One scary threat that an RV owner might encounter is water damage. You may think that the damage caused by water is not so bad at all but you are wrong. Note that once water penetrates even the smallest cracks in the walls, windows, and ceiling of your RV, it can lead to major issues. So, you need the best caulk for RV exterior jobs on your vehicle.

It can cause mold to set in or the floor to buckle and the whole walls to rot. If you do not want to spend on expensive repairs, then make it a point to find the best caulk for RV exterior to recaulk the area as frequently as necessary. It is also advisable to do frequent and regular checkups.

That way, you can lower the risk of the water damaging the exteriors of your RV excessively. Note that excessive water damage can cause costly repairs. It might even cause you to rebuild some parts of the rig, or worse, buy a new vehicle.

With the seven products in this article, finding the right caulk for your rig, which can help you prevent the costly consequences of water damage is greatly possible.

Best Caulk for RV Exterior

Which one will you choose to help keep your RV in tip-top shape?

1. Dicor 501LSW-1 Lap Sealant – Best of the Best

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What I instantly discovered from the Dicor 510LSW-1 Lap Sealant is that it is a great product designed to seal campers and RVs. It can instantly answer the question on what caulk to use on RV as it works effectively in creating a watertight seal around the different parts of your vehicle, particularly the roof’s edges.

I also noticed its effectiveness in providing a seal around air conditioning units, vent pipes, screw heads, and air vents. Another reason why it is a good product for your RV exterior is that it is appropriate for EPDM sheet. It can offer a good adhesion to concrete, aluminum, vinyl, and other materials.

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What’s more? I found out that it is UV-stabilized, letting it prevent discoloration, deterioration, and stains when applied to different materials. It can also boost its ability to maintain its flexibility and seal continuously. Applying it is also easy. All you need is a flat and small paint brush.

In addition, it boasts of its self-leveling ability, giving you a guarantee that it flattens out and ensures that water can flow properly through it. It also works better than silicone as it does not peel, leak, or crack.

The application while being easy might produce some mess, though but rest assured that it flows well to gaps and cracks, creating a good waterproof seal.

What is good about this lap sealant is that it meets the demanding requirements in the sealant and caulk industry, which is the main reason why it provides a safe and clean work environment for you. It also lets you seal continuously without losing its flexibility.

2. Geocel 28100V Pro Flex RV Flexible Crystal Clear Sealant – Editor’s Choice

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Spotting the best RV Flex RV Flexible Crystal Clear Sealant. One thing I find so impressive about this crystal clear sealant from Geocel is its ability to fit multiple models and makes. It is also primarily designed for recreational vehicles.

I also like it because right after the whole application process, you can already expose the sealed or caulked area to even the most adverse weather condition without worries. This sealant also possesses impressive contraction and expansion properties, making it possible for it to handle temperature changes and joint movements linked to RVs.

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Another remarkable benefit of the sealant is that it works efficiently in bonding to the majority of RV materials, even those with surfaces that are frozen, damp, and a bit oily. It is highly flexible and provides an excellent adhesion to a number of surfaces even those with moisture and dampness.

In addition, it is guaranteed to be resistant to cracks, dirt pick-up, and the harsh effects of the UV rays. It is paintable, too. Another reason why it continues to get positive feedback from users is that it is resealable, which means that you can easily apply it to itself.

Furthermore, I find it easy to apply while also taking pride in its non-stringing formulation.

However, remember that this is not a water-sealable product, which is the main reason why you have to use a kind of solvent for this.

Despite the drawback, I can still conclude that it is one option for the best caulk for RV windows, roofs, and other surfaces that require caulking with its plenty of valuable features and properties.

3. EternaBond RSW-4-50 Sealant Tape

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Another of the most effective RV caulking tips that I can share is to use the RSW-4-50 RoofSeal Sealant Tape offered by EternaBond. I noticed that it serves as the perfect product to use, especially if you are planning to work in a hot atmosphere. One thing I like very much about this sealant tape is its simple installation process.

You can easily install it prior to use with just a bit of preparation on the affected surface. I also discovered its high level of elongation. With this property, the roof seal has the capacity of expanding or contracting depending on the weather condition. The sealant tape sticks well, too so you never have to think about it coming off.

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Another positive thing about this product is that you can easily cut it based on the size you need. You will also like the fact that it is easy and quick to put on. It does not cause any mess. It is also capable of covering a wide area while also allowing you to store it onboard for an indefinite period.

It lasts long. It even promises to last for a max of 20 years. Furthermore, it has a strong UV-protection, giving it the chance to resist the harsh effects of UV rays.

