RV slide leaks are every camper’s worst nightmare. Once you catch a whiff of mildew, you might fear the worst.
But there are easy ways to fix existing damage, and even simpler methods to avoid these problems in the first place.
Today, we’re talking about RV slide maintenance to help you stop leaks in their tracks.
Let’s dive in!
What Causes RV Slide Leaks?
RV slides are an integral part of many RVs. They allow us to have more living space without taking up too much real estate on the road. However, these moving parts make campers more susceptible to detrimental leaks.
Sometimes, RV slide leaks are caused by reasons outside our control. Off-the-lot defects aren’t unheard of. After all, no manufacturer is perfect, and mistakes are part of life. General wear and tear can also cause these issues. Over time, seals naturally begin to break down. When that happens, you’ll likely notice moisture seeping in.
In other cases, how we treat our rig can contribute to these problems. For example, if you fail to inspect your roof and seals regularly, you’ll probably spring a leak sooner rather than later. The same goes for clearing out gutters and drains. Improperly leveled RVs will put more pressure on certain parts, increasing the likelihood of trouble.
Once water finds its way into your rig, mold and mildew can form quickly. You’ll have to act fast to prevent the problem from getting worse.
How to Fix Existing RV Slide Leaks
As soon as you notice signs of a leak in your RV slide, it’s time to take action. Here are our top tips for repairing damage before it compromises your health and safety.
Roof Damage
Sun exposure does a number on RV roofs. Whether you park your rig outside in the off-season or you tend to camp out in the open, constant UV rays will wear down the covering and the seals that hold it together.
Depending on the materials your rig is made of, how it’s constructed, and where the damage is located, there are several ways to fix your roof.
You’ll want to start by cleaning off any debris or built-up grime. Then, thoroughly inspect the entire surface, paying close attention to all seams and seals. When you find compromised areas, feel around to ensure there’s no rot below. You might have to remove some of the siding to get a good look. It may seem excessive, but you’ll be glad you did if you find extensive damage.
Finally, use sealant tape, caulking, or even a premade RV roof repair kit to patch any holes.
Check out our roof repair guide for more information.
Walls and Floors
Water damage to your floors and siding can indicate an unidentified leak that’s allowed moisture into your rig for longer than you realize. In a worst-case scenario, it could make your RV unsalvageable.
Carefully strip away the paneling to expose the subfloor and wall foundations around the leak. This can be a hassle, especially on an RV slide, but it’s critical to find and remove any and all water damage. Use a crowbar to gently pry off your siding, doing your best to keep each piece intact.
Dispose of any wood with water damage and replace it with fresh lumber. Yes, this can be a massive job. However, it won’t get easier with time, so go ahead and tackle the project before it gets worse.
Seals Around Your Slides
The seals surrounding your slides endure a lot of wear and tear. Over time, they can become warped or slip out of place. Trapped debris can also cause these wipers to fail. In other cases, the manufacturer didn’t fit them correctly, so you can discover water damage even in newer models.
You’ll eventually need to replace these seals to prevent RV slide leaks. When the time comes, the first step is to determine what type your rig uses. P-profile, H-style, and push-ons are all common. If necessary, remove the exterior seal and the bulb seal. This might require a screwdriver.
Next, thoroughly clean the surface to remove any leftover adhesive or debris. Then, reinstall your new wiper seals and screw them in. If there’s an opening where they overlap, use an all-weather adhesive to secure them.
You’ll want to keep your new slide seals squeaky clean to keep them in shape for as long as possible.
Here’s our Guide to Repair Broken RV Slides!
Window Seals
Your RV slide probably has at least one window, and water loves to leak in around these weakened seals. Unfortunately, when moisture creeps in here, it can damage the window’s frame, which leads to much bigger issues.
If you know water is sneaking in around your windows, you’ll need to start by removing the entire thing. Pull away any nearby paneling so you can see the whole frame. This might require dismantling some of the surrounding lumber and replacing it with healthy wood.
Once this is complete, reinstall your window with fresh seals and caulking.
Prevent RV Slide Leaks with Regular Maintenance
Repairing damage from an RV slide leak can be a major endeavor. We won’t sugar-coat it. It’s a huge pain. But you can take steps to avoid extensive renovations.
Like the rest of your RV, slides require regular maintenance to stay in good shape.
Frequent inspections are your first line of defense. Every 60 days or so, pull your RV into a sunny spot and look at every nook and cranny. You’ll need to assess the roof and all seals around doors, windows, joints, air conditioning units, and vents. Look for cracks and divots, and feel around for soft spots beneath the paneling.
If you make any unfortunate discoveries, go ahead and fix them immediately.
Additionally, examine your slide’s seals every time you use them. You’ll want to make sure they make contact all the way around.
Thoroughly scrub your slide seals regularly to remove any grime. You might have to look closely to see it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a problem waiting to happen.
Finally, some people swear by rubber conditioners to keep seals supple and healthy. Folks on this side of the aisle recommend applying it twice each year. Others insist these chemicals actually wear down your seals over time, making RV slide leaks more common. We’ll let you decide if this added step is one you want to take.
Ensure your slides are properly sealed with Geocel Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant!
Keep Your Head Above Water with Regular Maintenance
RV slide maintenance is essential in the fight against leaks. Regularly cleaning and inspecting your entire rig is the only way to get ahead of water damage before it requires expensive, time-consuming repairs.
That being said, moisture damage is fixable. It just takes time, effort, and know-how. If you ask us, we prefer frequent inspections instead!
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