Are you having issues finding the best RV caulk? Well, you aren’t alone these days due to the marketplace becoming flooded with options. Honestly, it’s mind blowing how many different variations of these products there are for customers to sift through.
But the problem with this oversaturation is a lot of these RV caulks are subpar and coming from manufacturers that want to make a quick buck. It becomes quite apparent a customer needs to understand how you can identify the lesser products from the high-quality ones.
And this article will help you do exactly this by guiding you through all the relevant information about these useful products. It’ll go over topics like types, determining factors, where to buy, and other essential knowledge as a way of giving you the tools for making an informed decision.
It’ll even provide you with reviews of the RV caulks I consider the best on the market. All of this information will help you find the product that meets all your expectations and makes water damage something you never worry about again.
So please, continue reading and let me help make this buying experience less stressful. I promise it’ll help you end up with a product you feel happy with as a customer.
Best Overall | Longest Lasting | Most Feature Rich | |
Preview | Ziollo RV Flex Repair | Geocel 28100V | Dicor 501LSW-1 |
Volume | 10 oz | 10 oz | 10.3 oz |
Weatherproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compatible Material | Rubber, EPDM, Metal, PVC, Concrete, Kynar, Aluminum, Wood, Fiberglass | Alloy Steel, Glass, Vinyl, Wood, Fiberglass, Aluminum | Aluminum, Concrete, Metal, EPDM, TPO Sheeting, Vinyl, Fiberglass |
Details | Details | Details |
Table of Contents
15 Most Trusted RV Caulk Reviews
In this section, we’re going to provide you with reviews of RV caulks on the market and one accessory. These discussions will give an outline of what a high-quality one of these products might look before you start searching.
1. Ziollo Repair RV Silicone Caulking
The Ziollo Repair RV Silicone Caulking is a perfect option for anyone who considers themselves an environmentally conscious person. In fact, Ziollo did an excellent job ensuring this product was utterly eco-friendly with its non-hazardous formula.
As a result, this caulking is more versatile than some other available options. I can use it indoors or outdoors without worrying about breathing in toxic materials. For instance, I used it to recaulk my RV’s windows and haven’t had a single issue with it.
I’m also delighted with its waterproof and breathable seal quality. I haven’t encountered a single leak through my roof or windows where I’ve applied this caulk. It’s pretty impressive because I tend to travel through areas with excessive amounts of precipitation.
Buyers won’t have to worry about finding uses for it, either. It can work on various surfaces, including wood, metal, fiberglass, EPDM rubber, and much more. RVers shouldn’t have much trouble getting the most out of this high-quality caulking.
Furthermore, it’s an excellent choice for bulk buyers with its delightful 4-pack option. I won’t have to worry about spending money on an RV caulk for a long time with this purchase. It’s another worry lifted off my shoulders when traveling inside my rig.
Ziollo was even kind enough to provide each buyer with a lifetime warranty. Buyers don’t usually get these policies with other RV caulk products, which just shows how serious Ziollo is when it comes to pleasing customers.
2. Geocel ProFlex RV Sealant
The first product we’re going to discuss is the Geocel ProFlex RV Sealant. And it has a set of features any RV owner would enjoy having aboard their rig. I mean, this product offers an excellent looking finish without being too noticeable.
What more could you ask for in an RV caulk? Well, it also has the capability of working on a variety of RV materials, which highlights its versatility. For instance, you can use it to seal both your air compressor and air conditioner parts.
I also found its ability to withstand different weather conditions as an appealing trait. You see this Proflex RV caulk has fantastic UV stabilization, which means it should have no issues remaining effect in those hot summer days.
Along the same lines, this product’s also water resistant and will stand up to rain, snow, or sleet without becoming soggy. And given the wet environment where I RV, you can bet I value this particular feature greatly.
We should mention this product might be the best caulk for RV windows thanks to its extreme flexibility as well. This ability helps it deal with things like joint movement, which means you can reasonably expect this caulking to last a long time.
And this product also resistant to dirt pick-up that’ll ensure the nice looking finish stays intact regardless of the environment around the caulking. You can take comfort in the fact this caulk is both resealable and paintable as well.
3. Dicor Lap Sealant
Coming from one of the more known manufacturers on this list, the Dicor Lap Sealant will provide you with high-quality performance. The features it offers are almost unrivaled within this marketplace.
I mean, this product is watertight ensuring it’ll prevent any water damage from occurring like leaks. It’ll also make sure this caulk can hold up reasonably well during rainstorms or heavy snowstorms.
It was nice to see that this Dicor RV caulk can stick onto basically any material as well: wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, concrete, etc. And the best part is it has a strong adhesion level, which means you can expect this caulk to be long-lasting.
