How to use the butyl tape?

[Alfred]

*** Addendum - Bought butyl tape - Now seeking any tips how to use it ***

Hey gang,

Now that I have one coat of paint on most of the camper, anticipating the 2nd coat soon, I am thinking about installing the windows. I know some folks on the T&TTT list have mentioned using an RV putty or tape, it has also been suggested to use silicone caulk. What is the best method to install/seal the windows? If it is the putty or tape, is there a convenient website from which to purchase?

Window in the front, on the sides, plus the doors have windows, then there is the fan/vent in the top


Here's one of the windows, way back before I had walls, geez I guess we have made some progress...


AL in Asheville

[Gage]

Use Butyl Tape and you can buy it at the following link. A course there are other places but this is one.
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/caulks-sealants/48463.htm

There is also Dyers RV at:
http://www.dyersonline.com/rv-maintenance/tapes.html

[Alfred]

Use Butyl Tape and you can buy it at the following link. A course there are other places but this is one.
http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/caulks-sealants/48463.htm

There is also Dyers RV at:
http://www.dyersonline.com/rv-maintenance/tapes.html

Thanks, Gage!

AL in Asheville

[Gage]

If you use Butyl Tape. Keep it refrigerated until you need it. It'll be easier to work with.

[48Rob]

If you use Butyl Tape. Keep it refrigerated until you need it. It'll be easier to work with.

Gage,

Must be mighty warm out your way.
Here in Illinois we have to put it on the stove to soften it up after about October.

Rob

[Gage]

Gage,

Must be mighty warm out your way.

Rob

It was only 98 deg's day before yesterday. We're having a cold wave going thru today. It only got up to 78.

[Alfred]

Snow flurries off and on all day today in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC!

AL in Asheville

[Arne]

I installed the windows, then removed them and put caulk around the edge and put it back in place. I put the screws half way in and put a dab of caulk on each screw and seated them.

I wiped off all the extra caulk...

I looked at the tape but it seemed too thick so I gave it away. I was concerned that the screws would pull in the frame and ripple it.

The caulk has worked well for 6 years. It is exterior caulk and guaranteed for 50 years.... should be long enough. It is not adhesive so I can remove the window if need be.

[Alfred]

Hi All,

Bought three rolls of butyl tape today from the local RV dealer. Two rolls of the tape they said to use for windows, one roll of the tape they said to use for the vent/fan. I didn't quite get the difference, except I remember the window tape was said to be more oily.

I found some stuff on the internet, but wondering if y'all had any tips/techniques for using the butyl tape?

Thanks, AL

[doitright]

I used the tape for everything that needed sealing on my Scotty. Had a very hard time getting it on because it was in March very cold. Just make sure you get it warm enough to be tacky but not mooshie. You want it to compress between you window and siding evenly so screw the windows down like putting on a tire, a little at a time all the way around. You will get a good seal that way and not warp the window.

[doug hodder]

What he said....I use an old credit card to cut off the squish and ball it up. After it sits for a day or so or warms up, it will tend to squish more. You can tighten the screws down a bit more. Just don't run them down real hard from the get go. It will bend the aluminum and force all the tape out. Doug