Window Seals

[skyhawk]

Hi Everyone

I've just taken my van in for a service and been told there is 25% damp on front centre and front nearside windows, also 25% damp to kitchen window and was told they would require new seals and the top rail which the front windows hinge from would need new sealant.

I'm going to have a go at doing the work myself, can anyone advise where I can buy the rubber seals and the grey insert which fits into them other than the main agents.

The van they are required for is a Bailey Senator Series 5 year 2007.

Thanks for any advice

Clive

 

[Damian]

For window seals, Seals Direct, they also do the insert. The rubbers come with the sealant already in the channel.
Make sure you remove ALL old sealant before using new.
For the window hinge rail use Soudall Fixall as the sealant.

 

[skyhawk]

Hello Damian

First off, thank you for your very prompt reply, I will most certainly give them a try.
Today I did contact Bailey Spares by e-mail to find out what they charged and the code number for the seals, well at least as a jumping off point.
The reply I got was to contact my local Bailey Retailer, I just thought it a bit odd considering they list the seals for the around the door and lockers but it appears not so for the windows.

I was quoted £309, parts and labour, obviously that would not include putting any new timber in or replacing wall-boarding, but at 25% I guess it would not be bad enough to require doing that anyway as long as it's not left to get any worse.

Thank you once again

Clive

 

[skyhawk]

Damian

Soudall Fixall, I believe that stuff comes in a tube (cartridge gun job), not a problem but just wondered what your thoughts are on using mastic sealing strip as apposed to the Fixall.
I've used the mastic strip when refitting a roof vent and it's good stuff, it forms a seal straight away.

Cheers

Clive

 

[Damian]

I would not use a ribbon mastic on the hinge bar as it is subject to strain and needs to be as tight as possible to the van.
Soudall Fixall will bond and seal the bar to the van and make a much better job.

 

[skyhawk]

Hello again Damian,

Thanks for that, Soudall Fixall it is, I guess your right there would be a bit of strain on the rail with the windows swinging on it every time one is opened.

I may put this question on as a new post but thought it worth asking you if you've had any experience of doing a sealing repair on the kitchen side window of the van.
When looking at the van from outside the acrylic window has a aluminum surround as apposed to black rubber, I'd post some pictures but sure how to.

 

[Sproket]

I'd post some pictures but sure how to.

Hello skyhawk

just follow these easy instructions

 

[Damian]

The aluminium framed windows are Seitz (now Dometic) units and are secured from inside the van by screws around the inner frame, probably covered by screw caps in the surround, but may be with clamps under the inner frame.
If you cannot see any visible places for screw cap covers in the inner frame, then it just pulls off , revealing clamps.
You would be advised to have someone outside the van to support the window when you remove the fixings as it may just fall out,,,,expensive mistake!

 

[skyhawk]

Hi Sporket

Thanks for the instructions, when it comes to computers I do tend to get in a bit of a mess but I’ll have a go at posting some pictures.

 

[skyhawk]

Hi Damian

Thanks for the lowdown on the frame particularly about it falling out, the last thing I want is a scratched or worst still broken window.
The caravan is in storage so I’ll have to take a drive over to it and remove the roller blind cassette to take a closer look.

I’m trying to find out as much information as possible so hopefully I can do a window in a day as the van is kept in storage and for obvious reasons I would not like to leave it with a window missing., I’m just hoping it will not be too damp so as to prevent any new sealant sticking to it.

I have to admit I certainly cannot feel any damp so I’m rather hoping with a low reading of 25% I can just replace the seals and then it will dry out naturally.
When I took it in for a service they told me I could take it back in about 3 months to have it checked again to see if it had got any worse.

 

[pmyo]

I've used Sikaflex 512 to reseal windows and awning rails on my old van, with mastik roll in addition.

This gave a cracking bond, and fully watertight. Plus, Sikaflex is specifically for use on Caravan and Motorhomes. Apparently its "The market Leading sealant and adhesive for all your Caravan maintenance". I've always heard good reviews of it too.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

......
This gave a cracking bond, ........

Isn't the idea you DON'T want the sealant to dry out and crack?? :evil:

 

[pmyo]

Ha ha, i see what you did there...i almost bit too