This caulk also offers a certain level of versatility as it’s effective on numerous parts of your RV. You can use it for sealing your roof, air vents, pipes, RV edges, screws, windows, etc. And it offers a high-quality performance when used in all these areas.
Plus, it doesn’t discolor over time, which tends to be a significant issue will a lot of RV caulks. This product will instead blend in with the material’s color and ensure you don’t end up with that awful looking shade of yellow left behind by most sealants.
This type of problem isn’t something you expect to see from a high-quality brand like Dicor. But this issue wasn’t an overwhelming common occurrence within the product reviews; therefore, it might be a couple of isolated incidents.
4. Premier Pro Products RV Roof Sealant
Roof repair has never been easier than with Premier Pro Products’ RV Roof Sealant. Its unique formula will work on almost any roof, from commercial to camper roofs. The product has fans in nearly every group associated with this type of maintenance.
Aside from its versatility, I was pleased with its product strength. It provides a rugged and robust seal around seams or fasteners. Honestly, I can’t imagine a situation where this caulk would fail to meet a roofer’s expectations.
It’s also not only usable on roofs. This caulking does a solid job as an RV caulk for vertical surfaces outdoors, such as gutters. In fact, it did wonders in keeping my gutters from leaking when encountering even the heaviest downpours.
The product’s white coloring was another crucial attribute for me. It doesn’t blend perfectly like a clear RV caulk, but it’s the next best thing. I didn’t have a single issue with this roof sealant standing out on my RV roof or gutters.
Buyers won’t have to use a caulk gun with this option, either. Its application process removes the need to buy or use another tool, which can often be a hassle. It eliminates another thing to think about when using these products.
Furthermore, I have to speak about this sealant’s longevity. It has proven to last longer than many of its competing RV caulk products. Users don’t need to reapply it onto their roofs or other affected areas as often as other options.
5. EternaBond RSW-4-50 RoofSeal Sealant Tape
The EternaBond RSW-4-50 RoofSeal Sealant Tape isn’t precisely an RV caulk; but it offers such practicality as an alternative method of resealing that I’d be doing a disservice by not including on this list.
You see this product is a sealant tape, which means its using process will be a whole lot easier than your typical caulk gun. In fact, the using method is easy enough for even a mechanically challenged individual like me.
All you have to do is cut the tape, paste onto the intended area, and press on it to ensure it sticks well enough. And since it also has a high adhesion level, you bet this tape will remain stuck onto the area without tearing for a long time.
The incredible flexibility of this product will help in this regard as well. As a result, it’ll quickly adapt to most situations and resist tearing, which is a quality you love seeing in any sealant product you’re considering.
I also found its UV resistance to be appealing as it’ll easily withstand the potential damage brought forth by those pesky UV rays. With this feature, you should have no worries about applying this tape during a hot summer day.
This feature means it won’t cause discoloration or stains as well. Overall, this sealant tape represents another option to consider when having some sealing that needs doing. It’ll get the job done in an efficient and timely manner.
6. Sashco Clear Lexel Adhesive Caulk
Our next product comes from a brand you’ll see multiple times on this list, Sashco. And due to this, you can imagine we think highly of this particular manufacturer. This lexel caulk for RV does nothing, but showcase why we hold them in such high regard.
For one, this caulk might have the highest level of tear resistance among any of the products on this list; therefore, it offers a sense of durability that you might not see with other models within this marketplace.
But this caulk isn’t just tear resistant, but crack resistant as well. You can also take comfort in it being both water and mold proof. In other words, there isn’t a potential issue that this product isn’t heavily prepared to prevent.
Plus, it has a sturdy construction, which makes it able to withstand a good scrub. In other words, when your RV picks up dirt around the caulking, you should have no issue with it tearing or coming off during the cleaning process.
This issue is often a significant problem with other caulks. And this product’s ability to make this problem a non-factor is one of the primary reasons you see it on the list. However, there are some concerning things worth mentioning about this caulk.
You see this product does use materials that when you breathe them in become toxic. As a result, using this caulk indoors isn’t something I recommend. It’s better to use it specifically for RV exterior purposes.
7. ToughGrade Self-Leveling RV Lap Sealant
The ToughGrade Self-Leveling RV Lap Sealant is another product that’s worth your time given its sturdy construction and effective performance. This conclusion is especially true for people looking to seal tougher materials like metal or an aluminum roof.
Its sturdy construction lends itself incredibly useful in these situations. And it also helps that its using process is straightforward. In fact, several customer reviews praise this caulk’s performance in this area.
You see this caulk comes out of the gun smoothly, which can be an issue for other products. It’s even a self-leveling sealant that will spread itself out; given this information, it’s quite apparent this product is one of the more user-friendly models.
