If yoHaving an RV means having pure freedom to travel on your own terms! Nothing should ever come in between your travel plans, especially not a damaged RV window! A small crack, leak, or fogged-up glass can cause –
- Water Damage
- Higher Energy Costs
- Mold Issues, etc.
Ignoring these problems can make things worse, and you could end up paying for frequent repairs (often expensive ones)! But what if we tell you that you can stop these issues from happening in the first place?
Well, that’s what this blog is all about! But before that, we’ll also talk about the most common causes of RV window damage, so keep reading!
What are The Common Causes of RV Window Damage?
When you know what can harm your RV windows, you can take the right steps to prevent such issues in the future. So, here are some reasons why your RV windows might face problems!
- Road Vibration and Bumps
Your RV goes through a lot every day, like bumpy roads, frequent road vibrations, rolling over potholes, backroads, highways, and more. All that shaking puts too much stress on your windows.
That’s why, over time, you might notice that the window seals are loose, the frames are warped, or the glasses are cracked.
- Damage Due to Collisions & Accidents
What your RV might experience on the road while driving or even when parked is quite unpredictable. Some days, it might be a flying rock or tree branches. On other days, it might be another truck or a vehicle colliding with your RV.
Besides other parts, all these impacts can damage your windows, causing them to break or have scratches.
- Weather Conditions
Your motorhome is always on the go, even if it’s sunny or freezing cold outside. The windows have to tackle these weather conditions too! When this goes on for a long time, the UV rays can weaken seals and make frames brittle.
Plus, the cold temperatures can cause contraction and expansion, ultimately leading to leaks or cracks in the windows.
- Aging and Wear
When did you last replace your RV windows? If you can’t remember, then there’s a chance your windows are wearing out, seals are drying up, frames are corroded, etc. Aging can cause window glass to get weaker, especially if it’s older than a decade.
- High Humidity
Having high humidity inside your RV can fog or stain your windows over time. Plus, it can cause the frame to rot from within. If you don’t take care of it, you might find mold or mildew growing inside your RV, causing a musty smell or even respiratory issues and allergies.
- Poor Maintenance Habits
If you keep putting off cleaning or repairing your RV windows ‘next weekend’ every time, you’re letting small problems turn into bigger ones. This can cause dirt, grit, and other debris to build up in tracks, which can jam the windows and cause damage!
- Poor Installation or Cheap Materials
Sometimes, you might be doing everything right, like taking care of your windows regularly, repairing them in a timely manner, and more. But some problems can still keep happening! In those cases, the issue might be a low-quality material of the window glass or poor installation.
Cheap materials won’t last long and may need frequent repairs. Plus, poor installation can cause leaks, drafts, or even cracks in the windows over time.
If your RV window is damaged due to these reasons, you’ll need to contact a reputable company for RV window repair. Experts can handle these problems with professional care and safety!
How Can You Prevent RV Window Damage?
The best way to save money on motorhome window repair is to stop damage before it starts. And here’s how you can do that!
- Inspect Windows Regularly
- Give your windows a quick check every time you refuel or before a long trip.
- Look for loose seals, small cracks, or warped frames.
- If you repair minor issues early, it can make the repairs simple, affordable, and also protect the windows from long-term damage.
- Protect Against Road Vibration
- To absorb shaking, you can add quality weatherstripping.
- Also, try not to overload your RV or put extra stress on it.
- Tighten screws on window frames and latches regularly.
- Protect From Harsh Weather
- It’s best if you find a shaded spot to park your RV whenever you can.
- You can also use reflective shades to block UV rays in hot climates.
- In winter, you can apply a protective sealant and see if there are any drafts regularly.
- Manage Moisture Inside Your RV
- Open windows at least for some hours every day to let the moisture out.
- Wipe down condensation before it drips into the frame.
- You can run fans or a dehumidifier when you’re cooking or taking a shower inside your RV.
- Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts
- You can clean the window frames and glasses by using mild soap regularly.
- You need to avoid using harsh chemical cleaners that can dry out seals.
- If you want, you can also spray RV-safe lubricant on sliders and hinges so that they glide properly.
- Be Extra Careful While Parking & Driving
- You can avoid flying debris by simply leaving extra distance from big trucks while driving.
- Cut off branches at your parking spot or driveway to avoid RV window damage.
- You can use protective film or covers on windows to protect them in case of an accident.
- Choose Quality Repairs and Replacements
- If you need to repair your RV window, don’t delay; get it done right away.
- Before using a professional service, ask about the glass, seals, and installation quality.
- Sometimes, RV window replacement with better materials can save money long-term.
Following these easy preventive measures can ensure that your RV window stays strong, safe, and efficient for a long time!
Quick Answers to Your Questions on RV Window Damage & Prevention
- Why do RV windows fog up?
If you see persistent fog between panes, then there might be a broken seal that lets moisture in and reduces insulation. If this happens, you need to take help from a professional for motorhome window repair right away.
- How often should RV windows be resealed?
You should reseal your RV windows about once a year or at least inspect them every season for cracks or gaps to avoid bigger issues down the line.
- How to waterproof RV windows?
You can waterproof your RV windows by first cleaning the area around the frames, then applying a high-quality RV sealant or caulk to any cracks or gaps. But for the best results, you need to contact a professional service provider for help.
- How much does RV window repair cost?
It depends on the size of the window and the type of damage. Small reseals might cost less than $100, while full replacements (or large windshield replacements) can cost more than $800.
Takeaway
Traveling on the road with a damaged RV window is inconvenient, unsafe, and also costly in the long run. Some of these damages might be due to bad roads and weather conditions, minor accidents, aging, or poor maintenance habits.
And to prevent them, you can regularly inspect the windows, control moisture inside your RV, and do timely repairs. If you need help at any point, you can always rely on a trusted RV window repair/maintenance company for professional advice and service!
McColloch’s RV Repair & Storage – For Safe, Reliable, and Professional RV Repair
At McColloch’s RV Repair & Storage, we are always ready to help you when you need expert RV window repair! With over three decades of experience in handling all kinds of RV issues efficiently, we’re the name you can trust when you need trained techs for repairing your RV.
We can repair the windows properly or even do a full RV window replacement if needed! Plus, we can service motorhomes, travel trailers, and several other types of recreational vehicles. When you rely on us, we’ll do everything to make sure you’re totally satisfied with our work.
So, call us now at 916-655-0380 for your motorhome window repair.
