Butyl Sealing Tape

[Butsky]

Before I pick up our Boler in storage I would like to source and purchase some sealant to redo the windows and roof vent. I will choose 1/8" thick but how wide? 1/2", 3/4", or 1"? Thanks folks!

[tractors1]

I would go at least as wide as the flanges you need to seal. Butyl is easy to trim off after doing the install. Better too much than risking leaving any gaps.

You'll most likely need to resnug the fasteners and trim off more excess after a year or so of temperature cycling with the seasons.

[Mike_L]

I agree with sealing tape as least as wide as the flanges. I've done this with success in the past. A narrower tape may work but why take the chance. It also helps with keeping dust and debris from accumulating under the edge of the flanges. I trimmed to the edge of the flange and retightened the screws a year later.

[Raz]

I bought butyl tape at a building supply. It's used to seal metal roofing panels. It's thinner (1/8") and narrower (1/2") than what the rv store sells. For width, I doubled up. For height I stacked it. I've done windows, roof fan, water inlet, etc. No failures. Best done on a warm sunny day. Tightening the screws causes the stuff to meld and ooze out the edge. Trim with a dull putty knife.

The stuff is sticky and attracts dirt. The last time I used it was the roof fan. I sealed the edges with Lexel to keep it clean. Raz

[Kai in Seattle]

We trimmed our butyl tape back around the windows and belly band with the rounded ends of popsicle sticks left over from some craft project decades ago. Made a nice coved edge and didn't scrape the paint at all. Interesting idea to seal the exposed portions of the butyl tape! Lexel, eh?


BEST
Kai

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Kai in Seattle

We trimmed our butyl tape back around the windows and belly band with the rounded ends of popsicle sticks left over from some craft project decades ago. Made a nice coved edge and didn't scrape the paint at all. Interesting idea to seal the exposed portions of the butyl tape! Lexel, eh?


BEST
Kai

Sealing it was recommended by another member. Using Lexel was my idea. Be aware, it's not easy to work. You have to be quick.

[Jack L]

Sealing something that has already been sealed with butyl tape is mostly cosmetic. It would make a better looking seam, but do little to add to the integrity of the seal.

[Butsky]

I agree and acknowledge your advice. This Boler has sat in a garage for 15 or 16 years and the sealant is probably original from its 1974 birth. I plan to repaint top and bottom, so the windows will be coming out for that. I saw it 3.5 hours away, bought it, and pick it up in a month or less. I don't know how wide the flanges are but wanted to source the tape before hand. Didn't pre-measure so don't know what the flange width is on OEM windows or what thickness is needed. Anyone who has done their Boler and can remember can pipe in, anytime! Lol! Mitch thanks!

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Jack L

Sealing something that has already been sealed with butyl tape is mostly cosmetic. It would make a better looking seam, but do little to add to the integrity of the seal.

Yup, and that's what I said.

Originally Posted by Raz

The stuff [butyl tape] is sticky and attracts dirt. The last time I used it was the roof fan. I sealed the edges with Lexel to keep it clean. Raz