Having caravan insurance is an integral part of being a caravan owner. Who would jeopardise such a large investment for a few extra pounds. However, there are some little jobs that can be done without calling on insurance and therefore possibly making the following years quote a little cheaper.
Resealing a window is just one of them. It is quite common on caravans that are older to find the window rubbers will need replacing to avoid the risk of water coming into the caravan. When this happens it is a good idea to replace them. This job will need a selection of tools which include a decent selection of screwdrivers and chisels, a good pair of pliers, a hammer, a drill, a sealant gun (with some sealant), a Stanley scraper with its plastic blade, a good quality staple gun and a pair of vice grips.
To start with, open the window and on the inside of the caravan, mark with a pencil either ends of each of the plastic window fittings, this is done to make it easy to put them back in the right place later. While using the pencil also make a note of how this hinge is fitted so it goes back the correct way.
Using a screwdriver undo the two window props on the caravan leaving them hanging loose. Next prop the window open with a piece of wood so it is out of the way while the job is being done. Keep careful note of the way the fittings are attached, remove them and keep them safe in a cup or some other receptacle. Locate the top of the seal and look for the join in the top of the white plastic. Pull it out until the other end is visible and make a mark, be careful not to mark the rubber seal, always mark it on the interior of the caravan wall (just a small mark is necessary), and also take note which way up the seal goes.
The next job is to pull out the trim all the way around, and put it in a safe place. If possible pull back the lip of the seal that is in contact with the caravan and if no sealant sticks to the fingers it is probably a good idea to replace the sealant. Go around the staples with a screwdriver and lever them up just a little bit. Next grab a pair of pointed pliers and pull the staples out. Go to the middle, bottom of the window seal and look for the join, when found, pull one end up, and take a good look at how it fits. Carefully peel it back all the way around, and make sure it is put in a safe place. Go all the way around the window carefully with a chisel scraping away any sealant that is left then use white spirit to clean what remains.
New seals come with mastic already on one side. Measure against the old seal and allow about an extra 25mm, use either scissors or a Stanley knife to cut the seal. Spread the seal and fit to the window frame making sure that the seal is pushed into the corners well. Once it is fitted around the window frame it is time to trim the seal. Next, using the staple gun, staple around the window seal making sure the corners are not stapled. Any staples that are sticking up will require a small tap with a hammer. Now it is time to refit the capping and the notes made earlier as to where it goes will come in handy. Slide one side into the channel and then using a screwdriver prize back the other side so the capping will sit down into the channel. Replace the fittings and the job is completed.
