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Hi All,

After springing a leak this winter i am about to replace the front window rubber on my Avondale. It looks easy enough! But what is the correct way of going about it. All old sealent to go? What type of new sealent to use, where and how much?

Thanks in advance

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your leak - hopefully you found it in good time.

I think there are two options - replace just the sealant if rubber is OK, or replace rubber and sealant.

In either case, you will need to remove the rubber and then remove the old sealant. First step is to remove the catches around the window frame. You might want to note where the catches are, to make refitting easier.

Support the window in the open position, then gently lift out the covering strip, which can be done with a slim instrument like a blunt chisel or scredriver. Careful you don't damage it, as you will want to put it back. You will probably see many staples holding the rubber strip in place. Using your blunt instrument, and some pullers, remove all of the staples. Then you can peel away the rubber strip. Clean off all of the old sealant from both the rubber and the van (white spirit and lots of elbow grease is good), if not replacing it, otherwise just clean the van and dispose of the rubber.

Once cleaned up you can apply new sealant strip to the van or rubber, as you prefer. Some new rubbers come with sealant already applied, which might be easier. Note that this stuff really sticks, so try to get it right first time! Once back in place, tap down with soft-head mallet to bed in and then staple back in place. Insert covering runnver and then screw the catches back in place - easy. Check that the sealant has got onto the outside of the window area to help seal the rubber in place. If not, then use the non-setting caravan sealant under the rubber to seal, otherwise you will be gettgin water back in. I think this stuff is called 'Caraseal', or 'Sealfix' - can't remember.

Most dealers stock the sealants and rubbers. If not, check the 'fixed it' club members sites for their sources. Also look at their experiences and tips for fixing in window rubbers, as there is some good advice from them.

Probably see some other replies as well, before long.

Good luck, Kevin. 

Kevin, that really is fantastic, thank you!

The van has always let a little water through since we had it, but this winter it really gave way. When i went to the storage site back in Feb the carpets were ruined, the bedding was just about to go permenantly and i thought the floor had gone too it was so wet. On top of that a mouse had run riot and done lots of damage.After about 4 months of drying out i am please to say the floor is OK as is the furnishings. Have replaced the one side of the beds base and a new carpet is ready to fit. Dead mouse has been found and removed!

Thanks again, Phil

Well Phil,

Having done all of that, the window rubber will be a complete doddle for you then!

Regards, Kevin.

Hi

Heres a realy good link on resealing windows + lots of other stuff on repairs.

http://hp-h.com/p/wizard41/

http://hp-h.com/p/wizard41/Windowreseal.html

Excellent liks....especially the second one.

So it looks like the seals come with the sticky stuff already on them?