RV Window Seals Shrinking? Here is How to Fix It

Have you noticed that the seals around your RV windows are getting slimmer? Seals may decrease in size during the years, which causes poor insulation and leaking windows. Luckily, there are a few simple solutions to this issue, two of which do not include the replacement of the seal. We’ll go over why RV window seals shrink and how to fix them with three simple techniques in this post. So, let’s start!

How To Fix RV Window Seals Shrinking?

So How To Fix RV Window Seals Shrinking? There are a lot of different reasons why RV window seals shrink. The most common way to fix this problem is to remove the shrinking seal from your RV. Next, apply the 303 Protectant Spray to the window seal and stretch it out. Lastly, be sure to replace the seal.

For those who want to learn more, feel free to read Which RV Brands You Should Avoid (And Why!).

Most Common Reasons Why Window Seals Shrink

Temperature changes and excessive sunlight exposure are the most common reason that causes these RV seals to shrink. You can use techniques that can help protect RV seals from shrinking.

Wind, heavy rains, potholes, and other factors can tear window seals and gaskets. However, when the new model of RV has this problem, this is due to inadequate installation. Check insurance to see that the seal is covered properly before repairing it. Whatever the reason, there are three basic methods we may use to repair the shrinking seals and restore your windows to their original state!

How To Fix the RV Window Seal On a Camper

We have three methods for repairing your RV window seals, based on the intensity of the shrinking and your skill level. Method 1 is a good place to start because it covers the majority of seal shrinkage problems and is quite simple to accomplish.  You may need to shift to method 2 if the shrinkage is extreme. Method 3 is the last option.

Important: If you don’t feel comfortable conducting any of these methods, get your RV vehicle’s seals replaced by a professional RV mechanic.

Method 1: Stretch the Window Seal

Window seals are usually prone to drying out and shrinking. So, before you replace the complete seal, we recommend the following things:

1. Take out the window’s shrinking seal.
2. Spray the seal with a thick layer of 303 Protectant Spray.
3. As you stretch out the seal, rub the spray into it.
4. Replace the seal.

This will almost always solve your RV seal problem. 303 Protectant Spray will also help give the seal a fresh lease on life, protect it from the outside temperatures, and prevent it from shrinking back.

Method 2: Apply Heat to Window Seal

Applying heat to the dried-up, shrunken seal and stretching it back out is another option that you can use. If you apply too much heat to the seal, you can damage it. Therefore, be careful when you are doing this.

Tip: If you’re using the hairdryer technique, it’s a good idea to spray the seal with 303 Protectant Spray to effectively prevent it from the bad environment and prevent it from shrinking.

Method 3: Replacing the Rubber Seal on the RV Window

We can simply replace the seal under the window frame if it begins to shrink or disintegrate. Here is a great YouTube video that shows how this is done.

The following materials are required:

• Putty knife 
• Butyl Sealant Tape 
• Dynaflex 230 Premium Elastomeric Sealant

Tip: They use the Seal-Tite Repair Kit in the video above. If you’re only resealing one window, then it is way cheaper (and just as effective) to buy the products listed above.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Replacing an RV Window Seal

1. Remove the screws on the RV frame (inside) and the clamp ring before removing the window. Also, be sure to remove or loosen any sealant along the borders of the window to aid in its removal.
2. Work together with two individuals, where one inside and one outside RV, to remove the window, taking care not to damage the glass pane.
3. Remove any leftover sealant from the window trim and your RV with a putty knife. This should be done after the window has been removed.
4. Use alcohol to clean the window and the exterior.
5. Start at the bottom, where there are leak holes, and install the new butyl sealant tape. Make sure the sealant and the window are completely sealed.
6. Install the new sealing tape 1/8 inch from the edge of the window, overlapping 3/8 inch where they meet.
7. When putting the RV window back on, be sure to find someone to help you. This will make things easier.
8. One person needs to hold the window in place from the outside, while the other needs to screw the window back in. It is recommended to start with the upper left screw, then continue with the lower right, and lower left, and for the end screw the upper right corner. Once you have finished this, you can easily move to the middle screws.
9. The sealant needs to be applied around the upper corners and to the top of the outside window frame.
10. Using your fingers smooth the seal.

