Molding Around Everything Outside

Calicajun wrote:



Thanks all, now I know what to look for at the RV store.
As for removing the windows, frames and hatches, it not something I thought would be required but does sound like the best way to go. Now long does the new caulking last? Our old 1992 Holiday Ramber (new when we bought it) the caulking lasted for the four years we owned the trailer.

Slathering on caulking around the perimeter of a door frame or window frame will only temporarily "seal" the surface crack you can see. It doesn't however provide any new contact area for the caulking take hold of..

The result is hidden cracks that will very quickly break through the new caulk on the surface.

Additionally as the butyl caulking ages it hardens and loses it's tacky properties.. This creates little tiny voids between the frame and body of the RV that allows water to wick past the caulking..

Butyl caulking is also destroyed by UV light making the outside edge harden faster than the inside..

You will often find the caulk rock hard near the outside edge but still be somewhat soft inside.. The problem with leaving it this way is the water will keep wicking down the hard part until the caulking fails..

Many will disagree with full removal of the window and door frames but I have found out over the years that it works best and lasts longer than slathering new stuff around the edges..

Typically butyl caulking is good for 5-6 yrs and then after that it is a guess just how long before failure.. Sort of depends on your local weather..

Around my area, winter is pretty hard on caulking especially if water is starting to wick into the caulk.. The freeze/thaw cycles can do a number on making cracks in the caulk grow overnight.