It’s a bit expensive, though. The fact that it is super sticky also means that you can no longer make adjustments to it once applied so be extra cautious during the application.

With its really sticky nature and the ease of its application, I can also say that this sealant tape from EternaBond does a pretty good job in sealing your RV’s exteriors.

4. ToughGrade 4-pack RV Lap Sealant – Editor’s Choice

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Another sealant for recreational vehicles that you can invest in is this 4-pack RV lap sealant, which is also self-leveling, from ToughGrade. It is an excellent performer in the industry because it is capable of sealing the edges of your RV roof, and the area surrounding the vent pipes and covers, air conditioner, and screw heads.

It is also a flexible and versatile sealant in the sense that it works perfectly on various roofing materials. In fact, it functions as a reliable adhesion for a wide range of materials, such as wood, aluminum, concrete, vinyl, and mortar. It also works well on horizontal RV surfaces, including TPO, rubber, wood, and fiberglass.

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In my opinion, this lap sealant is also a good product to invest in because of its UV-stabilized nature. Such quality makes the product capable of preventing discoloration and deterioration. It is also a non-messy product to apply because all the materials where you applied it won’t stain or discolor.

It can seal continuously while also remaining flexible. Furthermore, it has a self-leveling trait, which also looks good right after the application. It also seems to be long-lasting, up to 5 years before it starts to crack or dry out.

It is a bit pricey, though but since it seals well, it is definitely worth its price.

Overall, this self-leveling lap sealant is an excellent product, which is a must-have for RV owners. It is worth its high price with its flexibility and its ability to seal various surfaces of your RV roof and other materials and surfaces.

5. Sashco Through the Roof Sealant – Best Bang for the Buck

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You may also want to check out the Through the Roof Sealant offered by Sashco. I realized that it is a remarkable choice, especially if you want to make sure that your RV roof is absolutely watertight. It is a uniquely made roofing caulk, which you can apply even during a rainy condition.

It is mainly because it is capable of sticking to wet surfaces well. In others words, it can repair or fix leaks while the area is still leaking. I also like the versatility of this caulk for RV exterior. It is versatile with its ability to stick to almost all roofing surfaces, like those made of asphalt, concrete, wood, plastic, and metal.

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It also has a zero risk of freezing. Furthermore, it is elastic, letting it flex based on the wind and any changes in temperature. The fact that it is ultra-clear is also a big advantage. It is because it can stay clear for a long time, providing a sealant, which will not stain nor yellow over time.

It is also a long-lasting product, which means that it lasts up to twenty times longer when compared to other sealants. It also has other impressive qualities, including the fact that it is UV, mildew, and water-resistant while also paintable.

There’s a downside, though, and that is its long drying time. Some say that it takes up to five days for each coat to dry completely.

To conclude, Sashco Through the Roof Sealant is worthwhile to try because of its excellent sealing capability and its proven versatility, elasticity, and other remarkable quality and features.

6. Tremco Vulkem 116 Polyurethane Sealant

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If you are looking for a polyurethane sealant then I highly recommend this product from Tremco. What I specifically love about this sealant is that it provides a good adhesion on common construction surfaces without any primer.

It is primarily recommended for exterior use but you can also use it in the interiors with enough ventilation. I find it convenient to use since it does not need any primer when used on construction materials plus you can apply it with typical caulking guns. It is a flexible and durable sealant, which also performs well in moving joints.

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Another benefit of this caulk for RV exterior is that it is appropriate for specific water immersion applications. You can use it in continuous water immersion provided an appropriate primer is also used. I also find this sealant remarkable as it works even when used in the cold while also sticking well to almost everything.

In addition, the caulk is easy to work with while also having the ability to last for a long time after you open it. It also tends to seal completely. What’s more? It boasts of its good UV-resistance ability.

One possible downside, though, is that it often takes some time to apply it.

Despite its somewhat long application process, I find this textured and moisture-curing polyurethane sealant as an effective choice for those who are looking for a way to caulk and seal their RV exterior with ease.

7. Geocel USA Pro-Flex Elastomeric Sealant

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The last but definitely not the least sealant and caulk designed for your RV exterior is the Geocel USA Pro-Flex Elastomeric Sealant. One impressive fact I love about it is that it works as a general-purpose sealant, which means that it works in almost all types of applications and purposes.

It is a clear sealant, which is also beneficial with its noticeable flexibility. It seals almost surfaces. In fact, it is possible for you to apply it on damp surfaces. I noticed that it is a paintable sealant, too. Once cured, you can paint it again and again. It is not messy and unsightly to apply.

