Replacing caulking in a window

[Caolan]

Hello,

Can anyone please link me or provide information on what the proper way to install back the plexiglass and caulking in a window once I have removed it and all remaining gunk?

I want to do it right rather than how it was done prior.

TIA
Caolan

[maxingout]

Do people use the same glue/caulking that is used to install windshields in cars?

[ErikFinn]

Hi Caolan,

first, are you sure your windows are plexiglass? Not polycarbonate (i.e. Lexan)?

Check out this search:

https://www.google.com/search?client...m.com&oq=&aqs=

Then these excellent videos are a must IMHO:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MQyjxVUskd8

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sXUdMzNs_Y8

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GnQG7eUyHxU

[Caolan]

Originally Posted by maxingout

Do people use the same glue/caulking that is used to install windshields in cars?

Please create a different thread. I don't two conversations happening here.

[Caolan]

Originally Posted by ErikFinn

Hi Caolan,

first, are you sure your windows are plexiglass? Not polycarbonate (i.e. Lexan)?

Check out this search:

https://www.google.com/search?client...m.com&oq=&aqs=

Then these excellent videos are a must IMHO:

Thanks! Uhm no I am not sure. lol. It's plastic and see through. In my mind that is plexiglass. [emoji4]

[Matsubob]

We call it acryllic here. There are two kinds: extruded and cast. The extruded is a bit less brittle but the cast, more expensive, is stronger against the elements.
I made a mistake by not cleaning all of the old caulking off. It was so shiny and smooth that it looked like the new could be bedded right over the old. WRONG! The thin layer of old caulk caused too much of a curve and the new acryllic has cracked in one place, so I am going to have to repeat the process. I learned, though, so the Port side is just fine, because I went ahead and removed all the old caulking. You learn as you go!

[YARGESOL]

I just went through this exersise. All cracked and sun-craked old windows are replaced with a new,cast 8mm Pelxiglass GS. What a job was to clean all old caulcking! Thought, it was done by the carpenter with a special manual electric tool (myself did just one window)...costly. It was 3M Life seal Black. In Europe, thay always go for Sikaflex , Black. I installed frames (exterior) made of iroko ply and well painted. Looks nice. The frames are screwed from inside. And than, there is a transparent silicon) thin line, to prevent water comes through the screews.
Caolan - won't you apply a shading films ? It's essentual in worm climate. I was reccomended at the forum 3M films and just got a reference of hanitacoatings - PolyZone SkyLite S20X XTRM, made especially for acrylic glass , such as Plexiglas, or policarbonate.
So, will undo the frames windos and will work the films in the nearest future.
without shades they like a hot pans under spanish sun... AC can't combat.

[Neptune's Gear]

Around here the use of Quilosa MS35 is common. Great stuff, well priced, high bond and good UV resistance. I've done quite a few windows with it with Acrylic, and been converted.

[Captsteve53]

The main thing really is choosing the correct adhesive/ sealant specifically for Poly carbonate windows which is normally one that offers good elastic properties and to note it normally states right on the tube (Suitable for Poly type windows),Sika Flex 295 springs to mind and UV resistant

Depending if they are screw type or frame screw less type dont over tighten the screws when applying and force 90% of the sealant out of the joint, Plastic glazing products have a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than conventional glass.
Therefore, when designing glazing installations,an expansion gap of at least 10 mm all round the periphery must be incorporated between the window rebate and the plastic glazing panel to accommodate thermal movement. Similarly, any clearance holes for fixing screws must be drilled oversize; slightly larger than the diameter of the screw shank.

Cheers Steve