As spring approaches, and the new touring season with it, now is the best time to inspect your caravan windows and check that they are in optimum condition for your travels. As the weather starts to warm up it is tempting to throw off the covering, hook up your caravan, and head off on your first adventure of the year, but unless you have checked your windows beforehand this could lead to expensive damages and a ruined experience, so get ready to see clearly and travel confidently with our comprehensive caravan window preparation guide.
Inspecting caravan windows
Since your caravan is drained down and stored away over winter, your windows have likely not been opened or tested for damage for several months. After these months of winter storage, it is important that you take the time to inspect your windows and make sure that they are ready for the travels that you have planned, as the winter temperatures and conditions may have compromised their structure or integrity.
Even if your caravan was kept in a garage or protected by coverings, the windows will have been exposed to the fluctuating temperatures, increased moisture levels, and frost and snow of winter. These conditions may have led to issues such as the seals deteriorating or weakening, the glass developing cracks or chips, and the mechanisms becoming stiff or faulty. Prolonged disuse is also likely to have made these issues worse over winter, and ignoring these issues, or not taking the time to look for them, can result in leaks and water damage, inefficient insulation, and compromised security standards.
So, ensure that your windows remain in good condition and keep your caravan warm, dry, and secure with our inspection checklist.
Visual inspection tips
- Check for Cracks and Chips: Carefully examine the glass for any visible signs of cracks, chips, or scratches that can compromise the window's integrity.
- Inspect Seals: Look for signs of wear, tear, or deterioration in the seals and gaskets, particularly cracked, shrinking, or hardened seals as these can lead to leaks and drafts.
- Identify Condensation or Mould: Find any condensation between double-glazed panes or mould around the window frame, as this indicates seal failure or moisture infiltration.
- Look for Discoloration: Discoloration or fading of the window frames may suggest exposure damage or material degradation.
Functional tests
- Open and Close Test: Open and close each window to ensure the mechanisms work smoothly. Difficulty in operating the windows might indicate warped frames or failing equipment.
- Leak Test: On a dry day, lightly spray water around the exterior of the window to check for leaks, which will help identify any compromised seals.
- Draft Test: Check the window edges and seals for air movements that expose drafts and poor insulation.
- Lock and Security Check: Check that the locks and latches function correctly to ensure the window provides good security.
By checking for these common issues long before you set off on your first trip, you can make sure that you have plenty of time to repair or replace any issues that you find, and keep your caravan secure, insulated, and ready for the road.
Repairing issues
If you notice any small, manageable issues that you feel confident repairing on your own, then here’s how you can tackle some of the smallest, most common problems.
Resealing Windows: If you have identified the source of minor leaks or air flow problems as compromised sealing, then start by cleaning the window frame and glass edge thoroughly before beginning to remove the old sealant. Use a reliable sealant remover tool for this particular step, and be careful not to damage the frame. Once this is done, apply a new sealant evenly around the frame, taking care to seal up any cracks and create a tight seal.
Replacing Rubber Seals: Replacing the seals around windows is a straightforward process, so start by measuring the existing seal to make sure that you invest in the right type and size of replacement seal. Gently remove the old seal, clean the groove to remove any residue or sealant, and install the new seal by pressing it firmly into place without letting it stretch or bunch.
Removing Mould: For surface mould, wear protective gloves and a mask and use a specific mould remover suitable for caravan interiors. Apply the solution to the affected area and scrub gently, before rinsing the solution away and carefully drying the area. For more persistent mould, vinegar, or a mixture of bleach and water, can be more effective, but if the mould has penetrated into the window frame or between double glazing units, then this indicates that the seal has failed and the windows will need to be replaced.
Most of these repairs are suitable for minor issues that don’t compromise the structural integrity or functionality of the window, so if you need more information on replacing specific features, explore our full article on our most popular caravan window replacement parts. However, replacements are recommended when the damage is extensive, the structural integrity has been compromised, or when repairs have failed to resolve the issue.
Replacement windows for caravans
If the caravan windows have large cracks in the glass, severe frame damage, or are persistently leaking or showing signs of mould despite repair attempts, then it’s time to invest in replacement windows.
When selecting new replacement windows for your caravan, there is an important process to follow to make sure that you choose windows for the best performance and compatibility. So, here are some key points to guide you:
Material
- Acrylic and Polycarbonate windows are popular due to their lightweight, impact resistance, and flexibility, making them ideal for most caravans, and they can withstand long travel and bad weather conditions.
- Glass windows provide clarity and are scratch-resistant but are heavier and may not be suitable for all caravan models due to the added weight.
Thermal Properties
- Consider double-glazed windows for a range of benefits, including improved thermal insulation, reduced condensation, and better sound insulation.
- Tinted windows offer additional UV protection and reduce heat build-up inside the caravan during sunny weather.
Compatibility with the Caravan Model
- Ensure the windows you choose are compatible with your caravan’s model and year. This includes the size, shape, and mounting system, as incorrectly sized windows can lead to installation issues and may compromise the structural integrity and waterproofing of your caravan.
- Consider the profile of the window - flat windows are generally easier to fit but may not match the aesthetics or aerodynamics of caravans designed for curved windows.
Additional Features
- Ventilation: Look for windows with built-in vents or the ability to open from various angles to enhance airflow and control condensation.
- Security Features: Windows with robust locking mechanisms add an extra layer of security.
- Aesthetic Compatibility: Choose windows that complement the overall look of your caravan, considering both the interior and exterior design.
At Caravan Crazy, we offer an extensive selection of durable and energy-efficient windows that are manufactured to enhance both the security and insulation of your caravan. We stock windows, parts, and replacements from brands such as Polyplastic, Plastoform, Domestic Seitz, and ParaPress, so whatever replacements you need, you can be sure to find the best options for your needs in our full range, and click here for our top tips on installing or replacing your windows.
Preparing your caravan with Caravan Crazy
Proactively inspecting, maintaining, and repairing your caravan windows is essential for a worry-free touring season, so don’t let minor issues escalate - address them early with our window preparation guide, and enjoy your adventures ahead with our extensive selection of windows for caravans.