Your RV’s windows are some of its most essential features. They provide you with natural light and fresh air anytime you need it while also giving you an ongoing look at the world around you as you drive across the country.
Unfortunately, windows can cause an issue whenever the seals begin to shrink. If not take care of in time, window seal shrinkage can cause water to seep in whenever it rains. They can also cause fog on your windows during the winter, making it difficult to drive in the early morning hours.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what causes window seals to shrink in RVs and what you can do to repair the damage or prevent it from occurring in the future.
Why Do RV Window Seals Shrink?
There are several reasons why your window seals may shrink. Your first thought may be that the seals have become unglued. But that’s not necessarily the case. Some of the most common reasons why your seals may shrink include the following.
- The pressure of the seals has begun to decline over the years.
- Over time, the rubber of the seals will shrink. It causes the pressure to decrease at the same time.
- Variation in the temperature and extreme temperature changes will cause the seals to shrink.
- If you replace the seals and do not use high-quality materials, it is very likely that you will also experience shrinking.
In other words, the window seals inside an RV will shrink due to age, exposure to sunlight, incorrect installation, temperature changes, and everyday wear and tear.
Window seals are made from rubber and will dry out over time and deteriorate if they are not properly maintained. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect your window seals from the elements.
Seals and gaskets will also become jarred over time due to everything from heavy wind to bumps in the road. If you recently purchased a new RV, and you are beginning to notice your seals shrinking, the problem could be improper installation.
But before you attempt to fix this issue on your own, be sure to check your warranty first to see if it is covered and can be repaired for free.
Regardless of the cause, there are a few methods you can try to repair your shrinking window seals and get your window back to optimal condition once again.
How Can I Fix Window Seal Shrinkage?
Depending on your skill level and how severe your issues are with window seal shrinking, a few options are available for repairing this issue. You can either stretch the seal, apply heat, or replace the entire rubber seal around your window.
It is recommended that you start with the first method since it typically repairs most of your issues. If you have severe problems with window seal shrinking, you will need to move on to method two and possibly method 3.
Remember, if you do not feel comfortable completing any of these methods on your own, you should always take your RV to a certified technician who will repair or replace the window seals for you.
Method 1: Stretch the Seal
It’s common for RV window seals to stretch, dry out, and shrink over time. Before you completely replace your seals, you should try this method.
First, remove the shrinking seal from the window and apply a good amount of 303 Protectant spray to the seal. Rub the spray into the seal as you work on stretching it out, and then replace the seal.
Usually, this will replace your window seal issues if your problem is not very severe. And the protectant spray will help to make your seal function as good as new. It helps protect the seal from the elements and prevents it from shrinking again in the future.
Method 2: Apply Heat to the Seal
Another method that you can try if stretching the seal doesn’t work as expected is applying heat. Just be sure not to apply too much heat to the seal because you could end up damaging it. You can use a heat gun or a hairdryer for this method. Once the dried-out seal has heated up, you can start to stretch it back out. Remember, using protectant spray before applying heat will help protect the elements and prevent shrinkage in the future.
Method 3: Replace the Rubber Seal
If you have tried all other methods and nothing seems to work, you will need to replace your damaged window seal. If you plan to do this repair yourself, you will need a putty knife, Butyl sealant tape, and Dynaflex 230 Premium Elastomeric Sealant.
How Do I Replace a Damaged RV Window Seal?
Before you remove the window in your RV, you will first need to remove the screws on the interior frame. Then remove the clap ring. Loosen or remove any caulking that is along the edges, which will help make removing the window much easier.
You will need an extra set of hands for this step. Have one person stand outside the RV as you stay inside and work together to remove the window without breaking the glass.
After the window is removed, use your putty knife to remove the old sealant from the window trim and the RV itself. Clean the window and the exterior with rubbing alcohol.
Install the new butyl sealant tape by starting at the bottom, where you see the weep holes. Be careful not to leave any gaps between the window and the sealant.
Apply the replacement tape, making sure that it is about 1/8 inch from the window’s edge, overlapping 3/8 of an inch where the two meet at the bottom.
With another person’s help, reinstall the window, carefully setting it into place. While the other person is outside holding the window, you can screw the window in from the inside. It is best to start with the upper left screw, then the lower right, followed by the lower left and upper right corner. Once all the corners have been secured, you can work on the middle screws.
Finish the process by applying the sealant to the top of the exterior window frame and around the upper corners. Smooth the seal out using your fingers.
If you performed all steps correctly, you should seal your RV windows properly.
How to Prevent Window Seals from Shrinking
If you have dealt with the issues that occur with shrinking window seals, chances are you do not want the same problems to happen again. The good news is that preventing your RV window seals from shrinking is easy, and it doesn’t require much time, money, or effort.
One way to prevent this issue is by avoiding prolonged exposure to the elements. That includes extreme temperature changes, heavy wind and rain, and exposure to sunlight. All of these things can cause the window seals in your RV to deteriorate.
You can help minimize this damage by placing your RV in storage when not in use. It should be in a dry, covered location where it won’t be exposed to extreme elements.
You should also avoid leaving your RV out in inclement weather such as floods and snowstorms whenever possible.
If you can, park your RV in a shady area out of direct sunlight whenever possible. That will also help cut down on how hot it gets inside your RV while camping during the warm summer months.
Performing routine maintenance on your window seals will also help prolong their life and reduce the amount of damage. You can maintain your window seals by cleaning them regularly and applying a quality protectant spray to them, even when your RV is not in use. To minimize issues, you can add this window seal maintenance to your regular de-winterization process. With a little understanding and the right amount of maintenance, you will be on your way to keeping your RV window seals in the best possible condition.
FAQs About Shrinking Window Seals
Shrinking window seals are a hot topic when it comes to the RVing world, so we’ve addressed some of the other most common questions relating to them below.
What Happens When a Window No Longer Has a Strong Seal?
Anytime an RV window begins to lose its seal, you will start to notice moisture build-up on the windows, as well as air or water leaks. However, keep in mind that it’s possible not to notice any of these issues and still have a problem with weak or detached seals. If you notice a problem, you will want to repair the seal soon to avoid additional issues that could cause more damage to your RV.
Do All Windows with Broken Seals Need to Be Replaced?
RV windows with broken or worn seals usually do not need to be replaced unless there is actual damage to the window itself. Instead, you will simply need to repair or replace the seal to prevent any issues such as leaking from occurring.