You should now have a properly sealed RV window! More ideas and tricks for getting the ideal RV window seal may be found in our definitive guide on how to seal RV windows!

The Importance Of Snug-Fitting RV Window Seals

The snug-fitting RV window seal prevents water and chilly air from entering your vehicle. Although a cold draft is sometimes a problem, a leaking window can cause serious damage to your RV. Water always manages to find a way into your seals, no matter where it is. It is therefore very important to react when you notice this.

Best Ways To Prevent RV Window Seals From Shrinking

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to deal with RV window seals shrinking and having to fix the problem yourself (or spending a lot of money to have it done), you probably don’t want it to happen again. Luckily, stopping this from happening is simple and requires little effort or money! Here are the steps that you need to follow:

Avoid Prolonged Exposure To Elements

The seals on your RV windows weaken over time due to temperature changes, rain, and sunlight. You may reduce seal damage from the elements by doing the following:

• When your motorhome is not in use for a long period of time, be sure to store it in a protected, dry location.
• Make sure to keep your RV inside during severe weather.
• If possible, park your recreational vehicle in the shade or out of bright sunlight.

Regular Maintenance of RV Window Seals

Clean your seals on a regular basis and add a protectant to them, such as 303 Protectant Spray. So that you don’t forget, add this regular maintenance to your ‘to-do’ list. The best way to keep RV window seals working properly is with simple basic maintenance.

Professional Help

If you’ve repaired your shrunken window seals just to have them shrink again, it’s time to seek professional help. Sealing shrinkage is frequently attributed to inadequate installation. Using poor sealant products is also a bad idea. If you’re constantly having problems with your window seals, we suggest having them professionally installed.

What Causes RV Window Seals to Shrink? 

RV window seals shrink for a variety of reasons. They’re usually made of rubber, making them sensitive to extreme temperature changes and direct sunlight. Whether you’re using your RV or not, an RV spends most of its time in the sun. Even if you can keep your RV in the garage, it’s most likely exposed to the weather for a long time on a dealership or manufacturing lot.

Differences in temperature can increase the drying out of RV window seals. Your seals are more likely to shrink or suffer other problems as they get older. But just because you have a new RV doesn’t mean you don’t have any worries.

Some window seals can also occur to completely new RVs. It’s no secret that the construction of some new RVs is inadequate, or that manufacturers utilize low-quality parts. It’s only a matter of time until a problem occurs if the manufacturer uses low-quality window seals.

When to Fix And When To Replace RV Window Seals? 

Any seals that are damaged or have failed must be repaired or replaced. Otherwise, you can be easily confronted with the danger of water getting into your RV and causing serious damage if you don’t intervene. This isn’t something you want to find out when you arrive at a spot and open up your RV. Have you ever had to replace or repair any of your RV window seals?

FAQ: People Also Ask

1. What Happens When a Window Loses Its Seal?

When the seal on an RV window begins to fail, you may notice the dampness on the window, air, and water leaks, or nothing at all. In either case, you’ll want to get the seal fixed as soon as possible before it becomes a bigger problem and causes further damage to your RV.

2. Do Broken Seals Need to Be Replaced?

Unless the window itself is damaged, RV windows with damaged seals rarely need to be replaced. Instead, you’ll simply need to replace the seal to avoid any leaks.

3. How often do window seals need to be replaced?

The quick answer is that windows should be resealed as problems arise. The best thing you can do is examine their quality on a regular basis to identify problems early. However, it is considered that changing the seal every 5 years will keep it fresh and effective, preventing future problems.

4. Are broken window seals a big deal?

In most circumstances, a broken window seal is not a major problem. While window seal failure eliminates many of the energy-saving benefits found in double or triple-pane windows, it has no effect on the window’s function or appearance, except for the occurrence of window condensation on occasion.

Final Thoughts

I hope that you now understand everything about RV window seals. Ideally, after reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how RV window seals shrink. Finally, we’d like to emphasize the need of taking additional care of your RV windows. Aside from that, you’ll now know how to handle these situations in the future. So, why don’t you give it a shot? Best of luck. Have a great time camping.