Plus, it’s both water and UV resistant, which means it’ll hold up incredibly well even in the harshest weather conditions. With these qualities, it’ll also prevent leaks and fight against discoloration.
The versatility this product offers isn’t too shabby either; it can work on various materials including any RV roof surface you might encounter. I think it’s fair to say that you’ll get your money’s worth out of this particular caulk.
And since it comes in a 4-pack, you can buy it in a bulk quantity. If you have substantial repairs to do, this option might be the most cost-effective on this entire list when you consider everything. Honestly, there’s isn’t much you can complain about this RV caulk.
It’s not something you want to read considering it says it’s usable on rubber roofs in the product description.
8. Sashco Through The Roof Sealant
Our second Sashco product leaves off where the first one did by showcasing why this brand has such a stellar reputation among RV owners. This particular product is an RV roof caulk that will ensure leaks aren’t a thing you have to experience.
It can provide this sense of comfort through ensuring your RV roof is watertight, which means it’ll hold up even during the nastiest rainstorms. And given the heavy rainfall I continuously encounter in Florida, you can bet this quality is something I’m always looking for in these products.
I also love that this product offers UV, water, and mildew resistance. Each of these protections will help ensure this caulk is a long-lasting product. Its versatility is another selling point you have to mention when discussing this product.
You see this caulk is capable of sticking to practically every roofing surface: concrete, plastic, metal, asphalt, wood, etc. And it effectively works on each one without complications or issues, which is always something you like to see.
It helps that this caulk’s flexibility is off the charts as well. With this quality, you can expect this product to adapt effectively regardless of the weather conditions. I mean, this product won’t even freeze in subzero temperatures.
The clear coloring of this caulk is something that shouldn’t go overlooked either. This aspect ensures staining or the caulking turning yellow overtime will not happen; therefore, you won’t have to worry about any gross looking coloring ending up on your RV.
9. Alpha Systems Self-Leveling RV Roof Sealant
The Alpha Systems Self-Leveling RV Roof Sealant is a product that offers superior weather resistance. What does this mean? This quality ensures things like snowstorms, UV rays, rainstorms, sleet, or even extremely cold does not affect this caulk’s performance.
For instance, this Alpha system product has even help up in -40 degree Fahrenheit weather, which is almost unheard with these products. And since I don’t intend on RVing in that extreme of conditions, I’m reasonably sure this caulk will remain useful in whatever situation I find myself.
But this aspect isn’t the only area where this product excels. It also provides excellent adhesion to various surfaces, which highlights its overall versatility. I found the fact that it’s paintable to be an appealing feature as well.
You won’t have to worry about this caulking peeling or tearing when applying a roof coating, a paint onto your roof; therefore, you don’t need to spend time resealing. Anything that limits my time doing maintenance on my RV is something I’m going to put down as a win.
I also like that this product is available for a reasonable price even though it comes in a larger quantity than most of the products on this list. A situation like this one speaks to this company’s focus on making sure the customer ends up satisfied with their purchase.
Its self-leveling capabilities aren’t too shabby either and reduce the work you have to do during the using process. Overall, if you’re looking for a roofing sealant, you could do a whole lot worse than this Alpha Systems product.
10. Beech Lane RV White Roof Sealant Tape
Another sealant tape I couldn’t resist reviewing is the Beech Lane RV White Roof Sealant Tape. And this product has the capability of working on several different roofing surfaces: TPO, EPDM, PVC, most metals, and Hypalon.
It also uses self-priming technology, which will stick immediately to the surface when you follow the instructions correctly. In doing so, it creates a protective layer that’ll ensure water doesn’t have a chance of entering your RV.
I found the using process to be appealing as well given how easy the installation is for the person using it. In fact, several customers praised this aspect of this sealant tap in the customer reviews.
It got to the point where I was almost shocked when a review didn’t mention the installation process being simple. I also love that you only have to apply this product once as it’s a permanent solution rather than a temporary one.
You see this product’s designed to last for 20 years, which means the thought of needing a recaulking will never enter your mind. You can instead focus on the more fun parts of the RVing experience when you have this product at your disposal.
And the lifetime warranty Beech Lane offers isn’t something to ignore either. This feature ensures you have some protection in the event something happens to the tape. It never hurts to have some insurance to protect you against receiving a faulty product.
11. Dap Clear Silicone Sealant
Our next product, the Dap Clear Silicone Sealant, features various elements that make it a must consider product. The first thing that stands out is its ability to provide watertight seals around a variety of different surfaces: vents, doors, gutters, trim, molding, windows, tiles, bathtubs, etc.
This multiple use capability means you’ll undoubtedly find more than one way to use the benefits this product offers. And these beneficial qualities are quite extensive with things like its easy to use installation process and excellent adhesion properties.
