Caulk exterior sidewall corners

xltjim · 03-26-2021, 03:40 PM

Hello, I did my roof inspection today and all is well after this hard winter.
Looking at the exterior side wall vertical corners there is cracking starting on the edges where the caulking had oozed out (make sense?). Noticed it last fall doesn't seem much worse. No sign of any leaks as of yet but want to stay on top of this. I did some googling and see where to take off the trim, scrape/clean, reapply with tape and caulk. I don't believe I am in that bad of shape to have to do that yet. Maybe in fall before layup. How are you folks addressing this situation? Remove trim and address or touchup and monitor? Thanks. Jim

**Lloyd** · 03-28-2021, 02:43 PM

Jim, can you post a picture of that?

xltjim · 03-28-2021, 03:51 PM

Attaching a couple. Hope it worked. These happen to be on the passenger side front side corner. It’s pretty much what I am seeing on all side corners, nothing worse.

Wingerdinger · 03-28-2021, 04:17 PM

It appears that you have a very typical situation there, the butyl material behind the trim oozes out with expansion/contraction.
It does not appear that it has lost it's integrity.
I would carefully trim it off and smooth it with a plastic putty knife, leaving as much as you can that is still sound.
This would be strictly for cosmetic reasons. Inspect it carefully as you go. If it appears to be breaking down, or has become brittle, then get as much off as you can, and use Pro-flex, or a similar RV sealant (not Silicone) to re-seal it.

**Lloyd** · 03-28-2021, 06:10 PM

Jim, I totally agree with Wingerdinger on that situation. I know I wouldn't go to all the work of pulling those corner pieces.

xltjim · 03-28-2021, 06:22 PM

Thanks guys. Going to follow your much valued advice.

tomandlori · 04-01-2021, 04:16 PM

Please look closely at the cracks. If the cracks are deep enough, water WILL get inside your rv. A very tiny crack or hole will let so much water in it is sickening. Just my thoughts. Good luck.

**Lloyd** · 04-01-2021, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomandlori

Please look closely at the cracks. If the cracks are deep enough, water WILL get inside your rv. A very tiny crack or hole will let so much water in it is sickening. Just my thoughts. Good luck.

I agree with this!!
If I remember correctly tomandlori have first hand experience with nasty water leaks.

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