Window Replacement

[SteveIOW]

After not being disturbed for nearly 50 years I have bitten the bullet and started to remove the aluminum framed perspex windows on my sailing cruiser as they are so badly crazed. I will be fitting new perspex in the existing frames. Have not yet decided what sealant to use between the perspex and the aluminum channel it sits in or the seal between the aluminum frame and the GRP gel coat. For the former I was thinking of PU40, Arbrosil 1096 or Abormasr BR. Which of these is best or is there something better? For the frame onto the GRP gel coat I was thinking of using a Butyl Tape such as Scapa Foam 3507. Is this a good choice or, again, is there something better.

 

[Sailing steve]

Talk to the chap - I forget his name - at Hadlow Marine

Absolute mine of information on the matter of boat windows.

 

[Concerto]

Be careful when removing your old frames. They are probably held in by interscrews, so it is a two person job to remove them. Use a cheese wire to cut the mastic between the frame and the gel coat. This should help reduce the adhesion and stop distorting the alloy frame. Once out you will find the frame is in several parts to allow removal of the perspex. You could use perspex again, but laminated glass will never craze. If you damage any of the interscrews, be aware that Westerly always used chrome plated brass, not stainless steel, to avoid electolysis. These are almost impossible to find now, so use a barrier cream like Duralac for protection. My prefered sealant is butyl rubber as this is non-setting and not an adhesive. Also it is easy to clean up using a sharp knife to cut away any excess and a final wipe down with white spirit.

 

[Bristolfashion]

There is extremely good information on the Eagle Boat Windows website.

After much reading & consultation, we decided to get Eagle to repair/ reseal the glazed units themselves, with us doing the removal & refitting. Prices were not unreasonable and the service has been excellent.

Eagle recommend a particular butyl for the frame / GRP seal.

You will undoubtedly lose a screw & bush or two.

 

[Graham376]

I used Arbosil 1096 when reglazing our ally frames with acrylic, no leaks after about 12 years. Used Weatherseal foam tape between coachroof and frames.

 

[Caladh]

There is extremely good information on the Eagle Boat Windows website.

After much reading & consultation, we decided to get Eagle to repair/ reseal the glazed units themselves, with us doing the removal & refitting. Prices were not unreasonable and the service has been excellent.

Eagle recommend a particular butyl for the frame / GRP seal.

You will undoubtedly lose a screw & bush or two.

Likewise, I used Eagle last winter and had excellent advice and then had them service our port light windows.

 

[SteveIOW]

Well, widows are out, aluminum frames cleaned of all old sealant and new Perspex windows cut to size. Now to seal the windows into the frame. There is so much conflicting opinions on what sealants to use / not use. I have purchased ABROMAST BR Butyl Based Sealing Compound. The thing is, have I made a good choice or will I regret it??

 

[Graham376]

BR is quoted as non hardening under the surface skin according to data sheet, whereas 1096 cures throughout. Data sheets here -
ARBOMAST BR - ARBO - ARBO
ARBOSIL 1096 S - Low Modulus Neutral Cure Silicone Sealant - ARBO

 

[TSB240]

Well, widows are out, aluminum frames cleaned of all old sealant and new Perspex windows cut to size. Now to seal the windows into the frame. There is so much conflicting opinions on what sealants to use / not use. I have purchased ABROMAST BR Butyl Based Sealing Compound. The thing is, have I made a good choice or will I regret it??

Top Tips

Don't get or use acetone anywhere near your Perspex.
Use rubbing alcohol as a degreasing agent before sealing.
Mask off as much as you can to avoid the need for extensive cleaning of residual sealant.
Wear at least two pairs of rubber gloves.

 

[SteveIOW]

BR is quoted as non hardening under the surface skin according to data sheet, whereas 1096 cures throughout. Data sheets here -
ARBOMAST BR - ARBO - ARBO
ARBOSIL 1096 S - Low Modulus Neutral Cure Silicone Sealant - ARBO

And one is Butyl and one is silicone. But which is better for Perspex window into aluminum frame?

 

[Tranona]

Well, widows are out, aluminum frames cleaned of all old sealant and new Perspex windows cut to size. Now to seal the windows into the frame. There is so much conflicting opinions on what sealants to use / not use. I have purchased ABROMAST BR Butyl Based Sealing Compound. The thing is, have I made a good choice or will I regret it??

That will be fine.

 

[Graham376]

And one is Butyl and one is silicone. But which is better for Perspex window into aluminum frame?

Don't know which is best but when I phoned makers for recommendation, they suggested 1096 which as I said in #5 above, has lasted 12 years or more in high UV hot area.

 

[SteveIOW]

Thank you. Arbosil 1096 is on its way to me by post.

 

[Graham376]

Thank you. Arbosil 1096 is on its way to me by post.

I found it a very messy job so well worth masking off surrounding area To centralise the Perspex in the U section of the frame so the mastic was evenly spread on both sides, I used small plastic packers down near the bottom.

 

[SteveIOW]

I found it a very messy job so well worth masking off surrounding area To centralise the Perspex in the U section of the frame so the mastic was evenly spread on both sides, I used small plastic packers down near the bottom.

That is exactly what I am planning to do. Glad to hear you did this too.