How to Check and Maintain Mars Caravan Seals – Roof, Corners & Fittings

Part 2. Checking and Maintaining Seals (Roof, Corners & Fittings)

Checking and Maintaining Seals (Roof, Corners & Fittings)

This article is part of our Mars Caravan Body & Seals Care series. For the full overview, see "Mars Caravan Body & Seals Care – Exterior Maintenance Overview".

Seals are your caravan’s first line of defence against water ingress. Over time, sealants and rubber can age, move and flex with normal use. Regular, simple inspections help you catch small issues early and keep your Mars caravan dry.

1. Where Are the Important Seals?

Key areas to check include:

  • Roof seams and joints – where roof panels meet front/rear and side walls.
  • Corner trims – vertical trims at the front and rear corners.
  • Window frames – around both fixed and opening windows.
  • Doors and hatches – around the main door and external lockers.
  • External fittings – lights, vents, awning brackets, antennas, solar panel mounts and other accessories.

2. How Often Should I Inspect Seals?

  • Every few months as part of your normal cleaning routine.
  • After long trips, especially on corrugated or rough roads.
  • After heavy or prolonged rain, check inside as well for any signs of water entry.

3. Cleaning Before Inspection

It’s easier to spot seal issues when things are clean:

  • Wash the van first with mild soapy water and rinse.
  • Use a soft cloth to gently wipe around seals and joints.
  • Allow surfaces to dry properly before doing a detailed visual inspection.

4. What Does a Healthy Seal Look Like?

Generally, a healthy seal or bead of sealant will:

  • Be continuous along the joint, without obvious breaks or gaps.
  • Have smooth, even coverage bonding to both surfaces.
  • Be flexible (not rock-hard or crumbling) where flexible sealant is used.
  • Show no signs of lifting away from the surface.

5. Signs a Seal May Need Attention

Look for:

  • Cracks in the sealant, especially at corners or where panels meet.
  • Gaps where sealant has shrunk or pulled away, leaving exposed edges.
  • Lifting sealant that has detached from one side.
  • Rubber seals that are flattened, split, brittle or perished.
  • Areas where dirt and mould continually build up in a particular joint, even after cleaning.

Inside the van, stains, soft spots or swelling near these areas can also point to a seal issue.

6. Light Owner Maintenance vs Professional Work

There is some simple care you can safely do yourself:

  • Keep seals and joints clean – dirt can hold moisture and accelerate ageing.
  • Gently remove loose surface mould with mild cleaner and a soft cloth.
  • Perform regular visual checks and note any changes over time.

For anything more than light cleaning:

  • Avoid scraping, cutting out or resealing structural joints unless directed by a professional.
  • Do not apply random sealants over the top of existing joints without guidance – this can trap moisture.

7. Warranty and When to Contact Mars or a Service Centre

If your caravan is within its warranty period, or if you see anything that looks like a potential leak path, we recommend contacting us or a qualified caravan repairer before attempting major DIY resealing.

When lodging a ticket:

  • Include your van model, VIN and approximate age.
  • Attach clear, close-up photos of the area from several angles.
  • Mention whether you have seen any water inside or if this is purely a visual seal concern.

Summary

Checking and maintaining seals doesn’t need to be complicated. Clean around joints regularly, look for cracks, gaps or lifting, and act early if you see anything suspicious. For structural or roof joints – especially under warranty – always ask before making big DIY changes so the issue can be assessed and repaired correctly.