Your RV is constantly exposed to harsh outdoor elements—sun, wind, rain, snow, road debris, and temperature changes. One of the most important and often overlooked maintenance items is proper exterior body and roof sealant maintenance. Regular caulking and resealing play a critical role in protecting your RV from water intrusion, structural damage, and long-term deterioration.
At California RV Specialists, we routinely inspect RVs where failed or missing sealant has allowed water intrusion that could have been prevented with timely maintenance.
Why Exterior Caulking and Resealing Matters
Creates a Watertight Barrier
Caulking your RV helps create a watertight seal that protects your unit from outside elements. Sealant applied around windows, doors, trim, roof penetrations, and exterior joints prevents water from entering through small gaps and seams.
Prevents Hidden Water Damage
When sealant fails or is missing, dirt and dust enter freely. More importantly, moisture from rain, washing, condensation, or snow can penetrate the RV’s structure. This moisture can damage wall framing, insulation, subfloors, and roof decking.
In many cases, water damage does not show up immediately. Instead, it leads to unnoticed dry rot, delamination, mold, and mildew that develop behind walls or under flooring long before visible signs appear.
Reduces Risk of Mold and Mildew
Moisture intrusion can create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. Once established, mold can affect air quality, cause health concerns, and require extensive remediation. Stains on carpets and walls are often late-stage indicators of a much larger problem.
Protects Structural Integrity
Water that seeps into joints and seams can weaken the RV’s structure over time. If left unaddressed, this damage can become so severe that repairs are extremely costly—and in some cases, the RV may be deemed a total loss.
Improves Energy Efficiency
Properly sealed doors, windows, and wall joints help prevent hot or cold air from escaping. Without adequate caulking, your heating and cooling systems must work harder to maintain interior comfort. For full-time RVers, this can significantly increase energy usage and operating costs.
Real-World Examples from Our Shop
On our main page, we are sharing real photos of roof and body sealant failures we see in the shop. These include:
- Separated or cracked sealant
- Areas that were never sealed from the factory
- Dried, brittle, or missing caulking
- Sealant failures around windows, trim, and roof components
As we continue collecting photos, we will list years and models, including examples such as a 2018 Grand Design Imagine, to help RV owners recognize potential issues on their own units.
Free Exterior Sealant Evaluation
We offer a free exterior evaluation and inspection of your RV’s body and roof sealants. This inspection helps identify:
- Failed or missing caulking
- Areas at risk for water intrusion
- Preventative maintenance needs before damage occurs
Early detection can save thousands of dollars in future repairs.
Schedule Your Free Inspection
To have your RV inspected or to learn more about exterior resealing services, contact us today.
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: 209-263-7040
Website: www.calrvspecialists.com
Open Monday–Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Serving RV owners with professional inspections and repairs since 2003.
The products to reseal your RV Moldings
- Our favorite dripless caulking gun
- Our favorite scraper
- Our favorite scraper with handle
- Our favorite solvent cleaner
- Geocel Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant White
- Geocel Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant Clear
- Knee pads roof safe soft surface
- Tool bag collapsible roof safe soft surface