Both these features speak to the overall quality of this product and its long-lasting nature. I also love this caulk’s waterproof and weatherproof capabilities. These two qualities ensure no pesky weather condition will end up ruining your seals.
It even has mildew resistance to ensure your RV has protection against everything that might cause it some damage. The 50-year durability guarantee is another nice touch this manufacturer was kind enough to add.
It shows this company has some faith in this product and should give you some confidence regarding this caulk’s overall quality. After all, if they had to keep honoring that agreement, they’d end up losing a ton of money.
But the best part about this product is the price. You see it’s the least expensive option on this entire list and performs at a similar level than all the products that cost more. It’s quite apparent that all you bargain buyers should move this item to the top of your list.
12. 3M Marine Fast Cure Adhesive/Sealant
If you’re looking for the best caulk for fiberglass RV, the 3M Marine Fast Cure ADhesive/Sealant might be the product for you. This sealant was constructed to provide a waterproof seal between fastened joints on fiberglass material.
It provides this same quality with other materials as well: wood, metal, and virtually all plastics above or below the waterline. This product also equipped with an excellent UV resistance, which is something I consider a must have quality in any caulk I consider buying.
This feature means you can expect this caulk to a long-lasting performance regardless of the weather conditions. It even works on plastics underwater, which makes this product incredibly useful for all your boaters out there.
I also found this caulk’s unique strength balance to be intriguing. You see this product is strong enough to remain effective, but you can easily remove it when you want. It’s another feature that highlights the elevated user-friendliness of this product.
In the same regard, it’s cure time 24 hours is another aspect that conveys this product’s convenience. Waiting around for five days for the seal to dry isn’t something I want in a product like this one. And with this product, it’s a non-issue thanks to this fantastic cure time.
I have to mention this product’s extreme flexibility as well. This caulk was created with enough flexibility that it could adapt to any situation that presents itself. These situations include the vibrations, swelling, and shock that common in marine environments.
13. Geocel White Advanced RV EPDM Roof Sealant
The Geocel White Advanced RV EPDM Roof Sealant doesn’t leave much for an RV owner to complain about as it has everything you could want. For instance, it uses advanced technology to ensure it effectively does its job without swelling or damaging the EPDM material.
In doing so, it relies on its excellent flexibility to ensure it can withstand the continually changing conditions around it; therefore, it can adapt to things like joint movements and different temperatures without cracking or peeling.
You can even apply to damp surfaces without issues because of its adaptability. It also has superior UV resistance to prevent discoloration and stains — nothing worse than seeing ugly yellow caulking that sticks out like a sore thumb on an RV.
With this product, an issue like this one wouldn’t ever be something you end up experiencing. It’s imperative we note that this caulk is fireproof as well, which might seem like a non-essential characteristic to some of you. But you never know when you might end up needing it.
As a result, this trait isn’t something I actively seek out; however, when it’s added into the mix, it certainly isn’t going into the cons side of the equation. I mean, more protection against dangerous elements has never hurt anyone when it comes to these type of products.
On a less serious note, the white color is another benefit this caulk provides. It’ll effortlessly blend into most surfaces and be unnoticeable. In the end, this Geocel product is another reliable option for you RVers with EPDM roofs.
14. Dicor Butyl Seal Tape
Our next product is the Dicor Butyl Seal Tape, which is another sealant tape that warrants your consideration. You see this particular item has become relatively popular among RV owners for a simple reason: the installation process is quick and easy.
And the entire process will end up causing you no hassles or complications. I mean, the tape can quickly seal uniquely shaped joints without a problem. Tubed sealants tend to have some significant issues in this regard.
It also helps that this product is on a continuous roll, which means you can apply it without having any gaps within your seal. With this in mind, the worry of moisture and water finding its way into a crack or gap within your RV becomes a non-issue.
You can apply it to other parts of your RV as well: air conditioners, venting systems, vents, etc. Given this information, you should be able to figure out a multitude of ways of getting the absolute most from this useful sealant tape.
But these features aren’t even the best part about this product. The price ends up with this title as it reasonably priced and downright affordability. Honestly, I was shocked when I first noticed the amount considering all these great qualities.
If you need an RV roof sealant, there might not be a better bargain out there. And that’s why it was essential this product make this list even though it’s technically not an RV caulk. It’s a spectacular option that deserves a bit of praise.
15. EternaBond EternaClean Cleaner
If you plan on applying caulk or sealant, the EternBond EternaClean Cleaner can help prepare the surface. It does this outstanding quality through cleaning the surface of potential contaminants such as tree sap, grease, oil, grime, etc.
In other words, it cleans the surface of anything that might affect the performance of the sealant or caulk. You see a caulk or sealant effectiveness tends to heighten depending on the cleanliness of the area you’re sealing.
