brought up once before. You can always cut the trim in the middle, push/glue it back in place and then fill the gap between the two with black silicone.

Thanks for the tip Don!

THenne1713 · 09-14-2021, 07:03 PM

Like the trim screw cover vinyl, It is flexible new, stiffer/ very stiff when old, but often someone applied glue/ sealant... then when it shrinks/ swells, it cannot slide in track, so it pulls loose in corners? If you pull loose, clean track and rubber and reinstall, you may stretch and suddenly find it too long :-) push back, and insert, do NOT cut off :-) Hair dryer heat may help w/ flexibility?

THenne1713 · 09-14-2021, 07:05 PM

Nice and neat until TEMP changes and it swells, or shrinks

JohnBike · 09-15-2021, 12:27 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaQFgTYSzoU

I used this method to close up gaps on 20-year-old window seals. The average gap was about 3 inches or less.

HarryStone · 09-15-2021, 02:38 PM

If you're looking to purchase, then https://www.pellandent.com/ has what you need.

amosnandy · 09-15-2021, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmcrinc

I have a couple windows where the rubber exterior trim is shrinking. The windows don't leak but I'd like to find out if this is fixable or do I have to replace the entire piece.

They way yours is pulling out you cannot just squirt sealer in like the video shows on seals that just pull away from the corners.

To remove them without breaking get a heat gun and warm them. Not too hot. Maybe 125 degrees at top and pull them out. If you try to pull them out cold they will break and then yes, you will need to replace the entire piece.

Once you have them out, put them in a pail of very hot water for 15-20 minutes. 180 degrees is best, but if you don't have a bucket water heater, get the hottest water you can get.

Use a tongs to get them out of the hot water and immediately start pushing them back in. Oh, I forgot to mention, make sure you keep track of the ends so you put them back in exactly the same position they came out because after they cool they will have a memory. IE:if you don't get the curved part back in the same position they will ten to pull away.

They will be very stretchy so as you put them back in place push hard to compress them into the opening. Done correctly, when you get to the last 6 inches or so, you should have only between 1/4 to 1/2 inch of "extra". Push that in tight and let the end expand a into the slot. DO NOT CUT ANY EXCESS OFF. If you have a lot hanging out you did not push it in hard enough and will have to start over. If you pushed to hard and are short, you should gently pull on it until you get 1/2 to one inch "extra" that you can push into the slot. Yes, it takes some practice to get the touch just right.

Yes. This is a temporary fix that will probably only a couple years and then you will either have to do it again or get new rubber. Did millions of these on old cars, buses and motorhomes when all of them were still set in rubber.