Putty or butyl tape?

Putty or butyl tape?

Skibane wrote:

^Excellent post, John - Thank you!

BobsYourUncle wrote:

Great write-up John. Excellent! ?
The company is the world’s best applying butyl tape supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Nice to see someone knowledgeable post good sound info with pics to support it.

Thank you, Skibane and Bob. Bob, I recall you rebuilding your camper from years ago.

Why This Knowledge Matters

Tackling camper restorations from water damage is a massive, time-consuming endeavor. Understanding how leaks occur and learning how to improve original designs is crucial. Simply replicating what the RV industry did initially is insufficient for long-term durability.

Bonding Strength Comparison: Putty vs. Butyl Tape

The bonding strength between putty tape and butyl tape differs significantly. Imagine wood glue; correctly applied wood glue is stronger than the wood itself. Similarly, high-quality butyl tape forms a much stronger bond to siding or molding/flanges than putty tape does. Poor bonding often results in leaks.

Learning from Experience

My experience started with my own camper. Faced with horror stories about failing siding seals, I used Dicor non-sag caulk to secure moldings to siding, windows, and doors. Cleaning and caulking exposed putty tape temporarily improved my camper's longevity, but the actual failure of putty tape was more advanced than I realized.

Living in Ohio, my camper stayed outside until a new barn was built. Post-retirement, I began restoring older, water-damaged campers—a hobby which I took up only to discover I enjoy it, despite the mildew smell. Over time, I repaired 15 campers for friends and family.

Case Studies in Camper Restoration

I purchased project campers, ranging from 10-to-12-year-old models with similar issues caused by putty tape. Many owners were unaware of the need for roof and siding maintenance. Often, these campers were in poor water-damage-wise condition, although their interiors were fine.

By adding a diamond plate to the bottom siding section and addressing minor rot, I realized that my early efforts to stop siding leaks positively impacted the camper's life. I've documented this in pictures below:

Learning Through Images

Here, I present a visual comparison of the results:

I heated the moldings and joints while removing the corner molding. You can observe the Dicor next to the failing putty tape. Three years ago, I dismantled this corner to address rot.

When roof water runs down the left corner, you can see the putty tape shrinking and releasing from the siding. Without Dicor, it would have turned into a serious water leak.

Putty tape does not create a strong long-term bond with moldings/flanges or siding. It easily comes off when you dismantle the camper.

Using Butyl Tape for Stronger Bonds

Conversely, commercial-grade butyl tape offers a much stronger bond. Demonstrated through the current restoration project of my friend's camper, Permatite 250-H Butyl showed excellent adhesive strength even after four years of use.

Unlike putty tape, high-quality butyl tape does not break bonds with siding or moldings. This is why I recommend using industrial-grade butyl tape, commonly found in the building industry rather than RV stores, for better performance.

Observations and Final Thoughts

After restoring 15 campers from different manufacturers like Keystone, Coachman, Gulfstream, and Sunline, the common issue was putty tape failure. High-quality butyl tape produced significantly better results.

For more insights and visual documentation, visit my Flickr page.

Hope this information is helpful,
John

Ford F350 Super Duty, 4x4; 6.8L V10 with 4.10 RA, 21,000 GCWR, 11,000 GVWR, upgraded 2 1/2" Towbeast Receiver. Hitched with a 1,700# Reese HP WD, HP Dual Cam to a Sunline Solaris T310R travel trailer.

Advantages of Butyl Tape in the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry relies heavily on precision and durability, making automotive butyl tape crucial for various applications. Whether it's sealing joints, reducing vibrations, or weatherproofing, this versatile tape has diverse uses, from adhering panels to preventing rust.

How to Use Butyl Tape on Automotive Windows?

For more information, visit different types of rain gutters. Automotive windows require precise sealing to avoid leaks and maintain comfort. Make sure to clean and prime surfaces before applying butyl tape evenly along the window frame. High adhesive strength ensures a lasting seal.

Is Butyl Tape Waterproof?

Yes, it is. Butyl tape's hydrophobic qualities and moisture resistance make it an excellent choice for automotive applications.

Sourcing high-quality butyl tape, such as those offered by EONBON, is crucial for optimal results. Websites like yhtape.com provide a wide selection to fit various needs.

Choosing the right butyl sealant tape is essential. Consider application, temperature resistance, and durability when selecting. Consulting experts and using certified products ensures the best fit for your project.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for what is a rain gutter. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the best options for your needs.