Speaking as someone who fits kitchens and bathrooms including the tiles - I never use water, soapy water, finger, spit. Apply Sealent then use a tool, the results will last a long time. My bathroom - 11 years still looked like new. The soapy water method is used imo by amateurs and those making a quick buck. On the flip side it can help achieve a cosmetically good look, but id question the longevity of that method. Ty
I stopped spraying/misting the wet sealant with washing up liquid solution (even though the finish looked lovely) after I found the sealant pulled away from the caravan surface in less than 6 months. I think the fluid had coated the surface and stopped the sealant sticking to it properly when I squished it in with my finger. I now mostly use a silicon spreader and masking tape and maybe a wet finger at the very end for tight curves.
@@sirkitchalott I have learned to use toilet paper instead of kitchen towel to wipe the silicon tool and I throw the paper away immediately into a bag. Whenever I use a piece of paper a second time the sealant from the first wipe always gets onto my hands and if I chuck the paper down I inevitably step on some of it later!!
Yes, it gets to a point that this would be necessary, more often than not when a leak is present, they then need to be fully removed and new tape seal applied. 👍
Yes as above, if a leak were present a full removal would be required, if it's more cosmetic, then this is a way to clean up and stop potential issues later on.
Takes a bit longer to prep, but i clean the area, then tape up and then seal, purely for a neater finish, sealing up the bigger bits first(if any) but previously have used the finger and spray bottle method.
Thanks for another needed lesson. You can get a Vitrex Grout Finisher quite cheap from B&Q, it will do a nice smooth job - on tiles anyway, so I would imagine they would do the same job on caravans. I tend to let the sealer dry after using the small tool because the ball end actually leaves a cut line (not actually a cut) that enables you to peel away the excess.
I’ve never had any issues doing it the second method using a wet finger but tend to use a non latex glove. A silicone tool you can also use, but as you said small amount is key, then reapply if required. 😀
The biggest cause of major leakage is from the deteriorating / degrading sealant under the awning rails on both sides. Because of the totally inadequate way most British caravans are manufactured, sealant is the main line of defence against water ingress and it shouldn't be. Because you can't see and inspect the sealant under the awning rails, as it inevitably degrades and shrivels with time. The awning rails need to be removed and the silicon replaced. I would say at least every 10 years on older manufactured caravans and more often on newer caravans, particularly those made when demand was high during the staycation period after covid. My caravan did exactly this. The manufacture method was rubbish and almost completely put me off caravanning altogether. It is easier and cheaper to make a suspect product and repair faults under warranty when presented than make a quality product at manufacture. Bear in mind that awnings pull at the most suspect point of your caravan, if you put one up. Watch Atlantic Caravans on youtube and he will tell you the whole story about modern caravan manufacture.
Mark I've got black mould stain on the silicone seal in places on my caravan. What can I use to remove the stain without damaging or removing the seal?
Hi, i have a leaking battery box, and it is letting rain/water in and it is running down and tracking along on either side of battery locker. The leak has been located and I have been told it needs resealing and to get a dehumidifier in to dry it out which i have done, as it is wet on wall just two fingers width under lounge bunk and dinette bunk. Do i need to ask them to remove the battery box and reseal from inside and outside as it has some sealant that has come away, allowing water in. I am new to this and dont want to get ripped off again 😢 i am happy to pay if it's what it needs, and i think I'd prefer it to be removed and resealed inside and out. Also, would you use dehumidifier before sealing or after? I have been told to do it before, but surely it is then still letting water in whilst waiting to be sealed which concerns me. Can I please have your thoughts. Many thanks
@RiHiggs Hi, yes have it removed as an over seal will only be temporary, or to clean around a dirty seal, you can over seal for now until it can be removed and done properly. I would say overseal ASAP, and have the dehumidifier in to start drying then. It will help before being sealed but, it will dry, then get wet so wasted time and money. Hope this helps.👍
Thanks for another really useful video, it would never have occurred to me that there were specific sealants for caravans! On a completely different subject, I would like to replace the radio in my caravan with one that is DAB, I have asked search engines but get nothing sensible in response; do you have any suggestions please?
Hi . What's your opinion on buccaneer caravans and bessacarr caravans. I was told that buccaneer was the Rolls-Royce .of caravans . Would that be correct. I also heard very good things about bessacarr. . Does a heavier caravan always mean a better built caravan. Thanks. Love the videos.
Both are very nice vans, both can still have problems, so just because it's more expensive doesn't always mean it's built better, or not going to have any issues. As long as serviced regularly and kept on top of then both are very good. 👍
Can you advise on what to use to seal the underside of a motorhome? We've a 2018 elddis and I'm working my way around with the sikaflex on the sides and roof but I've no idea what to use underneath
In theory the floor being Marine ply shouldn't need anything, so the only issue would be leaks from above, the chassis on the newer vehicles should be good too.
