Don't use silicone?

[WearyTraveler]

I started a thread about a leak from under the dash of my Outlaw 38RE.

I ended up buying some silicone caulking at lowes and sealing the heck out of my drivers side window. Had a light rain and no leak so far. But it was really a drizzle.

When I told my buddy that I'd sealed the window his first response was "you didn't use silicone, did you?"

He says that it'll crack and leak again in a season. Mentioned Butyl.

How badly will the silicone get?

[abjbrtd]

Silicon for the windshield is a temporary fix while you wait for a glass company (Safelite AutoGlass) to come out to a make a perminate repair.

They will/should suggest reinstalling the window.

[WearyTraveler]

It's not the windshield. It's on the drivers side window. I just caulked around the top and sides. Caulked around the side view mirrors as well.

I guess my real question is - will I have to remove the silicone and redo with butyl caulk in the spring?

[WearyTraveler]

I used DAP Dynaflex 230. From reading a few other places it appears to be a good choice.

https://www.dap.com/media/73097/dyna...-clrs_5-14.pdf

[mcr1010]

Been using silicone for years. Haven't had to replace any yet. The stuff they used at the factory is cracked and has caused leaks. And I have had some really bad inconvenient leaks..........not that any leaks are convenient. I mean leaks in down pours.

[jgwmjw2]

Do not use silicone on an RV window. The problem with silicone is that NOTHING will ever stick to it afterwards, including more silicone. If the window still leaksvafyer applying silicone, your only option it to completely scrape it off, chemically remove the residue and re-caulk with something else.

[Lt Keefer]

Don't believe the hooey about using silicone around the tops of your windows. My last coach came from the factory with silicone around the window frames. I did have to re-caulk a couple over the years I owned it, but they never leaked. The dicor on the roof, now that was another story.

[crey0517]

I recommend this stuff - it comes in several different colors including the clear listed below:

https://www.amazon.com/Geocel-GC2810...s%2C186&sr=8-6

Happy Outlaw travels!

[Golfbum18]

IF you need to get rid of it, after scrapping, Goo Be Gone has a product that is a caulking remover. Works well.

[JamieGeek]

The advice I have often heard is that dicor self leveling must be used on the roof, and silicone can be used anywhere else. (Something about the membrane & silicone don't mix well.)

[azwiz]

Use Lexel, a lot better than silicone!

[EA37TS]

A few years ago Thor recommended I use Geocel 2300. There are different varieties for different applications. I did and it stayed in place and worked for a few years

[jgwmjw2]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

Don't believe the hooey about using silicone around the tops of your windows. My last coach came from the factory with silicone around the window frames. I did have to re-caulk a couple over the years I owned it, but they never leaked. The dicor on the roof, now that was another story.

https://blog.sashco.com/blog/0617201...stick-silicone

[airforceret]

Originally Posted by jgwmjw2

https://blog.sashco.com/blog/0617201...stick-silicone

As with all things you have to consider the source. One blog says No, while another says Yes.

Can I apply new silicone atop, or alongside old silicone caulk?
It is recommended that any old silicone is removed. While new, freshly applied silicone can be applied & will bond to old silicone – the bond isn’t as strong as if it were applied to a clean surface.

https://www.everkemproducts.com/reso...q/#appnewonold

[Jimbo56]

My drivers window leak ended up being the satellite radio antenna not sealed. A steel plate was screwed to the roof just over the window. It was sealed. However, the satellite radio antenna was just magnetically stuck onto the steel plate. A nickel sized hole for the wire was beneath the antenna. When I lifted the antenna off was wet down in the hole. Cleaned it up, reattached the magnet. Then put dicor around the magnet, no more leak. Water was coming in beneath the magnet (not watertight). And finding its way down the window frame.

[Mo_Mike]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

The advice I have often heard is that dicor self leveling must be used on the roof, and silicone can be used anywhere else. (Something about the membrane & silicone don't mix well.)

We used some flexible clear silicon around our windows two years ago and they still look good...

DEFINITELY only DICOR on the TPO roof...

[MJC62]

As one who used silicone in my trade on a daily basis, by all means use silicone to stop any leaks on the body portion of your coach and its windows. As stated by others use only Dicor for the membrane roof.
Use a good grade silicone, not the cheap crap at $2 a tube that contains a mix of silicone and latex. A good name brand RTV 100% silicone product applied on a clean surface will stay flexible in all weather. People make the mistake of buying the silicone/latex caulk that is paintable and used in household applications. That product will dry hard and is prone to cracking on a motorhome that is in constant motion.

[oleflier]

Does Thor sell sealant that was used on body parts ,(fender flairs, bottom panel). I would love to touch up these areas, silicone only keeps water out doesn't attach or go with colors.