Caulk inspection

[gbaglo]

I'm afraid to search "caulk".

[cpaharley2008]

no attachment....

[LarryandLiz]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

That's what I'm asking. Look for what ( beyond the obvious )?

Our 17b was picked up in August 2014 and has been outside ever since.

I've been wondering about window and the other trailer openings which require regular inspection (as per ETI Warranty). I've attached pictures (taken today) of several pictures. The upper sealant appears fine. I'm wondering when (beyond pure ascetics) it becomes prudent to re-caulk.

With my retirement coming on March 10 !! I have some extra time.

I posted pictures because it is difficult for me to know what I am looking for and I'd rather not make things worse by fiddling with the trailer. In a few weeks on a nice spring day, I'll use a ladder to view the roof.


Any assistance would be appreciated.

Larry

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, that is clear caulk along the tops of your windows which also have butyl tape sealant around the window perimeter, the caulk is an extra measure of sealant. Also the tops of your lights have the clear caulk also.

[PGDriver]

Larry the windows look fine the butyl tape that they are installed with will basically reseal them every time they they get hot in the sun.

Cheers
Doug

[Daubsy]

I don't have the clear caulk on my Windows. Is this something I should do?

[MyronL]

Watch for leaks on the inside.

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I'm afraid to search "caulk".

just make sure your Grandkids aren't in the room.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Daubsy

I don't have the clear caulk on my Windows. Is this something I should do?

I'm sure you do, it is not very noticeable. Check your lights also.

[Donna D.]

Clear caulk doesn't stay clear for long. For years, all-molded-towables have done just fine without any caulk around the windows. The butyl is what keeps the windows leak-free. IMHO caulk around the frame is an un-necessary Band-Aid. YMMV

[MyronL]

And, remember any silicone caulk, clear or otherwise, attracts dirt like flies on honey.

[Greg A]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Clear caulk doesn't stay clear for long. For years, all-molded-towables have done just fine without any caulk around the windows. The butyl is what keeps the windows leak-free. IMHO caulk around the frame is an un-necessary Band-Aid. YMMV

Second Donna. Caulk put over a window installation says to me that we're not confident we installed the window correctly. If an RV window is set properly with butyl, it will be leak free for many, many years. The caulk will ultimately not look good and will be a mess to remove and keep from detracting from the trailers appearance. Knowing that they do this now, if I were having one built I would ask they not caulk over the windows.

[Bobbito]

I don't have absolute confidence in butyl as it ages. I will always ensure I have the caulking at the top and sides. Why do you think most RVs have it? I think there is a reason.

Bob K

[PGDriver]

Bob I have taken out and replaced RV, residential and commercial windows installed with butyl tape and would have no problem saying don't worry about them for 20 plus years. On a hot day the butyl gets really soft (and messy) this basically allows it to reseal itself continually.
As for the caulking at the top and sides it is probably more to stop the butyl from oozing out then sealing.

Cheer
Doug

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Bobbito

I don't have absolute confidence in butyl as it ages. I will always ensure I have the caulking at the top and sides. Why do you think most RVs have it? I think there is a reason.

Bob K

I have found the butyl to dry out as it ages and pieces missing ( not my Escape yet ). Could be the different temps here , sometimes very hot . Pat

[PGDriver]

Hi Pat
There is butyl, putty and a butyl putty mixture that has been used in the past. I have seen that stuff dry out but the only pure butyl I have seen dry out was on 30 plus year old residential wood windows and the oils in the butyl had been absorbed into the wood.
With pure butyl tape on non porous surfaces I wouldn't worry about it drying out for a long time.

Cheers
Doug

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by PGDriver

Hi Pat
There is butyl, putty and a butyl putty mixture that has been used in the past. I have seen that stuff dry out but the only pure butyl I have seen dry out was on 30 plus year old residential wood windows and the oils in the butyl had been absorbed into the wood.
With pure butyl tape on non porous surfaces I wouldn't worry about it drying out for a long time.

Cheers
Doug

I hear you but it dried out on aluminum RV 's both at least 20 years old . Also dirt I noticed was in the butyl . There was no silicone on top and sides as the trailer . Where the dirt was imbedded in butyl had the missing pieces . Sides and bottom seemed to be fine . It was the top . Pat

[PGDriver]

That makes sense Pat as 20 plus years ago was when the butyl putty mixture was prevalent and the frames didn't fit tight against the siding leaving a ledge for dirt to sit which would certainly absorb the oils and cause a drying effect.

The new later model window frames are curved back at the outside edge to fit tight against the wall and thus eliminating that problem.

Cheers
Doug

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by PGDriver

That makes sense Pat as 20 plus years ago was when the butyl putty mixture was prevalent and the frames didn't fit tight against the siding leaving a ledge for dirt to sit which would certainly absorb the oils and cause a drying effect.

The new later model window frames are curved back at the outside edge to fit tight against the wall and thus eliminating that problem.

Cheers
Doug

Doug good to know . Pat

[LarryandLiz]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Yes, that is clear caulk along the tops of your windows which also have butyl tape sealant around the window perimeter, the caulk is an extra measure of sealant. Also the tops of your lights have the clear caulk also.

Originally Posted by PGDriver

Larry the windows look fine the butyl tape that they are installed with will basically reseal them every time they they get hot in the sun.

Cheers
Doug

Thanks Jim and Doug

The ETI warranty states that it is the owner's responsibility to inspect Windows, lights and all of the entry points. Something we should all keep in mind. Everything requires maintenance or at least inspection.

Larry