Is Caulking a DIY Project? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

BruceandTrisha · RV-Dreams Family Member

Is Caulking a DIY Project?

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have you ruled out condensation as the cause?

BruceandTrisha · RV-Dreams Family Member

That's what I first thought it was -- just condensation between the mattress and the overhang on the truck cab. But it's A LOT! I've pulled the mattress out a few times when weather allowed a chance to dry everything out . . . but I also discovered water down in one of the cabinets at the outer edge of the bed.

All will be better when the weather turns warmer, but in the meantime, I look for solutions that can be done now.

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Its not that hard to do if you know a few things

1--Ten Degrees is definitely to cold, depending on the product, above freezing is usually recommended
2-- If its cold out, store the product indoors prior to use
3-- Purchase blue painters tape, tape off the area above and below the area you are trying to seal, run your bead, press in with your finger, remove the tape while the caulk is wet pulling the tape away from the bead, this will ensure a good bead
4---Last and most important, the area must be CLEAN, i use an acetone or equal with a Qtip to clean deep into the bead area

Careful with the acetone, if you are not comfortable working with chemicals, just use a strong household cleaner, good luck, G

Penny and Paul · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with Genecop, especially the blue painters tape part. We had leakage around the window at the head of the bed in our old TT, and it was wet under the mattress. I used clear caulk, and did just as described above, except for the tape part. It was easy, cheap, and fixed the leak, but it wasn't pretty. I'll definitely use the tape next time. You can do!
Penny

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bruce to cold for caulking, for the time being sounds like duct tape and plastic to cover the suspected leak spot. As far as caulking, practice or start in an inconspicuous spot there is a learning curve. Keep the caulking tube moving when you stop or slow down that is when big globs appear. Use the concave side of a plastic spoon, Get it wet and drag over the fresh caulk to smooth it out. Use a wet rag or paper towel to wipe off the excess. But apply caulking sparingly trying not to have excess to begin with.

Flyone

BruceandTrisha · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gosh! Y'all have given me hope that I really can do this myself! Thanks for such helpful advice. We were at 0 this morning - but the forecast is for 50 degrees by Sunday! Maybe, just maybe we've kicked winter on its way. A girl can wish, right? Afterall, the days are getting longer.

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

My apologies Trisha, I assumed it was Bruce that was asking the question. Please forgive me. I'm sure you can do it, there is no real magic--it's like most things just takes some motivation, patience, and practice.

Flyone

BruceandTrisha · RV-Dreams Family Member

Flyone, no need to apologize! My dad could fix anything and I worked along side of him every chance I could - watched what he was doing, handed him tools . . . and that has made me into a DIY kind of girl! Bruce's dad was a football coach . . . so he missed out on the fix-it-up learning, but man! He's got insight about football that keeps me informed and entertained! We're a great match!

Anyway, I might just be holding a caulking gun in my hand this weekend! I'm ready to FIX this thing!

Trisha

Jim01 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've also had good luck using rubbing alcohol to clean the surface before caulking.

Jim