Window frame sealant

[pcatterall]

A few 'windows' leak slightly. I will try completly re-beding one later but meanwhile want to whip round with some sealant.
The existing sealant on all the windows seems 'low' in that there is a groove between the glass and frame, water collects there and eventually finds away in!
I want to just fill this groove so that water can't collect.
I was planning to use some white sealant but have been warned off silicone as it will attack the alluminium frame?
What is best use? is it easilly available? are there more handy dispensers wich are more controllable than the big cartridge guns? Any tips??

 

[vyv_cox]

I have used silicone, Sikaflex 295 and 291 at various times. I haven't observed any corrosion of the frame but I would not use silicone again as it destroys any attempts at future adhesion by anything else.

I find the best method is to rake out as much of the old sealant as seems necessary, especially any oxidised, crumbly stuff. Then squeeze dollops of the new sealant on the gap and force it down with a narrow spatula or an old chisel. Try to move the spatula in a single direction to avoid trapping air bubbles.

Framed windows defy the laws of physics - water runs uphill on them! Leaks can occur from the top of the glass, which one would think impossible. Sealing needs to be done all round the frame.

 

[capetown]

You might want to check these out?

It's cartridge though But I think it will do the job.

http://www.marinemastics.com/universal-marine-bedding-sealant.html

If you mask first, cut a small hole in the nozzle, then push the sealant in, as opposed to drag. It can be very messy if you allow the gun to run away with you, if you know what I mean.

Cleaning up with white spirit.

Or you might want to try This?

http://www.captaintolley.com/

 

[davidbfox]

Have a look at Eagle Boat Windows' website.

I found them very helpful with similar issue.

 

[nedmin]

Call into your local glaziers they have a non setting butyl tape that they use on conservatory,s etc .I did one of my windows about 5yrs ago.Its got a backing tape on it that makes it easy to use,its about 1/2 inch wide.you tighten the frame and it oozies out ,you remove the excess with a piece of sharpened wood,an old clothes peg is ideal.It has a 20 year guarantee. Mine was called "Flexitape"

 

[V1701]

Second Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure, very effective with very small leaks and with a product name like that you've just got to have some...

 

[PCUK]

"Life-Seal" Glass to aluminium sealant.

 

[Channel Sailor]

Where these is some flex needed on large windows, i used a sealant that stays somewhat soft for good. Some type of rubber, as oposed to the usual sikaflex that sets pretty much hard. But you must not tighten the screws down too far, as it all squeezes out.

 

[nedmin]

Thats why i suggested the above,it doesnt set.

 

[jimi]

I used Sikaflex 291 in very much the way that Vyv described above by pressing into the gap.