X17Z window reseal

[amabee]

After seeing several post of members have leaking windows after only a few years, I decided to take some preventative action and reseal my windows.
This is a really easy job, took maybe a 1 1/2hrs to do three windows and most of that is due to all the screws!!

Note, make sure you have a helper handy to hold the window, it is very possible they could fall once all the screws on trim ring are removed.

I started with with the tiny window above the sink, to get a feel for how this would go. You will of course need to remove the blind to get to the top screws. Once the screws are all out the trim ring may or may not, fall right off. If it doesn't, and on the larger windows it didn't, I just left in in place, makes it a little easier to align all the screw holes.

I used a plastic scraper to remove the old weather strip, then used some Goo Gone to remove some the sticky residue and dirt. I didn't spend alot of time trying to get all the old adhesive off, I don't really think it will matter that much. I also cleaned the area around the window opening. I then used 1/8" thick by 3/4" wide butyl tape. Make sure to keep it along the outside edge of the window flange and work it carefully around the corners. Don't stretch it.



The blinds on the other two windows also need to be taken down, I removed the "shelf" they are attached to, just a heads up, there's a screw in the middle that's kind of hard to see at first.



When it comes to putting them back in, the windows on mine had spacers along the bottom and on each side, so it's fairly easy to get them lined up. I have seen some pics where the windows are off center, these were actually fairly well centered. The weather strip, however, was not. You can see in the first pic where it looks the window is off, actually it's the seal that's off, it isn't going all the way to the edge on that corner.

[amabee]

Be careful also when putting the screws back in, not to over tighten them, they need to be snug but remember the wall is mostly foam. If all goes well you should some nice squeeze out from the butyl tape. To me this looks much more watertight.



All in all it's a fairly easy project. I was very glad to see there were no leaks, this pretty much guarantees their won't be. I am also going to seal the top and sides with caulking, after removing the excess butyl tape. The little plastic scraper I used to remove the old weather strip also works great for this as it won't cut the fiberglass. They are called "lil chizlers", they are cheap and fairly strong.

[OnTheGo]

Thanks for the details and photos, amabee. I'm sure it feels good knowing thats done!

[amabee]

Yes it does, one more item off the list. Next big one is getting my LP connection hooked.

[Doug]

Nice write up. Thanks for sharing.
I will probably do this in April. I have a few items to check off during de-winterizing.

Thanks, Doug

[tlhdoc]

I think I will be doing this too. Thank you for the info.

[tls001]

I will be doing mine next spring after the warrenty runs out.

[Spike99]

.

Yes. Very good write up / using supporting pictures as well.

Good You-Tube video @

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3cotw1F8Ww

as well...

Instead of using a caulking bead at top of window (after its re-sealed), suggest using a bead of ProflexRV ( http://www.dyersonline.com/geocel-cl...e-sealant.html ) instead. This stuff is much better than home hardware store silicone. ProflexRV is available at most RV Parts store and comes in different colors. I like using clear around windows the best.

If wondering, I resealed all 11 of my RV/TT windows - when it was 4 years old. Of the 11 windows, 3 were leaking. And, 1 window was leaking really bad. And, we didn't even see outer signs of leaking.

I recommend re-sealing RV windows every 5 years. Especially if window has factory foam - which always leaks in time...