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JaycoPhoto · 08-15-2014, 05:34 PM

I don't see any difference.

In changing the water heater out, I observed putty tape. So I had my partner pick some of that up.

I also observed a black, spongy, insulation type of tape with a self adhesive back. I thought that was butyl tape. So I had my partner pick some of that up too.

Except what thought was butyl tape is not butyl tape. Actual butyl tape is more like putty tape.

So what's the difference?

BFlinn181 · 08-15-2014, 05:40 PM

Butyl tape is made of all 'solids' that is very sticky and used for sealing around windows and other openings in the sides of an RV. Foam tape may have adhesive on one or both sides and is used to seal larger voids as a gasket. Butyl tape stays flexible for a long time, foam tape can get brittle and crumble with age.

JaycoPhoto · 08-15-2014, 05:48 PM

So is butyl a superior product to foam tape?

BFlinn181 · 08-15-2014, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaycoPhoto

So is butyl a superior product to foam tape?

For setting windows in the side of an RV, yes butyl is superior. If you're sealing a water heater into a space, butyl would be good for sealing seams and wire openings. For pipe openings that might have to have a little allowance for movement, foam tape will work.

wa8yxm · 08-15-2014, 06:40 PM

The foam rubber like tape is.... Weatherstriping tape, Find it in teh window isle at your local home improvement store

There is also a foam type double stick tape sometimes used to mount pictures.. You may find that in the same isle or elsewhere in the store.

(Tape and glue isle)

Butyl and putty tape are indeed much alike,, Only difference is the "Putty". Butyl is more rubbery.. There is also Mastic Tape, yet another variation on the same theme.

JaycoPhoto · 08-15-2014, 06:48 PM

The foam tape was on the inside of the door frame, on the part that slips just inside the front of the water heater. The putty tape was on the back of the door frame where it presses against the trailer.

I think I'm going to go get some foam tape at Home Depot, and use the butyl tape around the door frame against the trailer.

JaycoPhoto · 08-15-2014, 07:09 PM

And while I'm on the subject, this is what most of the seams look like. Do remove it or caulk over it with Proflex?

jesilvas · 08-16-2014, 05:32 PM

For a metal sided trailer, use NON butyl putty; thicker and not as sticky. For a smooth side trailer, use butyl putty. I never use foam tape.

I would just seal over what is there.

JaycoPhoto · 08-16-2014, 09:04 PM

I used butyl around the water heater door kit. Seemed to work nicely. It grabbed the aluminum and pushed out around the door kit making a nice bead seal.

rideandslide · 08-17-2014, 02:26 PM

The stuff is a pain in the as**** to work with, but seals great !!!
Jim

JaycoPhoto · 08-17-2014, 03:49 PM

It was QUITE a pain to work with, but it seems to have worked.

Now Proflex was a pain. Dear sweet Jesus that stuff was a GIGANTICE pain in the rear to clean up.