Bounder: Hot melt window sealant

[SSteve]

Fleetwood used a hot melt sealant (translucent, off-yellow, hard set) instead of a silicone type along the exterior top and sides of my windows. It was also used around the porch light and entry door.

Over the years, I've had a few windows repaired, but the techs would only cut around the window to free it from the sealant. They didn't want to risk paint damage by trying to remove the sealant. They did use a silicone sealant to fill the tiny gap left after the windows were installed.

The sealant is now showing signs of cracking and I'd like to remove all of it, but how? I'm guessing heat and a scraper, but I don't know for sure.

Anyone out there have any experience removing the stuff?

Thanks,
Steve

[Tha_Rooster]

I thought they used caulking tape did you buy new could previous owner added that glue?

[Cat]

I used this to try to get that off my windows frames. It works but it takes along time. You have to put it own and let it sit on there for 1-2 hours before scrapping with a plastic putty knife. Its a pain. Fleetwood used a silicone sealent and did a poor job of the application, leaving a residue on the paint. Then it dries out and turns yellow. Good luck getting it off.
McKanica® Silicone Caulk Remover

[stkt]

To minimize damage to the paint, I've seen the factory go around the sealed area with a razor blade, very carefully. This separates the sealant from the paint at the point the sealant contacts whatever it is sealing (most of the time) and then the sealant can be removed with a plastic scraper.