Best RV Window Caulk Reviews & Buying Guide 2022

Top 05 best RV Window Caulk Reviews

Buyers Guide on the Best RV Window Caulk

Finding the appropriate RV window caulk may not be an easy task, especially if you are a newbie. Manufacturers have come up with different brands of caulks, and each of them plays a different role. This part of the article discusses in depth what you need to consider before making a purchase decision.

Waterproof Capability

You should always go for a caulk that is 100% waterproof. This means that it will not let water penetrate through it by any chance. A waterproof caulk protects your RV from any damages caused by water, thus extending its lifespan.         

Type of Caulk

There exist different kinds of RV caulks depending on how you plan on using each of them. The acrylic caulk is the most affordable yet common. It helps to seal any cracks present on the windows and doors of your RV. 100% silicone caulk is perfect for use in the bath area of your RV.

There is no significant difference between vinyl and acrylic caulk, apart from the fact that the former lasts longer and is the best fit for RVs. As the name goes, adhesive caulk is usually very sticky, thus adheres quite well on any surface. It sticks together broken pieces.

Budget

How much are you willing to spend on an RV caulk? Depending on your needs and how much money you have, you can either get a cheap quality caulk or pricy and good quality. It is essential to get one that is value for the money.

Cheap caulks may easily crack, shrink, or yellow over time. Some may not stick well, and you may eventually regret why you purchased them. Therefore, it is vital to consider quality before purchasing. It is better to spend a lot of money on something worth it.

Sealing Material

What type of material are you using this caulk on? Are they compatible? These are the questions that should come to your mind when buying the sealant. Get a rigid caulk compatible with many surfaces, not only the rubber surface on your RV.

There are caulks appropriate for various surfaces, including; aluminum, metal, fiberglass, PVC, drywall, and ceramic ad cement. Nonetheless, most of this information is mentioned in the product description on the cover of the caulk.

Therefore, you will know if the caulk you are buying fits the surface, you will use it on.

Resistance to UV and Tear

Having a caulk resistant to UV rays makes it convenient in areas where the climate is hot. In case of any exposure to the UV, the caulk will neither crack nor shrink but correctly seal any holes or cracks.

Therefore, a UV resistant caulk is a must-have for any RV owner because of too much sunlight exposure. There is the other factor of tear resistance. This means that the caulk will not tear or rip after application. Even if there is lots of pressure, it shall still be in position.

Easy to use

You do not want to get a caulk that proves hard to use or apply to your RV windows or doors. A good caulk allows you a comfortable time during application without messy and sticky to your hands and the surrounding area.

There are caulks that you can use without the help of a caulk gun. These types just use a trigger and nozzle. They offer less fatigue. Also, cleaning the caulk off is essential. You can either use water or chemical solvents. We recommend you get the ones that need only water to clean them off.

Is there a Difference between Caulk and Sealants?

Many people often interchange these two words. But the question is, are they the same thing? Do they carry out the same functions? They do carry out similar tasks of sealing joints, cracks, or holes. This is their significant similarity.

However, some features differentiate the two. One prominent feature is elasticity. Caulks are defined by their rigidness, which makes them suitable for smaller cracks and holes. Therefore, they are not ideal in areas with extremely hot and cold temperatures. Moreover, they tend to dry out eventually.

On the other hand, sealants are more flexible, their central component being silicone. This makes them more durable and is ideal for areas that change temperatures regularly. They promise to give a tight water seal on your RV, thus protecting it against water damages.

Sealants emit a powerful odor that may not be likable. Also, in case of any spillages, you cannot clean off using water but using chemical solvents.

Additionally, caulks mainly seal cracks that emerge in the house after construction, while sealants stick together surfaces like metal, glass, or plastic. You can easily apply paint over some caulk types, such as acrylic latex, while silicone is not paintable.

Furthermore, caulk is useful on surfaces that experience less movement, whereas the elasticity of silicone enables it to withstand any kind of movement.

Different Types of RV Caulks

Silicone Caulk

They are best for when renovating projects around your house. It features excellent mildew resistant properties that make it ideal for use in the kitchen and bathroom area. Moreover, it withstands harsh weather conditions, including tough UV rays.

This type of caulk is not suitable for use in your RV because it is very hard to get rid of it. You need chemical solvents to make this possible. Therefore, you can hardly re-caulk your RV with it. Besides, it has a strong, pungent smell immediately after application, which disappears later.

Acrylic Caulk

This type of caulk is very common and budget-friendly. Their main advantage is that you can paint over them to avoid the color difference on the caulking surface. They are compatible with surfaces like drywall, mortar, and wood, among others.

Cleaning it off is very easy as you just need water and soap. Their downside is that they are not as elastic and flexible as silicone. They cannot withstand harsh temperatures because they may easily crack or shrink.

