Butyl Tape... doesn't last as long these days. Yes or No?

[Bill-2020]

Is it just me (oh that's loaded comment!), or does today's butyl tape seem to dry out and crack faster than it used to years ago?

[LHaven]

It sure does!
However, I'm in Phoenix now, whereas years ago I was in New England.

[JRTJH]

There's two types of "RV putty tape"... One is butyl, it's a rubbery, somewhat sticky tape. I've seen no difference in quality for butyl tape in the past 10 years. It does seem to be "a tad bit thinner than in the past" but so is that 14 ounce can of SPAM that used to be 16 ounces....

The other type "RV putty tape" is "clay based" and it will dry out in low humidity conditions and will, if left on its own, become brittle and break apart.

Are you sure you've got butyl rather than putty tape ???

[Bill-2020]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

There's two types of "RV putty tape"... One is butyl, it's a rubbery, somewhat sticky tape. I've seen no difference in quality for butyl tape in the past 10 years. It does seem to be "a tad bit thinner than in the past" but so is that 14 ounce can of SPAM that used to be 16 ounces....

The other type "RV putty tape" is "clay based" and it will dry out in low humidity conditions and will, if left on its own, become brittle and break apart.

Are you sure you've got butyl rather than putty tape ???

Not positive - it's the tape that squeezed out at install around the W/H frame on the exterior from the factory.

[sourdough]

I've not had issues with the butyl tape; still tacky and gooey as ever. The putty tape however does dry out and become, IMO, a less than ideal solution. Maybe that's what you got? If not, and it is butyl, you might say what brand and where you got it so we can avoid it...!!

[Bill-2020]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I've not had issues with the butyl tape; still tacky and gooey as ever. The putty tape however does dry out and become, IMO, a less than ideal solution. Maybe that's what you got? If not, and it is butyl, you might say what brand and where you got it so we can avoid it...!!

It's not what I used... it's what Keystone used a year ago. I'll probably cut away the bad tape (whatever it is), clean and seal the area with proflex - problem solved. If the two of you haven't had any issues with the butyl, then I'm thinking this may be the clay type that John mentioned.

[Bill-2020]

Originally Posted by sourdough

I've not had issues with the butyl tape; still tacky and gooey as ever. The putty tape however does dry out and become, IMO, a less than ideal solution. Maybe that's what you got? If not, and it is butyl, you might say what brand and where you got it so we can avoid it...!!

When you say putty tape... are you saying that it's something like plumbers putty that I've used on the sink drains (residential)?

[sourdough]

Sort of like plumbers putty. Butyl is very sticky; it's synthetic rubber. It stretches and stretches. The putty tape is not as gooey, sticky or as elastic. You can start pulling it and it will break. At times butyl tape and putty tape are used interchangeably; they're not the same thing.

[Bill-2020]

I’ve used new butyl tape recently (OTA roof antenna replacement), so what I’m thinking is that the water heater is sealed with putty. It’s just too dry. Meanwhile the windows are good, as strange as that may sound. But possibly a different line in the assembly process.

[JRTJH]

I'm not sure what "logic tree" the factory uses to determine which type of sealant to use on specific components. It may be a "whatever is in my hand" type of decision or there may be a specific formula/chart used to determine which type is used where....

I do know that my clearance lights, tail lights and the main entry door were sealed with clay putty tape while all the windows and access baggage doors were sealed with butyl tape. The water heater and furnace exhaust flange were sealed with a bead of sealant, I believe they used a flexible polyurethane sealant, but I'm not sure as I've never had to remove those two components. Nearly all the components that were sealed at the factory have/had a bead of white PRO-FLEX around the perimeter with a "weep hole" on the lower surface to allow any leak to run out from behind the component lip.

Here's a link to someone's opinion of "the 9 best RV sealants"... While I agree with most of what is said there, getting some of those brands is impossible for the average RV owner. But near the bottom of the article is a photo of the "clay putty tape". Note that it's "rippled" as the paper used to keep the roll separated is a "crepe paper". Butyl tape comes in a similar roll, but the paper is smooth and shiny, sort of a "non-stick paper" similar to what's found on decals and stickers. https://www.rvweb.net/best-rv-caulks-reviewed/

[Bill-2020]

Thanks for the article link John, I was unaware of the putty type. Thought both came on normal release paper and wrinkled paper - I just installed the Winegard antenna in place of the recalled Furrion antenna. I bought the putty not realizing. Well, it’s a good thing it’s sealed with lap sealant, that putty will dry out under it all I suppose.

By the way, while we’re on the subject... Remember that DAP brand clear sealant picture I posted a while back? I tried some the other day on a shed wall. The stuff smells and applies just like Proflex. I’m thinking DAP may be a bit of a copycat in this instance.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Bill-2020

... The stuff smells and applies just like Proflex. I’m thinking DAP may be a bit of a copycat in this instance.

You're welcome... As for the ProFlex/DAP issue, I'd guess it's very much like the DICOR/Alpha Systems or even the Sunbeam/Wonder Bread products....