Sealants

[RonD]

Can someone remind me the best sealant to use around windows, awning rail etc. My van is 9 years old and I feel it could benefit from a reseal in vulnerable areas. I understand ordinary silicone sealant is fairly useless long term. Is Sikaflex the right stuff? Where do I buy it if so?

Regards,

Ron

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Ron,

Silicone sealant releases acids during the curing process that can attack aluminium - so it's not a great idea to use it on an aluminium clad caravan.

Sikaflex (Sika Ltd) is a constructional mastic, often used to bond car windscreens to the car, and is available in a range of "stickness" - so if you want to get the awning rail off again, then choose a low strength (also means more flexible) Sikaflex

Alternatively a Butyl Mastic (Hodgson Sealants) is often the best product for awning rails and windows - this will stay flexible for many, many years - but unlike the Sikaflex products, mastic has no "tack" or "grab" which you may regard as a good or bad thing

Try Google for the manufacturer web-sites and distributors.

Robert

 

[Damian]

IDL99 is another good sealant, and cheaper than Silkaflex.

 

[RonD]

Many thanks for the information...this forum never disappoints!

Ron