Update/Goop-Off Window Sealant/Caulking Removal (Silicone?)

[Chris D]

Hows about some heat? Heat carefully and a good sharp scraper?
Just a thought. Do you SEE the caulk when you install the window?

Chris D

[Alfred]

Hows about some heat? Heat carefully and a good sharp scraper?
Just a thought. Do you SEE the caulk when you install the window?

Chris D

You will not see the caulk once you install the window. The trim hides it. The caulk is in sort of groove, so you can't fit a scraper in there. I was able to fit a smaller wood chisel in there, but the chisel didn't work all that well...I have not tried heat (yet).

AL in Asheville

[Chris D]

Will it effect putting in the window or sealing the window? If not why not just leave it alone?

Chris D

[Chris D]

Also with heat, be careful not to melt the paint on the outside of the window

Chris D

[Alfred]

Will it effect putting in the window or sealing the window? If not why not just leave it alone?

Chris D

Can I put new caulk on top of the old caulk(?) - I was afraid it would not seal...worried about potential for leaks. I think I could cut an opening for the window and it would fit, but then I'm putting new caulk over old caulk, I'm thinking a clean start would be better. However, looking for feedback from others who may know more about this than I do.

I'm a little nervous about using heat, would probably initially go the solvent route instead.

These windows do not have the retaining trim for the other side, so they will be held in place by four screws through the outside trim, from the outside. The windows came off somebody else's camper, and I am told this was sufficient.

AL.

[Chris D]

I dont know if I would trust new over old. Is the window a clamp ring design and has a rubber seal on the out side?

Chris D

PM madjack he might be able to help with this>

[Alfred]

I dont know if I would trust new over old. Is the window a clamp ring design and has a rubber seal on the out side?

Chris D

I think it was originally a clamp ring, but they no longer have the clamp ring. Doesn't have a gasket either. The previous owner said he had them on his teardrop screwed-on (there are holes for the screws), with caulk as the sealant.

AL.

[Chris D]

Ok,
From what I have read is when you Install a screw on window, vent, or molding etc.. You will place Butyl tape around the flange of the window backed up buy clear silicon and fill all pre drilled holes with silicon and dip screws in silicon and drive by hand.Water is not your friend at all .

I think Rob48 may have a link, mabye PM him he has alot of experiance with sealing and such, he will be able to help ya

Chris D

[Dean in Eureka, CA]

A wood chisel with the correct width, to fit down into the groove will work good, if used in reverse as a paint scraper. That and some good 'ol friction.

[S. Heisley]

Alfred wrote:

Then, the Walmart guy said he thought "Goop-Off" would work better than either the Acetone or the Lacquer Thinner.

....It's "Goof Off" and yes, it does work better than the other two mentioned.

[Alfred]

Alfred wrote:

Then, the Walmart guy said he thought "Goop-Off" would work better than either the Acetone or the Lacquer Thinner.

....It's "Goof Off" and yes, it does work better than the other two mentioned.

Thanks, Sharon - Come to think of it, it was "Goof Off"!

And let the record show that you suggested it at least two posts prior to my visit to Walmart

Thanks! Al in Asheville

[S. Heisley]

"Bless you."...and you didn't even have to sneeze!

Alfred, are you going to be able to use the windows without taking the silicone off? Could you carefully slice off the high spots with a razor blade?

[Alfred]

Hey Gang,

OK - So here's the update. Sharon's right, Goop-Off is awesome. Helped me get the silicone crud off the windows. Still had to use a little elbow grease. It got easier as it went along, as my technique improved.

Basically a two step process:
1. Apply Goop-Off liberally (buy the bigger can of it).
2. Work hard and work fast. It is easier to get the silicone crud off right after you apply the Goop-Off.

OK, here's the "before":



Here's the "afters":





Still took a couple of hours, but now the silicone crud is off the windows and I can look to installing them in my doors.

AL in Asheville

[parnold]

3M makes things commonly called "cookies" for autobody repair. They are abrasive wheels made out of a mesh and can be used with an arbor and a drill. They are commonly used to remove seam sealer, used in automobiles wherever two pieces of sheet metal meet.

They can be purchased at an auto body supply store. They will also strip any paint from the area, but no fear of solvents ruining your rubber if it gets out of control.

Here's the link to the item I'm referring to.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Manufacturing/Industry/Product-Catalog/Online-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQGLE0_o=HTML&PC_7_RJH9U5230GE3E02LECFTDQGLE0_nid=GSDSSYWRKPgsH55CPWS904glHG4Q306K45bl

[parnold]

Never mind!