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In case of leaks, rest assured that this flexible elastomeric sealant does a pretty good job of eliminating them within just a single application. It also does so without any visible patches on the roof. It also works better than silicone as it has a lower risk of cracking or getting chalky.

It can seal seams and leaks and can stick to almost everything. It is also appropriate to use in any weather condition. In addition, it can leave a nice shine to your RV’s exterior, making it look good for a long time.

It is water-resistant, too, giving it the chance to work even on surfaces with moisture and during rainy conditions.

It is a pricey sealant, though. It also tends to produce a foul odor when used.

With the guaranteed flexibility of this sealant, I am sure that it can provide the ultimate value you’re looking for as it functions on all surfaces and applications.

Caulk for RV Exterior Buyer’s Guide

You need to assess a few factors in your search for the best kind of caulk that you can use for your RV exteriors. Finding the ideal one with the guidance of the factors below can definitely help you save time, money, and effort while also improving results:

Type

Before you can select the best caulk for RV roof, windows, and other external parts of your vehicle, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the different kinds of this product. The most commonly used caulk for various applications is silicone. It is a white caulk, which makes it popular in sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.

It is not that compatible with recreational vehicles, though since it tends to get too brittle and hard. It is also incapable of withstanding the road that well while being quite difficult to remove. If possible, choose a caulk made of a polyurethane material as it is easier to remove.

Fortunately, most users feel like they no longer need to remove the polyurethane caulk. In fact, you have the option of just putting an additional caulk over the previously applied one. That is not the case for silicone as you need to remove it before you can apply a new one. It is because nothing sticks to this material.

When trying to figure out what type of caulk to use on camper and RV, you should also familiarize yourself with the specific materials you are caulking. It is because some caulks are capable of adhering more effectively to some surfaces compared to the others. Consider that when checking out different caulks.

Temperature and Moisture

Two of the most important factors that can contribute to your final choice are temperature and moisture. For instance, if you plan to caulk an area in your RV, which is moist or wet, then it is advisable to find a waterproof product, which can also resist mold and mildew.

Also, find out whether you need to caulk an area in your RV, which is exposed to extreme cold and heat. If that is the case, then go for a caulk, which can handle all temperatures. That holds true for your RV’s exteriors that are often exposed to extreme and changing temperatures.

Ease of Use or Application

You also have to assess whether the caulk for RV you are planning to invest in is easy to use or apply. Note that while some caulks are easy to clean using water, others may require you to use chemical solvents. Ensure that you will not have a hard time putting it on and cleaning it up after the application.

Also, consider the specific odor that the caulk might produce while curing. Note that some of these products tend to release noxious and harmful fumes, causing the need for you and other people to vacate the area during the curing process.

Compatibility with RV Fixtures and Materials

It should be noted that some of the parts of your RV that require waterproofing are the roof, walls, and windows, among many others. The materials used in the mentioned parts are vinyl, wood, metals, aluminum, and synthetic plastic.

With that in mind, you have to search for a caulk, which is compatible with the majority of the materials used in your recreational vehicle. Also, remember that while some RV caulks are designed mainly for horizontal structures, such as the roof, there are also others designed for vertical structures such as windows.

You can also find one, which can handle both horizontal and vertical structures. If possible, choose one, which is indeed appropriate for the two mentioned structures so you do not have to invest in a different product for each application.

Water Repellency

Of course, you need the caulk to be waterproof. It should really be effective in protecting your RV from getting damaged by the rainwater and other types of moisture. It is actually possible for you to determine the water repellency of a certain caulk by checking its compounds.

Such is the key to figuring out whether the product can help you. You have a hundred percent assurance that the caulk does a pretty good job as far as being water-repellent is concerned if it is not affected by outside moisture. This is the key to protecting your RV’s roof. It is also advisable to find a caulk, which can handle changing weather conditions.

Best Caulk for RV Exterior: Resolved

All the mentioned factors are vital in choosing the best caulk for RV exterior. Your goal, therefore, is to figure out which among the products in your list can offer your RV’s exterior the protection it needs from possible water damage and some consequences when exposed to harsh temperature outdoors.

Your selected caulk should be appropriate for the job you have in mind. That way, you will not end up wasting your money on a product, which you can’t use for the RV because it can’t handle what your rig specifically needs.

Learn more about how to choose the best RV roof coating and best RV roof sealant with buyer’s guide and in-depth reviews. By the way, have a look at our best RV wash and wax and best RV wax to keep your RV clean!

Last update on 2024-12-13 at 16:57 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API