Leaking window .

[Lawler999]

Had a leaking window on autocruise starspirit , only noticed when I pulled the seat cushions away from the walls , the wood the seat cushion sits on was wet and showed signs of water sitting on it . So I removed the window and was surprised there was only a bit of clear silicone and the thin black fasket on the window ( I thought it would have been more substantial) I decided to put a large bead of sealer just inside and proud of the black gasket to try and make a better seal , only took about an hour to do .I also noticed the plywood wall was black and wet in places , will this dry out in time ?
Looking at the wall under the window you wouldn't have know it had leaked the wall covering looks OK, no bubbling . Just concerned about how long it will take to dry out , time to get a damp meter I think .

 

[LithiumConvert]

Thirty years ago, I had similar problem (with a similar 'van) on holiday.

A DIY repair (done whilst 300 miles from home) was still dry years later.

Although the summer weather at the time was much better than we have now.

 

[Lawler999]

Do you think the plywood will dry out to a usable condition ?
It was wet In the corner and along the bottom edge .

 

[LithiumConvert]

I am no expert.

But, whatever you decide to do, the first step is to seal it against further water ingress.

My first step was to put a big plastic bag over the window opening from the outside before re-fitting the window and then let it dry out. (I was lucky, I had good weather - hot sunshine and a good breeze - so, mild heat and good ventilation).

I think the bottom edge of the plastic bag was left in situ temporarily - (for ever.)

I have not tried it on a motorhome, but wood hardenner worked well on a wooden window frame in the house garage.

 

[Phill D]

Do you think the plywood will dry out to a usable condition ?
It was wet In the corner and along the bottom edge .View attachment 835234View attachment 835235

It will depend on how long it’s been wet for! Often the ply when soggy goes spongy even when dry and never recovers.
Try applying some direct heat ( hair dryer or similar) ( carefully ) may help speed up the process.