Window leak

mezza56 · Senior Member

Window leak

dieseltojo · Senior Member

Hi mezza56, the truth that manufactures can't grasp is that most windows will leak eventually with wind driven rain. After years of fixing other folks caravan windows I can say it is often a tedious process.

It is often caused by the installer simply not silicone the cutout to prevent water egress into the wall cavity, or simply the cut out is too large. Also they over cut the curved window corners.

If it a Dometic window it is a given to leak as it is simply not designed to lay back at an angle.They are designed to let water in would you believe, and then put drain holes in that the water can not escape from.

But that is just an overview for you information. smile

To fix your problem I reckon the window should be removed as the water entering also comes with dust and dirt which acts as a conduit for capillary attraction. A fancy word that allows water to enter by sneaking even uphill in tight fitting places between two materials.

Me I would remove it to inspect and clean up removing all silicon. You can not place silicone over old silicone.... if reinstalling go for the old rubberized "Mastic" of old as it remains flexible. If the cut out is in doubt consider a fixed plexiglass widow that can be sealed but will be un-openable.

Just my thought of course and every thing has to be weighed up .Realise that the average caravan repairer is just a handyman that turned his attention to caravans.

The very worst silicone jobs I have ever seen were don in caravan yards.

-- Edited by dieseltojo on Tuesday 12th of February 2019 11:46:21 AM

-- Edited by dieseltojo on Tuesday 12th of February 2019 11:47:34 AM

denmonkey · Senior Member

I'm not sure of the windows you're refering to but my 94' jayco had a pretty good leak on one of the large side windows.
Removing it meant taking out about 20 some odd screws and simply lifting it out. A bit of wedging and wiggling to get it to come free.
I simply went with the mastic putty and seated it around the circumference of the window and then set it back in.
It began to leak a little but after another quick zip around to re-tighten the screws all it good.

Be prepared though as DT said above, the space where the window is fitted maybe very poorly cut and sized.
I know I shouldn't be now, but im constantly shocked at the dodgy craftsmanship that becomes evident when you need to work on a van.
screws and staples missing their mark partially or fully, panels that look like they were cut by a blind man on his first or last day at work and materials that make you think they were dragged out of the skip bin from the houso units on chuck out day.

It makes you wonder how they stay together.

anyway, the window leak fix is pretty straight forward, but take your time and you will be fine.

cheers brett