Four Ways You Can Fix Leaking Windows in Your RV

Words by Jake Buckler

Article courtesy of Signal Connect, the nation's premier customer service organization for the tech you need for your RV. For more details visit Signal Connect at www.signalconnect.com.

Have you ever had a leaking window on your RV? It wouldn’t surprise us if the answer was yes. It happens to many trailers and motorhomes after a while. Some enthusiasts have woken up to discover wet pillows and sheets while others find window leaks in different areas of their RV.

It’s no secret that a lot of owners end up spending a lot of money on these types of repairs, which can take a lot of fun out of what’s supposed to be an enjoyable pastime. To get the most out of your RV experience, we share these tips for fixing leaking windows in your trailer or motorhome.

Here are a few ways to fix window leaks, ranging from easy to more involved DIY tasks:

1. Try Taping a Garbage Bag Over the Window(s)

We admit that this is not a permanent fix (nor does it look very good). But you should do this if it’s still raining or you don’t otherwise have time to inspect the issue. Simply tape a garbage bag or other large piece of plastic over the window. Make sure it’s sealed as tight as possible. This can buy you some time until it stops raining and you can inspect the interior and exterior to find and fix the cause.

2. Inspect the Window’s Drip Slots

When your RV’s drip slots become filled with dirt it can cause leaking windows and it’s always best to check them after you first notice a leak. Find the little slot in the metal on the exterior; there are usually two per window. Use a knife blade to clean them out. If it fixes the problem, check and clean the drip slots of the other windows as well.

3. Try Some Flex Seal

Yes, we do mean that can of spray sealant that’s advertised on TV. This can be a quick, easy remedy for small leaks. Will it fix the leaky window in your RV? It all depends upon the size of the leak. In most cases, you can seal the window from the interior by spraying the sealant around the edges. For more serious leaks, try spraying it on the exterior of the window as well. Here are some other aspects you need to remember when using Flex Seal:

  • It comes out of the can in a wide spray. So if you don’t want it all over the interior or exterior, use some painter’s tape around the area where you are sealing.
  • If you’re using Flex Seal on the inside, be mindful of the fumes. Apply it when you and your family will be away from the RV for at least a few hours. Also, remember to open all the windows to properly ventilate the fumes.

4. Caulk Your Window

If you’ve tried the above steps and your window still leaks, it’s time to pull out the caulking gun. We tried to save you from resorting to this with quick, easy fixes but if the leak persists, the problem may be much bigger. We’ll break down the window-caulking process in these easy steps.

Here’s what you need:

  • A silicone sealer, (aka caulking)
  • Ladder
  • Sponges or rags/towels
  • Caulking gun
  • Painter’s or masking tape
  • Razorblade or sharp knife

Now that you have your tools, here’s how you fix stubborn, leaking windows on your RV:

  1. The first step is finding the leak. It might be easy since there will be some missing sealant or holes in the existing sealant.
  2. Use a razor blade to carefully remove the old caulking from around the edges of the window where the leak was found. Be careful not to scratch or cut the window and siding.
  3. Once the old caulking is removed, clean the outside of the window frame. Use a quality cleaner and sponge (while you’re at it, perhaps wash the window, too).
  4. Once the area is dry, it’s time to apply masking or painter’s tape. Use this to cover the areas where you don’t want the caulk on the window or siding.
  5. Apply a small amount of caulking around the edge of the window where the leak is located. Remember, apply constant pressure on the trigger of the caulking gun as you work and avoid pauses.
  6. Wait until at least 24 hours after the caulking dries to remove the tape.

Congratulations! You’ve just fixed the leaking window on your RV. Should the window still leak, it’s best to contact your local RV dealer for advice and to fix the problem.