Caravan Seals - Everything You Need to Know

Caravans, also known as travel trailers or camper trailers, require new seals for several reasons due to their exposure to various environmental elements and wear over time. Seals in caravans play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the structure and ensuring a comfortable and safe interior environment. Here are some reasons why caravans may need new seals:

Wear and Tear: Rubber seals on caravans are subject to constant wear and tear due to repeated use, especially during opening and closing doors, windows, and compartments. Over time, the seals can deteriorate, lose their flexibility, and develop cracks or gaps, compromising their effectiveness.
Weather Exposure: Caravans are exposed to various weather conditions, including sunlight, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. These environmental factors can cause the rubber seals to degrade and become less effective in sealing against water, wind, and dust.
Age: As caravans age, their seals can become less efficient in preventing water leaks and drafts. This is particularly common in older caravans that have not had their seals replaced or maintained regularly.
Moisture and Mold: In areas with high humidity or if the caravan is frequently parked in damp conditions, moisture can seep into the seals and promote the growth of mould and mildew. This can not only lead to unpleasant odours but also compromise the structural integrity of the seals.
Insect and Rodent Intrusion: Damaged or worn seals can create gaps and entry points for insects and rodents to enter the caravan. This can lead to infestations and potential damage to the interior.
Noise Reduction: Rubber seals help reduce noise from the outside environment, making the interior of the caravan quieter and more comfortable during travel or camping.
Energy Efficiency: Properly functioning seals contribute to energy efficiency by preventing drafts and heat loss during colder months and reducing the load on air conditioning systems in warmer weather.
Safety: Intact seals ensure that doors and windows are securely closed, preventing them from accidentally opening during travel, which could pose safety risks on the road.

Due to these factors, it is essential to regularly inspect the seals on caravans and replace them when signs of wear or damage are noticed. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of seals help preserve the caravan's structural integrity, protect the interior from the elements, and ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience for its occupants.

The seals you might need to replace in your caravan:

Seals on a caravan can be found in various locations, and their primary purpose is to provide a barrier against the entry of water, dust, wind, and pests. Here are some common locations where seals are present on a caravan:

Caravan Doors: Caravans typically have entry doors with rubber seals around the edges to ensure a tight and weather-resistant closure when the door is shut.
Caravan Windows: Seals are installed around the frames of windows to prevent water and air from entering the interior and to maintain proper insulation.
Caravan Roof Vents: Caravans may have roof vents equipped with seals to prevent leaks and to allow proper ventilation.
Caravan Skylights: Some caravans feature skylights with rubber seals to keep out water and maintain a weather-tight interior.
Caravan Exterior Storage Compartments: Caravans often have external storage compartments with doors that include seals to protect the stored items from the elements.
Caravan Slide-Out Sections: Some caravans have slide-out sections that expand the living space when parked. These sections are equipped with seals to maintain a tight seal when retracted and to prevent water infiltration when extended.
Caravan Gas and Utility Ports: Seals are used around gas lines, electrical connections, and other utility ports to prevent water and dust from entering these openings.
Caravan Awning Rails: Caravans with awnings have rubber seals along the awning rails to create a weather-resistant connection between the awning and the caravan's exterior.
Caravan Corner Mouldings and Joints: Rubber seals are often used at the corners and joints of the caravan's exterior panels to provide additional weather protection.

It's important to note that the specific locations of seals can vary depending on the caravan's make and model. Regular inspection and maintenance of these seals are essential to ensure their effectiveness and to prevent potential issues like water leaks, drafts, and pest intrusion. If signs of wear or damage are observed, replacing the seals promptly can help maintain the integrity of the caravan and enhance the comfort and safety of its occupants during travel and camping.

At COH Baines, we offer a large number of different seals for a range of models of camper vans and caravans. We pride ourselves in our extensive catalogue and the flexible service we provide for our customers. If you can't find what you are looking for please get in touch and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help. To download our catalogue, please click here: https://coh-baines.co.uk/pages/catalogues

Caravan Seals – Answers to some of our most Frequently Asked Questions:

What are caravan seals, and why are they essential?

Caravan seals are rubber components installed around various openings and joints of a caravan, such as doors, windows, storage compartments, vents, and slide-outs. They are essential because they create a tight and weather-resistant barrier, preventing water, dust, wind, and pests from entering the interior. Properly functioning seals maintain the structural integrity of the caravan, improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and provide a comfortable and safe living environment for occupants.

How often should I inspect and replace caravan seals?

It is recommended to inspect caravan seals regularly, at least once a year, or before and after a long trip. Additionally, conduct inspections after exposure to extreme weather conditions. If any signs of wear, cracking, or damage are observed, it is advisable to replace the seals promptly to prevent further issues.

Can I replace caravan seals myself, or should I seek professional help?

Replacing caravan seals can be a DIY task, depending on the complexity and accessibility of the seals. Simple rubber gaskets around windows and doors can often be replaced by caravan owners with basic tools. However, more complex seals or those in hard-to-reach areas may require professional assistance to ensure proper installation and a watertight fit.

