How to Repair a Leaking RV Window JAN 12 Written by: Adeline Yuboco 01/12/2014 09:10 AM

January Outdoor Living Newsletter

Don't let water leaks from your RV windows rain on your camping trip

Water leaks coming from RV windows should not be taken lightly. Doing a simple leak repair on your RV window by merely patching up the source of the water leak is not enough. The moisture that gets into the walls and the molding can cause the wood around the area to rot and become a breeding place for molds. Water leaks can also cause delamination of the walls in your RV, creating those nasty looking ripples and bubbles you see on the outside of your vehicle. The rust that forms around the different parts of your RV windows can also cause them to get stuck, making them even harder to open and close.

Repairing a water leak in your RV window is actually a lot easier than you might think. All it takes is finding the right window replacement parts to have on hand and a bit of guidance. Below is a comprehensive step to guide you through the entire Do-It-Yourself RV Window leak repair so you don't have to rely on a professional all the time, and save you more money in the process.

Steps to Repair an RV Window Water Leak

1.  Clean the RV window area

Before you go straight to doing leak repairs on your RV windows, make sure that the area is first cleaned thoroughly with the use of a household cleaner, water and sponge. Not only will this help get rid of dirt and other foreign objects around your RV windows. By cleaning the windows with water, you will be able to really find out if the water leak is coming from your RV windows or from another area of your RV like the roof.

2.  Scrape off the old caulk

Caulk refers to the material used to make your RV windows watertight. Poor maintenance, weathering and time can cause this to lose the ability to prevent leaks and moisture to come into your RV. Scrape off the old caulk so that it would be a lot easier to replace the moldings of your RV windows.

3.  Remove the molding of your RV windows

The next step is to remove the moldings of your RV windows. Unscrew the window brackets and carefully pry out the window molding, window, and window screen. Then with the use of a pry-bar, carefully pull the entire molding away from the window.

4.  Clean your RV windows

With a rag or cleaning sponge and a window cleaner, thoroughly clean your RV windows to get rid of any remaining dirt and caulk on its surface. Rinse this with water and allow this to dry completely.

5.  Replace the RV window molding

Get your new RV window molding and push this onto the window. Apply a single coat of waterproof caulking to seal the molding and keep it watertight. Give it time to dry completely before placing back the screen and screw the window back into the housing.

6.  Remove and Replace the window latch

Unscrew the old window latch from the window and window house and inspect it to check for any rusting, breaks, or damage to see if it needs to be replaced. If it is still in good condition, screw it back onto the window. Otherwise, get the pieces of your new window latch and align them to the holes before screwing them and setting them in place. Carefully open and close the window latch to loosen it.

Caring for Your RV Windows

Poor maintenance is one of the main causes for RV windows to deteriorate more quickly and cause you to replace window parts more often. Taking proper care of your RV windows can help you prevent water leaks, requiring you to replace the different window parts less frequently.

Here's some simple ways on how to properly care for your RV windows:

1.  Dust before washing

Take a small paint brush and dust your RV windows before you wash them. This will remove a lot of the dirt which can scratch the caulk and molding while your scrubbing down your RV with soap.

2.  Choose the right RV cleaning products

Another way to take proper care for your RV windows is to choose the right cleaner for it. Cleaning products with a high alkaline content can weaken the caulking on your RV windows, making them less watertight and more susceptible to water leaks.

3.  Use cotton cloths when cleaning your RV windows

When cleaning your RV, never use polyester or microfiber cloths. While they may seem to feel softer than cotton cloths, these actually can rub off the caulking and sealants around your RV windows.

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