Temporary Caravan Window Seal Repair | Update
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- Hi and welcome back to another Make Way With The Morleys video. As you may or may not be aware, during our service in October we discovered that we had water coming into the Caravan. In this video we get to the bottom of what is causing this water ingress and how we have temporarily fixed the issue.
This is not a how to video, more a what we've done as a temporary solution to our problem.
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Hiya. Please try using blue 25mm masking tape each side of where you want the bead of sealant. When you remove the old seal try and use a fan heater to dry the inside of the frame. Soak your new bead in veru hot water before fitting use new stailess steel screws fot the stays. I did this to my last van, it worked well. Good luck
Hi Mike, thanks very much for your message and for the tip on drying out the frame. I’m going to hang on until the weather is a bit warmer and fingers crossed drier! Andy
Andy, you've done the right thing to stop it from getting worse. Looks don't matter too much as long as it keeps the water out. Those plug in dehumidifiers are rubbish. I bought a pair on eBay and they got hot when recharging and they melted letting the crystals fall out. That's why I bought the Unibond Aero 360 dehumidifier. It doesn't need a power source. Have you considered heating the caravan to help dry it out? This in conjunction with giving it a good airing should drive out any remaining moisture. Some 303 protectant will help with the longevity of the rubber components.
Yeah we had to do something, I should have pulled my finger out ages ago and annoyed I didn’t when we first discovered it. I know for future! Just get on and do it.
I’ve found the plug in dehumidifiers to be ok, they get warm when recharging but been ok.
We’ve a good few trips planned this year so it will definitely get a good airing. Not sure I want to pay to heat it on the drive but might do so at the weekends if it doesn’t dry out. Thanks for the note on protecting the window rubbers! Useful info indeed. Andy
@@MakeWayWithTheMorleys same here; too daft; I did repair a leak in the bathroom when I first got the van 14 yrs ago and it has been holding ever since with a few granules in one of those boxes under the sink, but this one (front window in a compass echo 432) I went into denial mode; never again. have now also gone over all the lines outside where with age water might go in, so have redeemed myself, I hope :-)
Hi Andy Great video. I agree with Ray a little washing up liquid and water eases the mask so you can feed it into the gap and it also help when wiping the the excess away.
Andy, as Shadowz Shadowz has said it does not look like you need to replace the seal, unless of course it is perished and yours does not look like it is. As you i am sure aware the cost of circa £2K will be to remove the cabinetary from inside the van, strip out the inner liner at the front and allow the frame to dry out or replace if it is rotten. Depending on how long you have had the leak it should not be rotten yet. What you realy need to do is to remove the seal completly and let the frame dry out with a fan heater of which i am sure you are aware. Obviously while this is happening the caravan needs to be under cover. Are you able to get the front part of your van in your garage as this is how i have seen it done before. Once the frame has dried out which will take a few weeks you can then refit the original seal using the adhesive you have. We have just been through a repair ourselves to the roof of our van. Fortunalty we caught it quite soon. However although there will no longer be water ingress into the van we have been told it could take over a year for the interior frame to completly dry out as they did not strip out the roof lining. Good luck and as you have said at least for the time being you no longer have water ingress to the van. Also i agree with Shadowx Shadowz, best way to finish sealaent is with a small dab of ovile oil to the finger. Those plastic scrapers never really worked for me.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. The seal isn’t perished and for the time being I’ve stopped the problem at least I think so. I’m taking damp readings every few days to check but we’re away again soon and can get the heating on and aired too.
Unfortunately I can’t get it under cover to rip out the seal and dry out. The quote was a bit of a shock but unfortunately we didn’t have a leg to stand on from a warranty perspective because the previous owners didn’t have it serviced annually (in their wisdom). I don’t mind paying for work to be done but just felt it was a bit of a joke. Yes paying for skilled labour comes at a price but I thought it was excessive and had a hunch that was the starting price too. It’s a shame really as it was a workshop recommended to us and could have made for a great video!