On a small area like this I've used masking tape and a spatula. Peel tape away, perfic PS What is that mould like marking the top of the rail?? Had it one of my vans, only way I could get it off, was to rub with Wet & Dry,
I use an old cup or small bowl of water, as you have done a smallest amount as possible, dip my finger in the water then smooth over, rewet finger as required, and kitchen roll to wipe off any excess off your finger as you go along. Do what works best for you I would say, but have the smallest bead as possible is best.
you NEVER use your finger as it gives a very armature finish, use a proper silicone finishing tool as it gives a very nice finish and also pushes the sealant into the gap.
For the people who advocate not using your finger and only using a finishing tool, have you ever seen a plumber who fits bathrooms with a pair of trousers not covered in silicon finger wipe marks, and the silicon gun and tube will have been used to get rid of silicon from fingers as well.
Masking tape both sides of the bead apply sealant between & tool up the bead before removing the masking tape is the only professional way to do it IMO
Use a mastic tool and not your finger and water. Think about it. You add the soap and water so it does not stick and what do you want it to do “stick” Just use the tool and no water and it will stick for much longer. James
All these bodgy little repairs would put me off buying a caravan from you, you're not doing yourself any favours doing this. The battery box should be removed and resealed properly.
Thanks Gary, if a battery box was leaking or any damp readings then obviously a full removal would be required, but sometimes you can stop future issues like this. The main seal was fine and no leaks or damp readings, so a preventative measure now can save issues 12/24 months down the line. This sort of thing should be noted as a visual observation, but sometimes if no damp readings, nothing would be mentioned or done, so it's more something that you can check on your own caravan even if it's just been serviced and had a full clean bill of health.
Speaking as someone who fits kitchens and bathrooms including the tiles - I never use water, soapy water, finger, spit. Apply Sealent then use a tool, the results will last a long time. My bathroom - 11 years still looked like new. The soapy water method is used imo by amateurs and those making a quick buck. On the flip side it can help achieve a cosmetically good look, but id question the longevity of that method. Ty
Agree and think the water is just going to cause problems if it's an overseal, thanks for your comments 👍
I stopped spraying/misting the wet sealant with washing up liquid solution (even though the finish looked lovely) after I found the sealant pulled away from the caravan surface in less than 6 months. I think the fluid had coated the surface and stopped the sealant sticking to it properly when I squished it in with my finger. I now mostly use a silicon spreader and masking tape and maybe a wet finger at the very end for tight curves.
@@MrRichardmorris I never use a wet finger as therr is bacteria on our hands. I use a tool and copious amounts of paper towel to wipe the tool off.
@@sirkitchalott I have learned to use toilet paper instead of kitchen towel to wipe the silicon tool and I throw the paper away immediately into a bag. Whenever I use a piece of paper a second time the sealant from the first wipe always gets onto my hands and if I chuck the paper down I inevitably step on some of it later!!
It depends on the quality of sealant and the application
A bigger job but would it be better to remove the trim, clean it all and then bed it on the silicon sealant, then tool off any excess?
Yes, it gets to a point that this would be necessary, more often than not when a leak is present, they then need to be fully removed and new tape seal applied. 👍
Yes as above, if a leak were present a full removal would be required, if it's more cosmetic, then this is a way to clean up and stop potential issues later on.
Takes a bit longer to prep, but i clean the area, then tape up and then seal, purely for a neater finish, sealing up the bigger bits first(if any) but previously have used the finger and spray bottle method.
Thanks for another needed lesson. You can get a Vitrex Grout Finisher quite cheap from B&Q, it will do a nice smooth job - on tiles anyway, so I would imagine they would do the same job on caravans. I tend to let the sealer dry after using the small tool because the ball end actually leaves a cut line (not actually a cut) that enables you to peel away the excess.
I’ve never had any issues doing it the second method using a wet finger but tend to use a non latex glove. A silicone tool you can also use, but as you said small amount is key, then reapply if required. 😀
I do not use soapy water as you say it can get behind the silicone but I do use a silicone profile tool rather than a finger. Thanks for the video
I would use masking tape to get a nice clean line
Great video and super informative., both wit technique and materials used.
Glad it was helpful 👍
Have you tried the silicon profile tool?
Yes they work very well too, you can pretty much leave the finish and size bead you want too. 👍
Use a green packer gives a nice finish
The biggest cause of major leakage is from the deteriorating / degrading sealant under the awning rails on both sides. Because of the totally inadequate way most British caravans are manufactured, sealant is the main line of defence against water ingress and it shouldn't be. Because you can't see and inspect the sealant under the awning rails, as it inevitably degrades and shrivels with time. The awning rails need to be removed and the silicon replaced. I would say at least every 10 years on older manufactured caravans and more often on newer caravans, particularly those made when demand was high during the staycation period after covid. My caravan did exactly this. The manufacture method was rubbish and almost completely put me off caravanning altogether. It is easier and cheaper to make a suspect product and repair faults under warranty when presented than make a quality product at manufacture. Bear in mind that awnings pull at the most suspect point of your caravan, if you put one up. Watch Atlantic Caravans on youtube and he will tell you the whole story about modern caravan manufacture.
