Several of my friends are recommending RTV silicone caulk to seal the leaking windows on my bus. Is this a good idea?
Where do I get the right kind of RTV silicone for this? None of the silicone caulks at Menards seemed to mention RTV on them. I did find on the web that White Lightninig silicone caulk mentioned something about RTV formula.
Will I have issues with painting later on by using silicone or is there a way ro remove it now?
Quote from: belfert on September 16, 2008, 02:46:51 AM
Will I have issues with painting later on by using silicone or is there a way ro remove it now?
Pretty sure you will have issues. Paint will not stick to silicone and it is almost impossible to remove all traces of the silicone once applied. RVT is the type of silicone sold at auto parts stores for use as gaskets. Jack
For sealing windows, I have used black polyurethane caulk/adhesive.
I agree with Jack that you should not use silicone because of the paint problem. Also, silicone appears to have difficulty adhering to even a clean surface over time.
Ed Roelle
Flint, MI
Go to your local glass shop sealant for glass is not an adhesive, its a sealant, big difference.>>>Dan
Quote from: Utahclaimjumper on September 16, 2008, 07:13:45 AM
Go to your local glass shop sealant for glass is not an adhesive, its a sealant, big difference.>>>Dan
This is not for glass, but the entire window, frame and all. I am having issues with the window frame sealing to the side of the bus.
Ed, I don't want to use anything polyurethane as that stuff sticks so well that it would be near impossible to get the window out if need be. I had to remove a vent cap on my roof last night that I used polyurethane on and it was near impossible to remove.
Butyl Rubber Caulk.
Most people I know use butyl rubber tape. I have found that silicone is not my favorite sealant anymore, too many issues with it. I am repairing a motorhome that has silicone spread on everything, not only did it not seal well, it is a real pain to clean off.
I agree with using butyl tape, I bought it in the 1/4 inch thickness at bontragers when I got my windows, I used it to seal the flanges on the windows and the clamp ring drew the windows tight enough to make some of it squeeze out around the edges. I don't yet know about the long term sealing of the window but at this point it appears to be well sealed and was very easy and clean to apply, it was also the method that Hehr recommended for installation.
Quote from: gumpy on September 16, 2008, 07:40:04 AM
Butyl Rubber Caulk.
That is what I have now and it isn't sealing worth a crap. I think the issue has less to do with the caulk and more to do with the windows not being pulled tight enough.
My friends are recommending RTV silicone. Personally, I want to remove all the butyl caulk and reseal with butyl tape.
Is the 3/32" thick 1" wide butyl tape from Bestmaterials.com thick enough for this or should I go thicker? Bestmaterials.com did not have 1" wide in the 3/16" thick.
Hehr recommended the 1/4 inch tape so thats what I bought.
If you're bent on using silicone, use Permatex "Ultra Gray Sensor safe" silicone gasket maker from the auto store. It's the best silicone you'll find, period,
and it will work well for what you want to do.
Quote from: boogiethecat on September 16, 2008, 11:35:37 AM
If you're bent on using silicone, use Permatex "Ultra Gray Sensor safe" silicone gasket maker from the auto store. It's the best silicone you'll find, period,
and it will work well for what you want to do.
Every time I have used silicone it always lifts up after a couple of years or so. I would never use silicone for anything.
Richard
I want to use whatever won't leak and won't glue the window in forever. Butyl caulk is out because of the mess and my bad experiences with it.
I doubt I will be using RTV silicone at this point. I'm leaning towards the butyl tape, but I am thinking the 3/32" thick stuff I have is not thick enough.
Quote from: belfert on September 16, 2008, 11:50:34 AM
I doubt I will be using RTV silicone at this point. I'm leaning towards the butyl tape, but I am thinking the 3/32" thick stuff I have is not thick enough.
Could put 2 layers of it on the window frame before setting the window in place. About 8 years ago when we were installing our windows, a friend who ran an RV service business recommended the butyly rubber tape (NOT Putty Tape!). He sadi he had never had a "come back" on a window installation since switching to the butyl rubber tape. Our windows have been in for about 8 years (1 was removed and put back with new tape about 1 year ago with new butyl rubber tape when re replaced a refrigerator) no leaks so far. Jack
Richard, you should go on down to the auto parts store and get a tube of Ultra Gray, and play with it. It'll surprise you. Things have changed in the last 3 years.
This stuff is amazing. It's a totally different chemistry, and nothing at all like silicone you're used to playing with....
CHeers
Gary
Quote from: belfert on September 16, 2008, 11:50:34 AM
I doubt I will be using RTV silicone at this point. I'm leaning towards the butyl tape, but I am thinking the 3/32" thick stuff I have is not thick enough.
So double it! Put down two layers of it.
I used the butyl caulk. Yeah, it's a bit messy, till you figure out how to clean it up. Then it's not that bad.
It seals just fine with a proper application. Two thick beads all around the window frame.