How do I clean and maintain caravan seals?

Cleaning caravan seals regularly helps maintain their effectiveness. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the seals, avoiding harsh chemicals that might damage the rubber. Apply a silicone-based lubricant or seal conditioner to keep the seals pliable and prevent them from drying out and cracking.

What are common signs of worn or damaged caravan seals?

Common signs of worn or damaged seals include visible cracks, tears, or gaps in the rubber. You may also notice water leaks during rainfall, drafts, excessive noise from outside, or increased difficulty in opening and closing doors or windows.

Can I use a sealant to fix damaged caravan seals?

Using a sealant as a temporary fix for damaged seals is not recommended. While it might provide a short-term solution, it is best to replace the damaged seals with new ones to ensure proper functionality and long-term protection.

Are there different types of caravan seals available?

Yes, there are various types of caravan seals available, including door seals, window seals, slide-out seals, corner seals, and awning rail seals. Each type is designed for specific applications and may vary in shape, size, and material composition.

How long do caravan seals typically last?

The lifespan of caravan seals can vary based on the quality of the materials, exposure to environmental conditions, and maintenance. On average, well-maintained seals can last several years before requiring replacement.

Can damaged caravan seals cause water leaks?

Yes, damaged seals are a common cause of water leaks in caravans. If the seals around doors, windows, or any other openings are compromised, water can seep into the interior during rainfall, leading to potential water damage and mould growth.

Remember, proper maintenance and timely replacement of caravan seals are essential for ensuring a watertight and comfortable travel experience. Regularly inspecting and addressing any issues with the seals can help preserve the integrity of the caravan and enhance the overall enjoyment of your adventures.

What are Herzim Strips?

Herzim strips fit around areas like your doors and offer valuable protection from the elements as well as hiding the underlying screws and attachments. Once they get damaged, like many seals and strips it can mean the underlying structure becomes weathered and may begin to rust.

Once you notice that your caravan or motorhome Herzim strip needs replacing, the good news is that it’s not a difficult job and anyone with a modicum of DIY skill can do it. Removal of the old strip and installation of the new one should take no more than 30 minutes at most. A new Herzim strip not only looks good it should provide many more years of protection.

Whether you have an old or new caravan or motorhome, it’s worth doing simple checks of the strips and seals before you set out on the road. It can be difficult to repair or replace damaged strips when you are in the middle of nowhere.

Caravan Window Seals

Caravan window seals come in a range of different specifications and finding the right fit for a replacement can be difficult. Whether you own an older caravan or a modern one, COH Baines have one of the largest catalogues of high-quality window seals in the UK.

Of course, caravans are not just for getting from A to B. Many people will spend a couple of weeks on holiday in their campervan, some even live most of their time in one, travelling around the country. Unfortunately, a broken or degraded caravan window seal can make things pretty uncomfortable.

Age and hardening of the seal happen naturally over time, whether it’s on the cabin or the main living compartment.

Once this happens, exposure to the elements can start to make things worse. If it rains, water can seep through and get into other parts of the caravan causing rust and even electrical damage. The broken seal also means that it can be difficult to keep the main compartment warm or keep down the sound from outside.

Replacing a caravan window seal is a relatively easy operation if you know what you are doing. It’s important, however, to make sure you have the correct size and shape of seal and that it’s made of a quality that lasts.

Where Can I Find the Right Caravan Window Seals?

You can find a huge range of caravan window seals for sale online but not all suppliers are made equal. It’s easy to focus on the cost and forget about the quality so that you end up with a seal that fits okay at first but degrades quickly. At COH Baines, we ensure the quality of our caravan window seals, giving you complete peace of mind at a cost you can easily afford.

Caravan Door Seals

Caravan doors are opened and closed regularly meaning the rubber can degrade over time.

A poorly fitting or damaged seal can mean that the elements can get into the structure of your caravan and cause damage such as rust. A seal that has dried out and cracked can also mean that your caravan becomes draughty and uncomfortable in pretty quick time.

The good news is that a caravan door seal is relatively easy and cheap to replace. It’s critical to check this area of your caravan regularly to make sure that it isn’t damaged or perhaps needs upgrading.

Many people buy a second-hand vehicle so looking at areas like the door seals is important before parting with any money. Don’t just check that the rubber door seal is okay but look at the area underlying it to make sure there is no rust or other damage.

Replacing a caravan door seal is something anyone can do with a few simple tools and a bit of advice – you can find plenty of videos online on how to do it. Picking the right seal, however, can be a bit of an issue which is why it’s important to work with a manufacturer and supplier who can make it a lot easier for you. If you have any questions, our friendly team will be happy to help.

Why Choose COH Baines for your caravan seals?

COH Baines has one of the most comprehensive catalogues of caravan window seals in the UK and we’re a market leader both here and abroad. Our onsite manufacturing and design capabilities also mean that we can create bespoke seals for any business as well as those who may have a classic model where seals are hard to come by.

Download our full catalogue here: https://coh-baines.co.uk/pages/catalogues