What Kind of Glue to Use on Caravan Windows?

When it comes to maintaining or repairing your caravan, it is essential to use a glue suitable to the job at hand. The correct adhesive ensures a strong bond, longevity and minimises the chance of damaging the underlying material. Understanding the different types of glues and their specific uses can save you time and money, while ensuring your caravan remains in top condition

The article covers the main considerations when choosing a suitable adhesive and provides a detailed explanation of what glue you should use on your caravan windows.

When selecting what glue to use on your caravan windows, it is important to take into account several factors to ensure a durable and effective repair. We recommend following guidance from the manufacturer when using any adhesive. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area. Here are four factors to consider when choosing the correct adhesive:

• Surface Compatibility: Ensure the adhesive is compatible with the materials of your caravans windows, such as acrylic and polycarbonate. If the adhesive will come into contact with other areas around the window, such as its rubber seals, make sure to also check compatibility with these materials.
  
  
• Weather Resistance: Look for adhesives that can withstand temperature changes and exposure to water and UV rays. As caravans spend most of their life outdoors, they will subjected to extreme weather conditions.
  
  
• Bonding Strength: Choose a glue that provides a strong bond to prevent future delamination or damage. We recommend purchasing a high-quality product from a reputable supplier or hardware store.
  
  
• Flexibility: Given the movement and vibrations experienced by caravans, a certain degree of flexibility in the adhesive can be beneficial in providing a long-lasting bond.

Using acrylic cement on caravan windows is particularly suited for fixing delamination and small-scale repairs where the clarity and aesthetics of the window are important. Acrylic cement is specifically designed for bonding acrylic and similar plastics, making it suitable for many caravan window types. It works by chemically softening the surfaces allowing them to fuse together as it dries. This creates a strong bond.

When addressing delamination, acrylic cement should be applied precisely to the affected areas to allow for a clear and seamless repair. Precision in application is key as it can mark the appearance of the window if applied messily. We recommend that it should only be used in well-ventilated areas due to its strong fumes.

Another glue that can be used on caravan windows is polyurethane adhesive. This adhesive is known for its strong bonding capabilities and excellent resistance to weather, water and temperature fluctuations. It's ideal for outdoor use, which makes it perfect for caravan windows that are constantly exposed to various weather conditions. Polyurethane adhesive cures to a firm yet slightly flexible bond which help absorb movements and vibrations as the van travels down the road.

Silicone sealant is another popular choice, particularly for sealing window edges and gaps. While it’s not as strong as polyurethane in terms of bonding, its flexibility and waterproof qualities make it ideal for preventing leaks and drafts around windows. High-quality silicone sealants are also resistant to UV rays so will not easily degrade under sunlight.

For smaller repairs, such as chips or cracks in the window frame, you may decide to use an epoxy resin. This adhesive forms a very hard and durable bond so is great for minor structural repairs. However, its rigidity and lack of flexibility compared to acrylic cement make it inadequate for bonding larger window panels.

Selecting the right glue for your caravan windows is important for completing effective repairs and maintenance. Acrylic cement, polyurethane adhesives, silicone sealants and epoxy resins each have their unique benefits and applications. By understanding the requirements of your specific repair and the properties of these adhesives, you can ensure a strong, durable and lasting bond.

When completing any repair on your caravan, we recommend checking that the rubber seals have not split, been damaged or deteriorated. This is particularly important around your windows, as damaged caravan window seals may cause water ingress and damage the structural integrity of your van. Our range of rubber sections extends to replacement seals for doors, hatches, battery boxes, awnings, gutters, lockers and sinks.

If you would like to find out more about removing scratches for your caravans windows, or replacing the rubber seals on your van, please feel free to contact the knowledgeable team​ at Seals Direct. You can always give us a call on 01452 617722 or submit your enquiry via email to sales@sealsplusdirect.co.uk.