Sealant

Please keep in mind when reading our tips, that due to liabilities, Mobuilt RV Repair, is not liable for any damages that may occur by following any tips listed. Please remember these are only suggestions. Following these RV tips is at your own risk. Thank you for understanding.

Weather or Not, Check Your... Sealant

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Generally, sealant are designed to last more than a few years. However, the varying weather conditions across the country and vastly different climates from Canada to the Rio Grande can break down those sealant in as little as one year. Some sealant applied in the spring must be touched up again in the fall, and in the windshield area on a bi-monthly basis. The windshield is probably subjected to the worst conditions and therefore will require more maintenance. If the windshield leaks, a good urethane adhesive designed for installing windshields is recommended for application under the rubber gasket, followed up by a small silicone seal where the gasket lays on the windshields.
        Probably the most important area to check for proper seals is the roof. Generally, this area should be checked at least twice a year. If you find any area that looks questionable, reseal it. The sealant that you should use depends on what type of has already been applied. Most rubber roofs used on RVs today use a sealant that is "self-leveling", or gradually spreads out up to an hour after it is applied. Before this type of sealant is applied, it may be necessary to remove all sealant in the questionable area, as this will ensure that the new sealant will get a good seal when applied. Due to the fact that this sealant tries to settle after it is applied, it is not recommended for application in areas that travel over the edge of the roof. In these areas a good silicone sealant of the same color will perform the task at hand.
        Other areas that will need attention include the moldings used on the side walls and the compartment door edge moldings. Since these areas are more accessible for periodical checks, we would recommend inspecting the side walls and compartments doors every time you wash your vehicle. Sometimes washing the side walls can actually remove some necessary sealant. If you find an area on your side walls that needs resealed, a clear silicone, or one that matches the color of your side walls, should be used. When resealing the compartment doors, only a clear silicone sealant is recommended as these doors are usually painted and the color would be difficult to match.
        The last few areas that might need attention are those around the clearance lights, tail lights, rearview mirrors, and around accessories and windows. All these areas can be resealed using a common silicone-based sealant/adhesive. However, when sealing windows and the base of rearview mirrors, be careful as to keep from sealing over any weep holes. These holes are designed to drain any water that may have found its way to the inside of a window or mirror.
        Keeping up on the maintenance of your sealant will keep your RV looking beautiful for a long time.