With this in mind, you can imagine how valuable a product like this one is to the overall sealing process. And the good news is this entire process gets done promptly, which ensures you don’t end up feeling like you’re wasting your time.
You can also take comfort in the fact that this product is entirely environmentally friendly, which eliminates another excuse for not buying this useful accessory. I should also note that it doesn’t leave any residue behind that might become noticeable.
The buying in bulk option is a nice touch by the manufacturer as well. It shows the manufacturer is thinking about the RV owner who might be doing extensive repairs and needs multiple cans of this product. And they were even kind enough to throw in a discount for buying in bulk.
RV Caulk Buyer’s Guide
The following information will help ensure you end up buying the right RV caulk for your needs. It’ll guide through all the essential knowledge you’ll need to make sure you end up making an informed final decision.
Things to know before buying an RV caulk
All of these types probably got you wondering what caulk to use on my RV? Well, certain factors will help determine, which product represents the best one for you. And we’ll discuss these factors at length in the discussions below.
Once you a firm grasp of them, deciding which RV caulk is the right one should be a relatively straightforward process.
Budget
Understanding how much you want to spend on an RV caulk is an essential step. It’s a good way of limiting the options you have to choose from as a potential customer. This decrease in choices will help make this process feel less stressful.
Setting a budget also helps ensure your satisfaction with the product you end up choosing. I mean, if you buy something above the price you were initially willing to spend, there’s always going to be a feeling of buyer’s remorse.
As a result, making sure you weigh what to expect from each product becomes a huge factor in this process. You’ll need to evaluate each RV caulk and find the option that fits into your budget while fulfilling all your requirements.
And if you do set up a proper budget, there’s no reason to expect you won’t come away with the most cost-effective product on the market.
What You’re Sealing
Another critical factor is the material you’ll be sealing. In most cases, your rig will consist of some sort of rubber, which means you’ll need to find a caulk that works on that material. Rigid sealants typically are the best for this situation.
But it might turn out your RV consists of other materials like aluminum or fiberglass. In this situation, an acrylic caulk would be a bad idea, and you should look for something like a tube sealant.
It’s a little confusing, but there’s some good news as the product description will usually tell you with what substances the caulk is useful; however, you should always check the customer reviews to ensure the manufacturer didn’t lie about the product’s capabilities.
Why You’re Sealing
The reason behind your need for an RV caulk is incredibly important as well. It will be a significant determining factor in the product you end up purchasing. For instance, if you have a small crack that needs sealing, an acrylic caulk would be the right choice.
But if you have more significant repair issues, it’d be wise to go with an adhesive caulk or a stickier product. These types provide more durability and stickiness than your standard acrylic, which means they function better for the bigger maintenance jobs.
UV Resistance
One of the essential features your RV caulk must have is UV resistance. This aspect will ensure your caulk will hold up in hotter climates. If your RV caulk doesn’t have this capability, too much heat will make it weaker and tear it apart quickly.
And since your RV will be outside a lot of time, you can imagine how imperative it’s to get an RV caulk with UV resistance. This aspect is especially crucial for someone like me who takes RV trips into hotter climates like Florida and Arizona.
Waterproof
Like with UV resistance, you must ensure your RV caulk has waterproof capabilities. This quality will help prevent it from becoming soggy and tearing when it encounters rain. If it doesn’t have this feature, it’s highly probable you’ll end dealing with a leak.
With this in mind, you can see why most RV caulks have this capability. You should also make sure the product you’re considering actually can hold up in the rain by reading the customer reviews.
After all, there’s nothing angrier than an RVer dealing with water damage issues; therefore, a caulk that fails to be waterproof will undoubtedly have multiple customers complaining about it in these reviews.
Flexibility
You should also ensure your caulk has a certain level of flexibility. This trait helps the product withstand turning without breaking. And you can never have enough flexibility within these products; therefore, try and find the model with the highest level.
It’ll help ensure your caulk remains effective regardless of the environment around it. It’s another quality that helps ensure the product’s overall durability.
Tear Resistance
Tear resistance is another feature that every high-quality RV caulk will have in their disposal. This quality refers to how long the product will remain effective without ripping or tearing it apart.
And finding a model with a high tear resistance will ensure it can hold up no matter the amount of pressure put onto it.
What are the different types of RV caulks?
As I alluded to above, there are many different types of caulks. It might seem overwhelming, but it’s a simple matter of picking the product that fulfills your needs the best. And we’ll help you do that by going over some of the most common RV caulk types below:
Silicone Caulk
The first type we’re going to go over is silicone caulk. This particular kind is reasonably popular for using on other appliances such as toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. But it doesn’t work all that well on RVs due to the constant outdoor exposure.
