Sealing Windows

[milkbone]

When installing a window on CT people say use (I think) butyl tape to seal the window. I was wondering if it would be alright to use plumbers putty instead. Hell you use it sealing your tub and sinks. Just wondering pros and cons or if its advisable?

[madjack]

...use the tape...plumbers putty will dry up and crack...the tape won't and is more "sticky" as well......................
madjack

[pete42]

I have only replaced 2 windows and I used butyl tape when installing them.

I don't really know about plummers putty

but the butyl tape is easy to work with and comes in different widths

so I say go with the butyl tape

[Prem]

What Madjack and Pete said!

[drcurran]

Have to agree with madjack. My guess is that while plumbers putty seems very similar it is used indoors and would not handle the temp changes very well. OK just my .02

Dan

[SmilinJack]

We know butyl tape works, and it isn't very expensive. Why take the chance?

[milkbone]

Thanks everyone for the input. Looks like butyl tape it is, better safe than redoing it later on.

[MikeW]

When working for an RV dealership, we used butyl tape and then added a thin silicone bead around the top and down the sides of the window frame.

[pete42]

When working for an RV dealership, we used butyl tape and then added a thin silicone bead around the top and down the sides of the window frame.

I never use silicone just the butyl tape.
The reason I never used silicone was the mess it left.
if you do use silicone be sure not to cover the "weep" holes along the bottom of the window.

[MikeW]

Definitely want to leave the weep holes clear. If applied correctly silicone can leave a nice neat bead. One thing to remember is don't lay it on too thick. If you have trouble keeping a nice bead a trick is to lay a strip of masking tape where you want the edge of your bead. Once you lay the bead you can smooth it out with the dampened tip of your finger. I have put in dozens of windows this way and I don't think I ever had one come back.

[MikeW]

Also might add that we were working flat rate so if the job came back we didn't get paid to fix our shoddy work Good way to insure you did it right the first time

[Prem]

My buddy who works as an RV tech at a dealership and does windows all the time never uses silicone. To keep jobs from coming back, he uses double butyl tape.

I tried it. I like single because the window goes farther into the slot for a tight fit. I have NEVER had one leak on me, even years, and 50,000 miles later. Double tape MIGHT be called for IF one were pressing the window into the slot OVER wavy/ribbed aluminum siding.

If you use double tape, expect it to ooze out in the hot weather as the pressure of the clamp squeezes the softer, hotter butyl. Every few days you run a knife around the window to remove excess, sticky butyl. Eventually, you've removed so much excess that it adds up to the entire second layer of butyl tape you put on...and paid for.