Butyl Tape vs Polyurethane caulk

[TwoFeetShorter]

I might.. Just might get to the point where sanding, sealing and covering is done this weekend and I am considering my options for final install of my doors and windows. None of my windows or doors will have any screws or holes through the frame or wall, all are RV premade units and attached from the inside.

My options for exterior sealing of the flange to the camper wall seems to be butyl tape or caulk. The camper will be gray, and I used to use a gray polyurethane base caulk for our company trucks with camper shells. When a new door or opening had to be installed (these were big pest control trucks with camper shells or custom bed enclosures) I found the poly caulk held up to the daily grind of driving and weather, as well as the employees who were constantly opening and closing the doors/windows at every service stop.

Could In use a gray polyurethane to seal seal behind the flanges of the doors/windows on my camper, or should I order some butyl tape?

Neil

[aggie79]

Neil,

I'm probably in the minority but I'm not a fan of butyl tape. The downside of using caulk/sealant/adhesives in lieu of butyl tape is if you ever need to remove the window, trim, etc.

I did use butyl tape around the windows in the doors. After I removed the squeeze out I ran a bead of OSI caulk around the perimeter.

Take care
Tom

[TwoFeetShorter]

Neil,

I'm probably in the minority but I'm not a fan of butyl tape. The downside of using caulk/sealant/adhesives in lieu of butyl tape is if you ever need to remove the window, trim, etc.

I did use butyl tape around the windows in the doors. After I removed the squeeze out I ran a bead of OSI caulk around the perimeter.

Take care
Tom

Thanks for the input, Tom. I decided to go with the gray poly caulk since I had good luck with it when I was working. Also, I could pick it up at Lowe's, and i would have had to order the tape lol

I will be reinstalling the windows and doors tomorrow, and I will see how the caulk does for me.

Neil

[kludge]

Here are two that we really like...

http://www.mcmaster.com/#glazing-rope/=xzoryw

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/caul ... /48463.htm

[bobhenry]

I learned the value of 100% silicone caulk in the chemical industry. Many of the nasty vapors and gasses that can kill you were contained in the transfer lines at the plant with 100% silicone.

Most everything I caulk is with this. Yep it's a bit more expensive but it remains flexible and seals well.

Where needed on all 5 of my builds that was my sealant of choice.

[TwoFeetShorter]

I learned the value of 100% silicone caulk in the chemical industry. Many of the nasty vapors and gasses that can kill you were contained in the transfer lines at the plant with 100% silicone.

Most everything I caulk is with this. Yep it's a bit more expensive but it remains flexible and seals well.

Where needed on all 5 of my builds that was my sealant of choice.

That's interesting Bob. Almost everything I have read so far said to stay away from silicone for sealing campers or RVs. Are you using a different type than what most consider to be silicone?

I did end up going with the poly caulk for my windows and doors.
Neil

[dales133]

I use silicone almost daily at work and the 100% stuff (most of the cheaper types are full of fillers) are nothing like thier inferior cousins.
The softness an stretch and adhesion combined with thier life span is in a hole differnt ball game.