Recently, a Grand Design (GD) RV owner posted photos in an owner group asking about sealant separation and whether they should reseal their unit. The answer is absolutely yes—and this advice applies to all RV owners, regardless of brand.
Why Sealant Maintenance Matters
Many RV owners underestimate the importance of maintaining exterior sealants. Sealants are your RV’s first line of defense against water intrusion. Over time, exposure to sun, rain, wind, and temperature changes can cause sealants to crack, separate, or deteriorate.
When a water leak occurs, it’s rarely obvious immediately. Unlike spilling a cup of water on the floor, water intrusion can go unnoticed for months, silently causing damage behind walls, under flooring, and in cabinetry. By the time you see stains, soft spots, or musty odors, significant damage may have already occurred.
Areas That Require Special Attention
When performing inspections, make sure to check:
- Roof seams, vents, and air conditioners
- Windows and doors
- Slide-out wiper seals and roof molding
- Rain gutters and any trim that channels water away from walls
If any of these components fail to seal properly, water can run down the walls above slide-out areas, causing structural damage, soft spots, or wall delamination over time. Even small gaps or loose molding can lead to serious long-term damage if not corrected promptly.
Recommended RV Sealant Inspection Schedule
- Inspect all exterior sealants at least every 90 days.
- Touch up or reseal areas that show cracks, separation, or weathering.
- Ensure slide-out wiper seals and gutters are intact and water is properly channeled away from walls.
- Use RV-specific sealants, cleaners, and tools to avoid damaging surfaces.
How to Reseal Properly
- Clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt, mildew, or old sealant residue.
- Use compatible RV sealants recommended by the manufacturer or trusted brands.
- Apply evenly and allow proper curing before exposing the area to rain or driving.
- Tighten mounting hardware where appropriate, such as roof air conditioners, vents, or skylights, to maintain proper compression on gaskets.
If you’re unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to ask questions or send photos to a qualified RV service professional.
Real-World Example
We will be posting additional photo examples in albums on our site—some from Grand Design units, others from different manufacturers. The key takeaway is proactive maintenance, not brand comparison. The final photo in the series shows severe damage on a non-GD RV caused by failing to catch sealant issues early, including water damage above the slide-out wall.
Protect Your Investment
Regular inspections, proper cleaning, and timely resealing can prevent costly repairs, preserve your RV’s structural integrity, and ensure safe, stress-free travel. Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule your inspections and maintenance 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