In these conditions, silicone caulk tens to get hard and brittle. This characteristic results in it being challenging to remove. There is good news about these products though as they’re mold and mildew proof.
As a result, it doesn’t matter how wet these might get; they’ll never attract molds. Therefore, these products do have some advantages with their use on RVs.
Acrylic Caulk
This type of caulk outpaces its fellow caulks in one vastly important area: price. You see this kind tends to be the cheapest on the market. Due to this, it’s also likely the most common you’ll end up finding.
You’ll typically see people using these acrylic caulks on smaller issues such as small cracks or gaps within walls and ceilings. It has also been proven to be useful on drywall and wood materials.
Vinyl Caulk
Vinyl caulk functions is a similar vein to the acrylic types; however, it has certain advantages that make it a better fit for RVs. For instance, vinyl caulks are both better at dealing with outdoor exposure and generally last longer than acrylic caulks.
With this in mind, if you plan on using your RV regularly, getting a vinyl caulk is a much better option than an acrylic one. It’ll probably cost a bit more, but the higher quality of performance will make the purchase cost-effective.
We also must note that there’s one slight disadvantage with vinyl caulks. These products aren’t the most flexible, which could result in the sealant cracking under extreme pressure.
Fireproof Caulk
One of the more unique types is this red colored fireproof caulk. As you expect from the name, this product has one specific purpose of blocking fire from entering your RV through seals. It might seem a little bit over-the-top.
I mean, how many times is your RV going to encounter fire? But it doesn’t hurt to be extra safe. If you plan on RVing in a woods or forest area, I’d recommend getting some fireproof caulk to protect against the possibility of a forest fire.
Adhesives Caulk
The last type is adhesives caulks, which offer the benefit of being incredibly sticky; therefore, you can reasonably expect these products to stick onto almost any material. This trait becomes extremely useful when you need to glue a part that came off and created a problem-causing-crack.
You see these products will both stick the pieces back together and seal off the crack. As a result, an adhesives caulk is an efficient, beneficial product that any RV owner could use around their RVs.
How to recaulk RV windows?
One of the most common maintenance issues an RVer will experience is leaking RV windows. This problem is one that needs to be taken care right away, which means they’ll need a recaulking.
After all, if you leave a leaking window unchecked, water will eventually enter your RV’s walls and cause significant water damage; therefore, learning how to re-caulk windows should be something ever RVer learns.
The good news is this process isn’t too complicated and all you need are some RV caulking tips. In fact, it boils down to a three-step procedure that we’ll go over down below:
Materials Needed
- Flexible RV caulk
- Caulking gun
- Masking tape
- Ladder
- sponges
- Petroleum jelly
- Razor blade
Step 1: Preparation
The first you need to do is locate the leak. You see replacing all the caulk will take a lot of time and might not be necessary. Once you do find it, you must then remove the old caulking from around the leak’s edges with a razor blade.
It’s essential you do this process carefully and with caution. You don’t want accidentally slice yourself or scratch the window glass.
Step 2: Cleaning
After removing the old caulking, you must then clean the window’s outside frame with a sponge and cleaner. This part of the process is incredibly essential because the caulking will hold up better with a cleaner area.
You should take some time to wash the windows as well during this time. It’ll require you using a ladder, which will allow you to reach the top parts of the window. You’ll also need to apply masking tape to cover the areas you don’t want the caulking sticking.
In doing so, you’re making the clean-up process make easier and less time-consuming.
Step 3: Apply RV Caulk
The next thing you should do is open your tube of RV caulk and cut a hole into its tip. From there, use a screwdriver to pierce the tube’s membrane. Place the tube into your caulking gun. And then you’re finally ready to start sealing your RV window.
The applying process begins with you putting a bead of caulking around the entire edge of your window: put extra focus on the leaking part. It’ll prevent any new leaks from forming down the road.
After you have done the caulking, place a little bit of petroleum jelly on your finger. Take your finger and run the jelly along the bead, which will ensure the caulking doesn’t stick to your skin. It’s also imperative that make sure you work the jelly into the caulking area.
Every time you stop when you’re applying the caulk, you should push the gun’s release lever. In doing so, you’re ensuring you don’t end up with an outrageous mess to clean up later. Once it’s fully applied, you must allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before you remove the tape.
This waiting period will result in excellent adhesion and limit the chances of you tearing off the caulking when you remove the tape. It’s the exact reason why using duct tape is a bad idea during this process.
How to caulk an RV roof?
Caulking an RV roof isn’t much more challenging than doing a window. In fact, it’s a simple seven-step process that I’ll quickly go over below:
- Make sure it’s not raining or snowing
- Clean your RV with soap and water
- Dry the water off completely
- Examine your RV’s roof for holes or cracks and take out your caulking gun
- Put your RV roof caulk into your caulking gun and cut the caulk tube’s tip off
- Use the gun to apply the caulk onto the crack and smooth it out
- Wait 24 hours for it to dry.