Sorry to hear of the trouble you had, hopefully all sorted now and will dry out this summer! Thanks for watching, Andy
Well spotted Andy 👍🏻. Put a smidge of olive oil on ur finger to smooth of the sealant. Do u really need to replace the rubber Andy. It looks good to me. Just fill the gap and re edge around the outside. Good job 👍🏻
I’m going to see how we go and re-asses come the spring/summer. I think I’ve cured the problem for now, just need to dry it out now. We’ve a few trips planned so that will help with airing it. Andy
To clean sealant I use cheap baby wipes... I first saw the guys who fitted our new windows at home use them...it was brilliant. I have used them a few times since., they work really well.
Cheers Darren, useful to know 👍. Andy
Andy try cutting a piece of wood to the same sort of shape curve as the area to be having the mastic applied and by using a weak solution of washing up liquid and water mixed together this will easily make it a lot less messy for you and it leaves a nice smooth finish at the edges as sometimes you can over fill using tape and by removing the tape it can then lift a edge up and you can be back to square one again
Thanks Ray, I’ve done a fair amount of sealing albeit with Silicone and the red squeegee thing does a good job. Thanks for the note about the weak water/washing up liquid solution... will give that a go in the future! Andy
Morning...well done for having a go...In the last six months we've had a lot of rain, snow and ice..Freeze thaw makes it worse mate..
I notice the area of water ingress is thick with mold/green sludge, "clean this all off" this holds water! it's unlikely to dry out as quickly if your holding on to water.
Face the van south if you can to keep the effected area dryer.
And finally to smooth the area of sealant for that professional appearance, use masking tape and smooth/clean off the sealant after application with clean rags..not toilet paper! Soaked with "White Spirit" ! Works great for me..
From the inside a blow heater directed at the top of the window will assist the drying out process from the inside..
Monitor: Take weekly damp meter checks to see if what you have done improves.
Examine other areas particularly at the bottom of window seals, clean around the rubbers and apply olive oil to maintain the rubbers integrity.
Over £2k. Robbery..!
Have a good day.
Hi James, thanks for note here. For the purpose of other people reading this, I can say your caravan is absolutely immaculate!
You should have seal before I cleaned it off! It was horrendous and no wonder water had got in. Completely my own fault but I know for the future now. It only takes doing a job like this to appreciate prevention is much better than cure and to realise the value of making sure when you wash it that you get into all the nooks and crannies.
Thanks for the tip using white spirit on a rag, I wish I’d remembered now. Andy
Hi. Glad you got your problem solved. Just sorting these windows out on my caravan but something interesting that may be useful to others is that my caravan windows at the front and back have another metal covers over them for stones etc. With this added there is less chance of leakage in the corners as the L angle fitted above the window for this new cover extends further passed the window. Therefore the water when coming down travels along this angel and then runs down the van away from the window. Having seen this I am going to add an L angle to my side windows to aid water movement away from the window and it should also act like a miniature awning so the rain doesn't run down the window in the same way it would without the L angle. No screws, just silicone it into place as it's not structural in any way. My van is aluminium siding which has contours and this is where my problem is with water. Have been looking for the best product to use to slip in under the edge to create a seal as the rubbers are in very good condition. At this stage I think I'll go with a windscreen sealant but that could change. Cheers
I'm in Australia and the rubber for these windows is not easily to obtain. Would really appreciate it if you could advise a contact for it. Would really appreciate your assistance. Thanks
Hi, thanks for dropping us a line. Great idea for the L angle. Our rubbers seemed fine too, so it seemed silly to replace them! I am 90% sure we ordered this stuff: www.thegluepeople.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=84_88&products_id=48
@@MakeWayWithTheMorleys Thanks for the reply. Was chasing a supplier for the rubber. Cheers
Nice update Andy. Having seen this, we have had the same problem! Our big front window has the same problem (exact same spot too!) we had the seal replaced the whole way round - and it didnt work. Only thing thats worked (so is staying haha!) is £1 worth of Wilko garden tape (waterproof) across the top length of the window which has meant that the water runs down and over the top of the tape, and down the window - rather than runnind down to the seal and staying there.
