DRM796 wrote:
With all this being said, when should you caulk your windows? after 3 years? 5 years? 10 years? or do you wait until there are signs of leaks? Do you run a bead of clear caulk around the window frame or do you remove the window and reseal with butyl tape?
Thanks for all the input.
I would only remove the window if I saw serious water intrusion. The small leaks I have found were stopped by sealing the outside of the frame. I use a white polyurethane. If you have a bad leak like down the inside wall or signs of delamination by all means pull the window apply new butyl and seal the outside of the frame as well (at least that is what I would do) Don't forget to check the door, cargo hatches etc. I even found a leak in the metal trim with the vinyl insert...this trim joins the j panel to the wall. A leak was getting in through the crack where the j panel meets the wall behind the trim! Required new butyl and the caulk!
I also had to re-seal all the windows and caps of a new Big Country after the first year. I am in the process of resealing everything on our Alpenlite meaning pulling trim, new butyl etc.
If you inspect your caulking every season you should be able to tell when it needs to be redone. Hard to give a timeframe...too many variables.
Best Wishes!