Sounds simple, right? Well, it is, and the overall process shouldn’t cause any frustration as long as you use these steps. We should mention that you need to make sure the caulking you’re using is usable on your roof’s material.
RV Caulk FAQs
What is the best RV caulk?
Caulk is a silicone sealant that you use to seal up cracks and gaps within your ceilings, walls, doors, etc. An RV caulk is essentially the same thing, but it has certain aspects that make it more useful on an RV.
In other words, an RV caulk will have features that make sure it can handle being the environments an RV frequents. For instance, the sealant will have a focus on staying effective in outdoor climates because an RV is always outdoors.
These certain features will include things like UV resistant, waterproof capabilities, mold and mildew prevention, etc. Everything you might think a sealant would need to remain effective in outdoors.
We should also mention there are different types of RV caulks for different RVs. We’ll dive into this particular topic more below; But the general idea is you’ll have to account for the kind of rig you have when buying RV caulk.
Given all this information, it’s quite apparent that buying a high-quality RV caulk is a wise move. I mean, anything that can help ensure you don’t have to pay for water damage repairs is something worth considering.
What are the most trusted RV caulk brands?
Certain RV caulk brands continually separate themselves from their competitors. These companies rely on providing high-quality products and customer service to build a strong relationship with their consumers.
Most of the manufacturers who fit this description are the ones you saw in our product review section. But even within this group, three brands go above and beyond for their customers: Geocel, Dicor, and Sashco.
And since you plan on buying an RV caulk soon; we thought offering some background into each of these brands could help with this process. In other words, get you familiar with the top manufacturers in this marketplace.
Geocel
Since 1974, Geocel has gained a reputation for providing high-quality sealants to their customers. This status comes from the fact their products being innovative and designed with sturdy, long-lasting construction.
It’s these qualities that make it such a common thing to see Geocel products among the most popular in their respective marketplaces. And it’s why I’m so comfortable recommending their sealants without hesitation.
Dicor
As a leading manufacturer of RV caulks, Dicor has risen above its competitors thanks to their forward-thinking designs. It also helps that they’re always willing to account for customer feedback when creating their products.
Given these two qualities, it shouldn’t be shocking that Dicor is a respected brand among RV owners. If you don’t believe me, look at any of their product’s customer reviews; there almost always largely positive.
Sashco
Everything this brand does is based on five distinct values: trust, truth, care, respect, and forgiveness. And with relying on these traits, this company has been able to make some of the top-rated caulks in the entire world.
This success comes with an understanding that the customer’s needs and wants come above everything else. As a potential customer, I’d feel very confident buying from a manufacturer with this type of mindset.
How often should you caulk your RV?
Caulking for RV windows or roofs is necessary, as these areas are exposed to rain, which often results in water leaks or mold and mildew.
RV owners should do their best to inspect their rig’s caulking every couple of months. Then, if they see any cracking or other worrying issues, apply some new caulking onto those areas. Most people find it helpful to reapply caulking for campers about twice a year, but it depends on your circumstances.
It’s also a massive step to prevent any costly maintenance needs.
How do you use an RV caulk?
In most cases, using RV caulk isn’t a complex process. Some manufacturers can be a little overambitious with their products and application directions. But RVers can usually enjoy straightforward usage:
- Start by checking the weather conditions. You want to ensure it’s sunny when using caulk for camper roof projects or windows. Moreover, there mustn’t be any chance of rain or other precipitation.
- Once the conditions are ideal, it’s time to find a suitable parking location. Try to find a parking spot away from trees or branches. These pieces of nature can quickly become nuisances by sticking onto the caulk after its application.
- Proceed to clean your rig and let it dry entirely. Cleaning helps prepare the surface for the sealant and allows you to spot areas that need repair.
- At this point, you should have a suitable caulk for RV seams or roofing. You can pick between leveling and non-self-leveling sealants.
- Your next step is loading the caulk tube into your caulk gun. Don’t start this process without reading the instructions beforehand to avoid any issues.
- Once loaded correctly, apply the caulk onto the needed locations by pressing the trigger.
- You’ll need to smooth out the caulk. A piece of cardboard can be a fantastic tool for the smoothing out process. Before moving your rig, let the caulk dry for a day (24 hours).
How do you repair cracked RV caulking?
If the caulk has cracked, it doesn’t need repairing. Its overall state is past any repairs, making it necessary to scrape it off and reapply a new layer. Repairing cracked caulk for RV roof or seams is like putting a bandaid on a broken leg.
Why is RV exterior caulking necessary?