Synthetic Rubber Caulk

They adhere very well after application. You can either use them in hot or cold temperatures easily. This is why they are commonly useful, especially on surfaces that experience a lot of movement.

Vinyl Caulk

It is straightforward to use, apply, and clean. You can use it both inside and outside your RV. But for use outside, you need to get one that has a longer lifespan. Also, it is not flexible enough; therefore, using it in areas where temperatures keep changing is not recommended.

Fireproof Caulk

This type of caulk is not very common, but it will play a massive role in fires. It will prevent the flames from penetrating through the cracks that have a sealant.

Adhesive Caul

Benefits of an RV Caulk

Extends RV’s lifespan

Using the best RV window caulk not only extends the lifespan of your RV but also improves its general look. It is among the best maintenance practices carried out on your RV. If you feel the need to resell it, the caulk will give it an attractive appearance that will excite a buyer.

Curbs against dirt and Insects

Sealing any holes or cracks on your RV prevents entry of dirt or any other insects into your RV. This will ensure your RV stays clean throughout your stay on the road. No insects will infest your food nor disturb your comfort. It is essential to check that all entry points are sealed for high-performance results.

No Growth of Mold and Mildew

Naturally, mold and mildew grow in areas where there is a lot of moisture. Most of the caulks have mildew or mold-resistant feature that ensures there is no such growth. Watertight seals prevent water from penetrating your RV, and by this, no mold or mildew survives in a dry environment.

Prevents against Leakages

In case of any leakages, the caulks will fix this. Once you fix all the unnecessary openings on your RV windows and doors, there will be no room for water to go through and cause leakages. This greatly prevents water damages on your RV’s roof, floors, and walls.

No Energy Loss

When you apply caulk on holes and cracks, it will control the amount of cold and hot air getting into your RV. If the spaces are left open, hot and cold air is likely to escape, which increases the consumption of your RV’s air conditioner.

How to re-caulk RV Windows

Step 1: Prepare the materials

The first thing to do is to identify any holes, cracks, or leaks available on your RV. After finding it, get rid of the old caulking to make room for the new one. You may use water and soap to wash it off or a razor blade to scrap it off.

You need to have an RV caulk, caulking gun, masking tape, ladder, sponges, petroleum jelly, and a razor blade.

Step 2: Clean up the Window

The next step is to clean up the window using a sponge after getting rid of the old caulk. Make sure it is very clean so that it will allow you an easy time to re-caulk. To reach the hard to reach areas of your window, you may use a ladder.

If you need to prevent the caulking from leaking to other areas of your window, you can cover the rooms with masking tape.

Step 3: Apply Caulk

Get your caulk ready for application. If it has a nozzle and trigger, you will not need to use a caulking gun for application, which you find convenient. You can then begin the application process.

Begin by putting a whole chunk of caulk around the entire edge of your window. After this, you can now sign on the part that is leaking and carefully spread the caulk. In case you are using a caulking gun, ensure you release the gun's lever to avoid any kind of a mess.

After that, you can use some petroleum jelly or any other tool to level the caulk on the window. The petroleum jelly prevents the caulking from sticking on your hands.

Finally, after getting done with the application, you can dry at least 24 hours-48 hours. This provides the surface with an excellent and smooth finish after that. You can then remove the tapes you had earlier placed on the window area.

Conclusion

Having gone through these reviews keenly, you can agree that finding the best product that satisfies your needs is very simple. You need to use the information learned from above when searching for your best product. Therefore, ensure that the brand you pick fits your budget as well as your needs.

However, if you have any problem selecting the best RV window caulk, never hesitate to visit our website. On our site, we provide all the necessary information that will enable you to make the right decision on which product to pick from the list.

FAQs

• What is the best caulk to use around windows?

You can either use a 100% silicone or long-lasting polyurethane caulk, shrink-proof and waterproof for best results.

• Where should you not caulk around windows?

You should not caulk the weep hole of your RV window. The purpose of this hole found at the bottom of the outer frame of windows is to allow moisture behind the window to escape through the structure.

• Should I use caulk or silicone around windows?

This depends on some factors. You can use both of them. Caulk will dry much quicker than silicone and is more resistant to weather.

However, it is not suitable for areas that experience frequent movements. It may be rigid after drying up. If you need long-lasting protection for your windows, use a caulk made from 100% silicone or polyurethane.

• Do I have to remove the old caulk before caulking?

It is not a must to get rid of the old caulking before applying a new layer. You can use a wider bead of new caulk over the old layer of caulk, which sticks on both sides of the surfaces, not caulked.

• Why does caulk crack around windows?

It might be due to low-quality paint, usually chalky or sheetrock dust, not cleaned off the surface.

• How long does RV caulk last?

Most caulks are long-lasting, some even having a warranty period of up to 35 years. They usually stick very well on the surfaces applied on. So, the answer is that RV caulks last several years depending on the quality and how frequently you use your RV.