Michael has the new seal stopped water coming in? Or are the readings still high because it hasn't had chance to dry out? I'm pretty sure I've stopped the problem but I will be giving the 'van some more attention as the mercury rises. Andy
It seemed to fix it at first but then failed again - will be looking at it again at our next outing to Stanmore Hall in 3 weeks so will be able to get a better look
Michael
Hi.we use to use water. wet your finger then smooth in but dont put too much sealant on or it will just make a mess
Yeah prevention is always better than cure! I was trying to be careful not to overfill - honest. Andy
Hi, I'd go down the same route as you have. Overall the seals don't look in bad shape, it's mainly the existing mystic that looks to have failed, as you say from the rain sitting at the tops.
Run a small bead of mastic (approx. 5mm) wet yor finger & smooth over applying light pressure.
Top job & thanks for sharing.
Cheers Andy, the caravan is nose down to help water run off the roof so it’s no surprise it’s happened. I know now to make sure I clean all round that front window every time I wash the Caravan. It’s so easy to not bother but maybe if I’d been more vigilant I could have prevented the issue in the first place. Thanks for watching, Andy
Hi Andy
We use industrial wipes to clean and smooth off sealant. They are also good for getting it off your fingers and hands.
Hope you get sorted and back using the van soon
Hi Martyn, we’ve not stopped using it. In fact we’re away again very soon! Which reminds me, I need to sort out our awning and wash the Caravan! Thanks for watching and commenting. Andy
Thats good to hear, Andy, The weather will test your temp repair out , Hoping to get away myself next week end.
Hi Andy, hope it works out ok, I can't see any long term issues there, as long as it drys out inside ok ( put the heating on for a few hours or a heater of some sort) regarding smoothing silicon, never, ever lick your finger and smooth it, the bacteria in the spittle will kick start mould growth. (Eeuuw! ) Just use clean hot water ( above 50 degrees as bacteria doesn't exist above that)
Thanks Dave, I think we’ve done ok for now. Will have a proper look when the weather (hopefully) picks up in the spring. Thanks for the note on smoothing silicon down. Andy
I was a UPVC Window fitter. The only way to get a smooth finish is practise. Or a few drops of washing up liquid in half a cup of warm water, mix together. Dip your widest finger in and smooth silicon using a long stroke.Always work in the same direction as the silicon.
Cheers! It’s horrible stuff 😃
Smoothing is done with wet finger. I also hate the mastic/sealant all over my fingers and clothes. What I've found is a roll of the blue 'j cloth', and a small jug of water. Constantly wipe your fingers and any excess off with a wet J cloth. Avoid tissue or paper products as they just clump and fall apart in no time at all. Then when you're finished, use a blob of the screwfix sealant remover on your hands with a blob of fairy liquid. Work it in, then wash in warm water and you're good to go. Also use wet J cloth for wiping up excess that's got over the van or where it shouldn't get to, but get to those bits fast.
Andy on the other point of applying sealer when i did my repair using the sikaflex I had wiped down the area to be resealed with a clean cloth with white spirit and used that same cloth to wipe my finger after every 6" of travel smoothing out the sealant and I don't mind saying it looked a professional job being very uniformed throughout the whole length of the repair
Washing up liquid with a tiny bit of water so your finger is really oily, you can then play about with sealant and it won`t stick to you.
Thanks Sharron 👍. Pleased to say this solved the problem and area at the front of the ‘van is now fine 😃. Thanks for watching. Andy
To finish off mastic...... 1: Wet finger. 2: Wipe along line of mastic. 3: Use tissue or cloth to wipe excess off finger. Repeat as necessary. Works for me.
Thank you for making that, nicely presented and easy to understand. Picked up some good tips and will deffo get a dehumidifier. All the best.
Hack the bad stuff away from the inside. Let everything dry up. Fill up with foam. Replace the window sealant. Put new wallpaper on.
Dishwashing liquid on your on your finger will help spread it and it won't stick to your fingers.
Are you sure it's the window seal. Our leak was the screws that hold the rail above. The screws are under the black pastic trim and are easy to get at. Only two screws in our caravan were leaking but you would not beleive how much water was coming in even in light rain. We could see clearly because we had the inside stripped for repair. It is worth effort to seal these screws at the same time. Hope this helps.
