Does butyl tape really not dry out?

[belfert]

Background: I am replacing the plastic cap on my enclosed cargo trailer due to the cap cracking.  It had butyl tape underneath the edge of the cap.  This tape was very dry and the remnants scraped off quite readily.

Does buytl tape usually dry out in seven years?  I'm concerned because I was going to use butyl tape to seal my windows, but I don't want the stuff drying out and leaking in a few years.

I asked about using the butyl tape for the windows some time ago and everyone here said it would be fine.  I bought the tape, but have not had a chance to fix the one window yet.

[Melbo]

I have installed used windows from an RV salvage yard and they all had butyl tape on them which was very flexible and kind of hard to remove

I have never seen dried out butyl tape or caulk

I use putty tape which is easier to remove but not as sticky

I also use it on my marker lights to keep them from leaking

YMMV

Melbo

[JohnEd]

Nothing seals better and it lasts indefinately.  That is longer than lugage or herpes.

Caulk definately dries out and will eventually leak.  Silicone will come unstuck and will leak around the perimiter.  They have some new silicone that is better performing but you have to buy the name brand.

HTH

John

[Sojourner]

Just make sure it high temp butyl tape. There are many difference compound of rubber.
Example:
http://www.bestmaterials.com/butyl-rubber-sealant-caulk-1103.html

FWIW

Sojourn for Christ, Jerry

[JackConrad]

  This tape was very dry and the remnants scraped off quite readily.
Does buytl tape usually dry out in seven years?  I'm concerned because I was going to use butyl tape to seal my windows, but I don't want the stuff drying out and leaking in a few years.

There is putty tape and there is butyl rubber tape. Sounds like they had used putty tape (which will dry out) We used butyl ruber on our w3indoes and it is still pliable 8 years later.  Jack

[Dreamscape]

This is great information. I did not know the difference.

I need to replace the seals on all of our original windows, as they are dried out and not sealing properly.

I'll have to do a search when I get back home.

Thanks,

Paul

[JackConrad]

This is great information. I did not know the difference.
I'll have to do a search when I get back home.
Thanks,
Paul

To tell the difference, take a small piece and pull the ends to stretch it.  If it is putty tape it will break. If it is butyl rubber it will stretch before separating.  Jack

[Dreamscape]

Thanks Jack,

At least I used the right stuff on one of my roof airs a few years ago, and didn't even know it!

Paul

[belfert]

I'll need to test the stuff I bought to fix my trailer.  I believe the roll was labled as butyl tape, but not 100% sure.  I have another roll of tape I bought last year to fix my window that I also need to test.  (Haven't fixed the window yet.)

I'm glad to know that real butyl tape won't dry out like the stuff on my trailer.