What is behind the awning rail ? Is it joint ?
This is the area the roof and side walls meet.
If I am removing and reinstalling the hardware and using butyl tape, do I need to use this sealant too?
Mark I've got black mould stain on the silicone seal in places on my caravan. What can I use to remove the stain without damaging or removing the seal?
I would like to know also, I have the same problem. Thank you
Hi, i have a leaking battery box, and it is letting rain/water in and it is running down and tracking along on either side of battery locker. The leak has been located and I have been told it needs resealing and to get a dehumidifier in to dry it out which i have done, as it is wet on wall just two fingers width under lounge bunk and dinette bunk. Do i need to ask them to remove the battery box and reseal from inside and outside as it has some sealant that has come away, allowing water in. I am new to this and dont want to get ripped off again 😢 i am happy to pay if it's what it needs, and i think I'd prefer it to be removed and resealed inside and out. Also, would you use dehumidifier before sealing or after? I have been told to do it before, but surely it is then still letting water in whilst waiting to be sealed which concerns me. Can I please have your thoughts. Many thanks
@RiHiggs Hi, yes have it removed as an over seal will only be temporary, or to clean around a dirty seal, you can over seal for now until it can be removed and done properly. I would say overseal ASAP, and have the dehumidifier in to start drying then. It will help before being sealed but, it will dry, then get wet so wasted time and money. Hope this helps.👍
Thanks for another really useful video, it would never have occurred to me that there were specific sealants for caravans! On a completely different subject, I would like to replace the radio in my caravan with one that is DAB, I have asked search engines but get nothing sensible in response; do you have any suggestions please?
Most single din dab radios will fit, but it would need a dab aerial fitting. 👍
Thanks Mark!
Use masking tape to get clean edge's. That repair you've done will look awful once the silicone gets mucky.
Hi . What's your opinion on buccaneer caravans and bessacarr caravans. I was told that buccaneer was the Rolls-Royce .of caravans . Would that be correct. I also heard very good things about bessacarr. . Does a heavier caravan always mean a better built caravan. Thanks. Love the videos.
Both are very nice vans, both can still have problems, so just because it's more expensive doesn't always mean it's built better, or not going to have any issues. As long as serviced regularly and kept on top of then both are very good. 👍
Just been doing a bit of this
The way you are sealing the side locker is wrong. Only one way is to remove the whole door frame clean it then re seal and re fit.
Can you advise on what to use to seal the underside of a motorhome? We've a 2018 elddis and I'm working my way around with the sikaflex on the sides and roof but I've no idea what to use underneath
Make sure you have plenty of tubes and double your efforts around the external frames of heki roof lights
In theory the floor being Marine ply shouldn't need anything, so the only issue would be leaks from above, the chassis on the newer vehicles should be good too.
@@thecaravanplace good to know thanks
On a small area like this I've used masking tape and a spatula. Peel tape away, perfic
PS What is that mould like marking the top of the rail?? Had it one of my vans, only way I could get it off, was to rub with Wet & Dry,
Yes the plastic gets to a point where it won't clean up in any tradional cleaning process.
2:31 @thecaravanplace Try using T cut and a microfiber cloth, takes some effort but it always works for me
I use an old cup or small bowl of water, as you have done a smallest amount as possible, dip my finger in the water then smooth over, rewet finger as required, and kitchen roll to wipe off any excess off your finger as you go along. Do what works best for you I would say, but have the smallest bead as possible is best.
you NEVER use your finger as it gives a very armature finish, use a proper silicone finishing tool as it gives a very nice finish and also pushes the sealant into the gap.
For the people who advocate not using your finger and only using a finishing tool, have you ever seen a plumber who fits bathrooms with a pair of trousers not covered in silicon finger wipe marks, and the silicon gun and tube will have been used to get rid of silicon from fingers as well.
Masking tape both sides of the bead apply sealant between & tool up the bead before removing the masking tape is the only professional way to do it IMO
Yes another very good way to do it. 👍
No water on first run with a tool again with water
Use a mastic tool and not your finger and water. Think about it. You add the soap and water so it does not stick and what do you want it to do “stick” Just use the tool and no water and it will stick for much longer.
James
I agree 👍
Mask it up before sealing every time . Pointless using water .
All these bodgy little repairs would put me off buying a caravan from you, you're not doing yourself any favours doing this. The battery box should be removed and resealed properly.
Thanks Gary, if a battery box was leaking or any damp readings then obviously a full removal would be required, but sometimes you can stop future issues like this. The main seal was fine and no leaks or damp readings, so a preventative measure now can save issues 12/24 months down the line. This sort of thing should be noted as a visual observation, but sometimes if no damp readings, nothing would be mentioned or done, so it's more something that you can check on your own caravan even if it's just been serviced and had a full clean bill of health.