Hi Mike, I’m pretty sure it was the seal but the rail could also do with some attention. I’m putting that off until the spring and hopefully some drier weather. Taking damp readings weekly to keep on top of things. Thanks for the tip and your experience
Mike whelan ...had the same problem on our Moselle,did the non settling masticated stuff on the window rubbers but found that the water still got in , it was only after I took the windows out that I saw the rail mastic had completely failed and the screws were held in by a prayer. Fixed this by overboring the countersunk holes in the rail and fitting larger screws dipped in sealant first , then applying the new non setting mastic strip behind the rail Sorted the damp problem
instantly BUT be aware the windows are a pig to fix back in the right place! 😔
Dip your fingertip in white spirit and run it along the silicone bead. Again, do this smoothly, applying an even pressure so that the sealant is pushed into the gap. The white spirit prevents the sealant sticking to your finger, allowing you to get a lovely, smooth finish.
Hi Andy. You would think in this day and age they could make a van totally water tight. Cars don’t leak, my Motorhome has had similar problems.
Looks like you’re on top of it.
Hi Keith, yes I take your point 100%. But, all caravans/Motorhomes leak at some point no matter who the manufacturer is. I’d be more annoyed if it was brand new and as a result of shoddy workmanship. I’m seeing it as a learning experience and means I’ll be much more vigilant around window seals in the future. Hope the issue in your Motorhome isn’t too bad!
Funny you should mention cars, Kate had a problem with her car filling up with water last summer after a heavy downpour. Less than 3yrs old, I went mad at the dealer - turns out it was a blocked drain plug! Speaking to a mate who’s a master technician at a garage he said it’s quite common.
Thanks for watching. Andy
Yes I guess you are right. Here’s to a good hot sunny 2028 in our van/ MH. Best wishes to you and your family.
Oops I mean 2018. 🚐 I hope I’m still here in 10 years time. 😂
I see this post is a little old now but if car windscreens can last the life of a car you would think the same for vans but we all know it just doesn’t happen sadly.
your video and explanations really helped me - also I have come to think if I don't seal off the whole area where damp might have gathered behind, but the cause of the leak is removed then humidity will find a way to dissipate? As for smoothing out the sealant - I have used clear sealant and it's easy to smooth out outside. Have not done the inside part yet as I want it to dry out, and in any case, my van is 1997 - so it's not in for a beauty competition any day soon, main thing is I am cosy, dry and no mould inside. Thanks again,
... smooth sealant I meant finger in disposable gloves - very thin ones, Morrison's sells them as for DIY; worked fine.
I saw someone use babywipes to smooth out the kit
Thanks for the video .. Had a small problem simular to what yours is on the back shower window .. Using trade seal and soapy water a sponge and tea towel ive done what seems to be the job . Thanks again guys !!!! :)
Great to hear you got it all sorted out! Andy
Yep, I do my finger in solution of water and washing up liquid and smooth it of. Seems to work ok for me but kitchen roll to hand to wipe it off the fingers before it sets
Cheers buddy 👍
Hope you get it sorted soon Andy 👍
Hi Martin, I think we’ve prevented further ingress. Loads of other bits and pieces to get on with of course. Product review hopefully coming soon too. Andy
Borrow / buy a hair dryer to remove old mastic , clean with Meths . Good luck
Hi Andy have you done a video of replacing the worn seal with a new seal.
Hi Janice, no I didn't do it in the end. The repair held out and we've since changed the Caravan for a new one. Sorry I can't help further. Andy
Hi ,, I use masking tape to get a clean edge then use a wetted finger
Thanks Andy for this vidéo ☺ i'm going to have a look at my caravan windows too.
No problem Gaëtan, hope all is ok with the Caravan! Andy
Will look out for this issue on our 2010 Elddis 302.
