Procedure to reseal window?

[Andrewe]

I have a small leak at the top corner of one of my windows. It is installed over the typical uneven aluminum strip siding. There is a rubber seal under the frame that has been compressed to the shape of the siding.

Do I replace the seal even though it seems to be in good shape other than being compressed? Should I use a sealant under the rubber seal? Should I use butyl tape?

Thanks for your help.

[jhlady]

Andrew,


Yes remove the window frame and "seal". Replace using new butyl tape and you should be good to go. No additional sealant or caulk required.


John

[carl.swoyer]

Originally Posted by Andrewe

I have a small leak at the top corner of one of my windows. It is installed over the typical uneven aluminum strip siding. There is a rubber seal under the frame that has been compressed to the shape of the siding.



Do I replace the seal even though it seems to be in good shape other than being compressed? Should I use a sealant under the rubber seal? Should I use butyl tape?



Thanks for your help.

Pictures of the window would be helpful. I am wondering if it's a tip out or a sliding window. When you say it leaks have you identified the point of entry.
That being said, my egress window leaks at the top corner. I added a 1/4" wind seal on the glass to marry up to the factory seal. Purchased at Lowe's

[redhooker]

I would follow Johns advice above. Properly installed windows with butyl tape need no caulk for waterproofing. The caulk should just be for looks if desired but the window should pass a leak check with the tape alone.

[Andrewe]

The current seal is a thick compressible rubber gasket as seen in the picture. It just seems strange to add butyl tape under the existing seal. I can't remove the seal because of the 1/4" gap that it fills.

[redhooker]

Perhaps the rubber gasket is bad. I would replace it or just butyl tape it like this:

https://youtu.be/ymKr-dBFyZI

If it is leaking it needs to be pulled. Not a hard job but need a helper.

[Andrewe]

Thanks for the help everyone. I've ordered the butyl tape.