RV caulk is a must-have item for a variety of reasons. The first being you need to ensure any water damage doesn’t become a money sucking issue. You see these products will make sure water won’t get into cracks or spaces and form leaks.
These products will also prevent outside environmental elements from causing your RV damage as well: rain, snow, moisture, insects, etc. It does this incredible ability through sealing up cracks to a point where nothing can slither through them.
Depending on the RV caulk you get, mold and mildew won’t be an issue either as they offer protection against these issues too. In the end, RV exterior caulking is necessary to prevent your RV from feeling the wrath of damage causing environmental factors.
Do RV caulks work on every material?
Some RV caulks will work on other surfaces such as bathtubs, but the results won’t be as effective as you might desire. It’s also essential we acknowledge that not all RV caulks are capable of even working to a lesser degree on other materials.
This lack of versatility comes from these products consists of a design that’s formulated to work specifically on RVs; therefore, some of the things included in an RV caulk construction might not mesh well with a surface like a bathtub.
It’s little details like these that make it imperative you read the caulk’s product description before purchasing. In doing so, you’re making sure you know all the situations where a product might thrive or fail.
Reading customer reviews will help in this regard as well. You see it’s not always smart to take a manufacturer at their word: sometimes these companies like to exaggerate their product’s capabilities.
And the customer reviews will give you a good a basis about whether the product can do the things its description says. In the case, whether or not a caulk can work on a certain material.
Do the silicone caulk work good?
Using regular silicone caulk that you use for home appliances on an RV might seem like a good idea, but it’s not at all. You see there’s a reason these RV specific caulks exist. It’s because the regular silicone caulks aren’t capable of being productive when regularly exposed to the outdoors.
These caulks end up becoming too brittle or hard and don’t stick well to the materials that often make up RVs. It also doesn’t help that the silicone types don’t provide a lot of flexibility, which reduces its capability of effective covering a crack on an RV.
Overall, you should keep these silicone caulks around to use on your home appliances; but when it comes to sealing cracks and gaps within your RV, you should use an RV caulks preferably one I mention in this article!
How long do RV caulks last?
The length your RV caulk will last depends on a couple of different factors. The first being how regularly you intend on using your RV. What do I mean by this? Well, your RV caulk’s lifespan is directly affected by how much you use your RV.
If you use it a lot, you should expect the caulk to last a shorter amount of time. As a person who uses their RV regularly, I find myself re-caulking or sealing up some cracks about two times a year.
But this amount of could be much higher with a low-quality RV caulk; therefore, buying a high-quality is an essential step in reducing your re-caulking frequency.
Where to buy RV caulks?
Let’s say; you’re wondering where the best place to buy Dicor sealant or caulk is? Well, the best site would be the largest online marketplace in the entire world, Amazon. They’ll have the largest selection and lowest prices for someone looking to purchase a high-quality RV caulk.
Amazon also gives access to other people’s experiences with their extensive customer review section. As a result, you won’t have to take the company at their word about a product they intend on selling.
If you don’t like using Amazon, there are some other options worth exploring as well. For instance, Camping World is a great secondary online marketplace as it has a pretty wide selection and competitive prices.
In fact, it’s always a good idea to compare their prices with Amazon’s, which will ensure you don’t miss out on a sale. If neither of these options appeals to you, the local Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s, and RV shops should have a few RV caulks available.
The only downside with these stores is the prices will be much higher than what you see on Amazon and Camping World. But you do get the added benefit of face to face customer service, which you don’t get with online shopping.
Given all these options, you can see that there’s an acceptable choice, which will fit the preferences of whoever might need some RV caulk. But if it were me buying some, I’d stick with Amazon given all the amazing benefits they offer during the buying experience.
After all, there’s a reason the links in our product review section direct you towards the product’s Amazon page. It’s just the most convenient and cost-effective option any consumer has available to them.
Conclusion
Since you now have a firm grasp on these products, finding the best RV caulk shouldn’t be a hard thing to accomplish. All you have to do is apply all the knowledge you’ve gained from this article, and your search should go swimmingly.
You might even figure out one of the caulks from our product review section fits your situation perfectly. But overall, it’s all about understanding what you want from these products and finding one that fulfills those wants at a reasonable price.
If you do both of those things, it’ll likely result in you purchasing a cost-effective option that’ll more than meet your expectations. And then, you’ll never have to worry about leaks becoming a significant issue for your RV!
Plus, if you run into any more problems during your search, you can always tell us about them in the comment section below. We’d love to help out in any way we can!
Hi, I am Dane Heldt, a full-time RVer since 2016. I am always passionate about building and joining an RV community where people share their love for RV lives. This blog is a dream of mine, as I can finally share my experiences to help people who want to start living differently. So, feel free to reach out to me!