Do you have the same big front window? Just check it out, we have the caravan nose down to help drainage off the roof and I’ve been a bit lazy when washing it. Make sure you open the window and give that top seal a good clean and check to prevent what has happened to us. Thanks for watching and commenting. Andy
MakeWayWithTheMorleys Yes, the same front window as yours I think. Good advice. Cheers Andy. Gary
Hi i think my seal around my bedroom window is leaking but i cannot get up there to see. Only with heavy rain does this happen. How can i be sure it is the seal around the window and the rubber is hard plastic. My semi trailer is from the USA living in NEW ZEALAND any suggestions would be very helpful thanks for posting up
Hi Noleen, sorry for the delay coming back to you. Seals over time with dry out and crack/perish, so depending on the age of your vehicle it is likely that this is the cause. If you can't get up there to see, it might be difficult to try and fix. Have your local dealer been any help in trying to sort the problem out? Andy
@@MakeWayWithTheMorleys Pelmetis down and no leaks in draws the window seals are fine it could be the roof in heavy rain. got a plumber coming in summer to look at roof thanks for your help
Maybe run some Creeping Crack Cure round all the windows and rail too :)
Thanks Alice, will have to look into that 👍. Andy
www.captaintolley.com This is the stuff, its fabulous! ;)
Mask it off and then use some plastic or anything to take off extra residue
Interested in the outcome and comments. Suffering a similar issue with ours.
Hi James, will try and do an update vid in a few weeks time as I’m not attempting to replace the seal in the winter! I did the right hand side (as you look at ‘van) as a preventive measure (damp meeting readings were normal). Give it a go, it’s pretty easy. Andy
Hi Andy we have been using www.diy.com/departments/unibond-ready-to-use-weather-guard-outdoor-extreme-repair-translucent-sealant/1474140_BQ.prd to seal items around the caravan, I did the wheel arches last year, its great as can be easily smoothed and cleaned down with white spirit. (Dont get the white spirit on acrlic windows as it not very good for them) We discovered it when using it around the house and not had a problem so far...... as I was feed up using silicon etc which never seemed to work for long and made a bit of mess.On our previous caravan a lunar chateau I tried to reseal the awning rail with but it was a nightmare (because of a rubber sealed under the awning rail) then I discovered extreme sealing tape, it was very easy to do not mess, no oozing and worked a treat no leaks for 3 years until we sold. Basically took rail off cleaned down sealed over the join, partly put rail back on put a drop of sealant on each screw, then screwed up tight solutions.3mnz.co.nz/wps/portal/3M/en_NZ/IATDNZ/Home/Products/SingleSided/ExtremeSealingTapes/
Hi Rich, that stuff has a 35yr guarantee! How on earth do they know it wouldn’t last 40yrs 😂. I think come the spring I will be going round the ‘van with a fine tooth comb! We’ve wheel arches to do, one looks like it’s had a clobber at some point (not be me I might add). Thanks for watching. Andy
We also bought a dehumidifier after about a year with the old van and use it after we get back from trips and say once a month on now the newer (used) van. I've read some say not to use them, as it just extracting damp from the air vents but we have never had a problem, no mould, no damp smells, and cushions remain dry. Sometimes there is very little water extracted and some half full...its switches off it gets full. I'm just waiting for the spring to have alook at the awning rails and like you check the externals out I've also got a display panel to fit to check the amps used, as we were at a site when it kept tripping it was meant to be 10amps but must have been less......as we had very liitle on.
Andy really poignant video as my mother in law has a leak from her front window on a eccles topaz and she only had it repaired 16 month ago and its leaking again. So going to give this a go and eventually will like yourself buy the rubbers for that particular van at £ 8.10 a metre at time of writing. The van is not in warranty and the guarantee for the work she had done including materials 16 month ago is only 6 months which i just think that it can be easy money. I have just repaired some damp I had in our Caravan which is also out of warranty taking off the awning rail from the bottom to the top corner at the rear and resealed using sikaflex and even after the downpour of the weekend no leaks and bone dry to touch so I am confident enough to tackle what I think is a easy fix and with the aid of TH-cam you can do almost anything. Once again Andy useful video and thanks
I found the best way to smooth mastic down is use a wet finger.
Cheers Trevor