DIY Caulking Failures

Spring is here and so are April showers. It you didn’t reseal or inspect your RV last fall, you want to thoroughly inspect your roof and all sidewall areas that are caulked as soon as possible to prevent leaks and water damage.

When doing the re-caulking yourself, here’s some of the most common reasons why "do it yourself" caulking jobs fail early:

1. Improper surface preparation: Caulk adheres best to clean, dry surfaces. If the surface is dirty or has any remaining residues, the caulk may not adhere properly and could fail early.
2. Inadequate or incorrect caulking material: There are many types of caulks available, and each is designed for specific purposes and compatible substrates. Using the wrong type of caulk or an inferior quality caulk may result in early failure.
3. Poor technique: Applying caulk requires a steady hand and a smooth, consistent application. If the caulk is applied unevenly or with gaps, it may not create a good seal, leading to early failure. Avoid DIY YouTube videos with improper advice. For example, don’t apply the bead of caulk than use a soapy water bottle sprayer on the fresh caulking to tool it. This will wet the substrate you are trying to seal.
4. Inadequate curing time: Caulk needs time to dry and cure before it can be painted or exposed to moisture. If the caulk is painted or exposed to moisture too soon, it may not cure properly and could fail early.
5. Environmental factors: Extreme temperature changes or exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause caulk to break down or crack, leading to early failure.

To ensure a successful caulking job, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions, use the appropriate type and quality of caulk, have an artistic, steady hand and take the time to properly prepare the surface and apply the caulk.

Working on ladders and roof heights add another layer of complexity and risk to the task. Please consider hiring a specialized, professional RV Leak Technician for the added peace of mind and professional look and finish.

RV ProSeal Inc. is proud to offer RV Leak detection testing, resealing and repair services including RV leak testing, RV mobile repair and so on. Please contact us to learn more about our services!