window sealant?

[aztec]

hi, looking for an opinion really...

i want to use a sealant to fix my windows in place, semi structural, the glass will be held in by the trims.

the windows are sealed units (double glazed) and are the same thickness as the cabin sides that form the frames.

the trims are screwed onto the cabin sides and overlapp the glass/frame joint.

what i'm after is a mastic type sealant that will remain flexible whilst having some adhesive qualities.

what should i use?
where do i get it?

cheers, steve.

 

[Evadne]

I used Sikaflex, although you can get a "proper" rubber seal for most windows from people like sealsdirect.

 

[BOATKID]

depends on set up - I would use a special double sided glazing gasket (availble from double glazing supplies) or if using silicon it must be low modulus (else it will attack hot melt in sealed unit)

hope this helps

 

[asj1]

If you use Sikaflex you will never gte them out if they start to leak for whatever reason ! I used Sikaflex on mine when I didn't know any better and as a result have to live with a few drips as I can't get them out to re-bed !

Regards

Andrew

 

[aztec]

thanks guys.

just what i needed to know.

the advice on sika greatly received.

steve.

 

[DepSol]

Steve

I use 3M UV 4000 because 1 it sticks to stainless as well as GRP 2 it does not crack and 3 it does not go yellow 4 its easy to use.

You do pay more for it but only about a £1 and its much better than most sealants.

Dom

 

[aztec]

hi Dom,

it needs to stick the sealed units into the mahogany apetures, then have the outer trim bits screwed onto the inside and outside respectively... this holds the window whilst the sealer set.

would this stuff do it?

i'm a bit put off the sika stuff as i'm told it hardens too much.

cheers, steve.

 

[CraigB]

I have to agree with Andrew, having spent several days of painful work removing eight windows from my boat that were put in with Sikaflex.

I was recommended 'ARBOMAST BR - Butyl Based Sealing Compound' by Eagle Boat Windows who resealed the glass in the aluminium frames for me. I'll be reinstalling them this weekend.

Andrew, it is not impossible to remove them from the sikaflex if you really want to fix the leaks. Just bl**dy hard work.

 

[Alrob]

further to my post another thing to bear in mind if you use a sealant which doesnt let the glass expand & contract the unit will FAIL

 

[Gin]

Agreed- Sikaflex sticks like s*** to a blanket, - the Arbo(906/901?)product seals just as well and is easier to remove

 

[Boathook]

Re: window sealant? re CraigB

I rebuilt my own windows and used arbomast br to put back in as recommended by Houdini. The stuff is fairly sticky but can not be relied upon to hold place without other assistance. So far after 2 years no leaks and a dryer boat !!

 

[Lee_Shaw]

Butyl

You'll get ity at any decent builders merchant or ironmengerers.