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sailjumanji · 17-08-2015, 12:23

Took care of the front Lexan window replacements, but now have a leak in the head area which has GLASS windows. Windows are floating in black sealant, recessed in a gelcoat black fiberglass frame. The Seka product I used to do the Lexan is not recommended for glass. Someone suggested a GE product but no number. Looks like SCS2000 SilPruf would be recommended, and I have seen that recommended for Lexan as well. (Should have probably purchased this for both the Lexan and glass windows, but too late now.)

Anyone have a recommendation. I need to remove two glass panels in the single recessed area, clean it all up, and rebed.

Oh, and the manufacturer originally used 1/4 inch by 1 inch thick, high-density double-sided tape to hold the window in place while the sealant set. I have not been able to find any that had tenacity similar to what was removed. Most are very "squishy". Anyone have a source? 3M doesn't make it, except for very thin. And needs to be black.

THANKS

DSDman · 17-08-2015, 14:22

Dow 795. You can get grey I know. Not sure about black.

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DSDman · 17-08-2015, 14:25

Mainsail sells butyl tape that will hold and seal. The dow 795 will set on top of it. That's what I did all my windows with. No leaks.

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matauwhi · 17-08-2015, 21:37

G'day, Mate. I concur with DSDman. I used to work for the company. It's actually Dow Corning 795 and it is available in black. It should be readily available from a local distributor or on-line from a number of sources. All the best with the project. Cheers.

travellerw · 17-08-2015, 22:03

Sounds to me like the original was done like a car. A rubber strip with adhesive on both sides. Then urethane adhesive used around the glass.

High strengh urethane adhesive is what is used in the automotive industry to adhere glass onto car bodies. A very popular brand is 3M Window-Weld. I have no idea if it would adhere to gelcoat though.

El Pinguino · 17-08-2015, 22:53

Ditto #2,3, and 4...

Bought some butyl tape recently... have since used on a port, a stanchion base and an aerial through deck thingo with good results... about to use it to replace a failed binnacle gasket.
Was going to use the Mainsail one but freight was an issue... bought local... works good....

edited to add..... used by itself... didn't use Dow Corning silicone with it......

sailjumanji · 18-08-2015, 05:36

I purchased the Maine Sail butyl tape yesterday, but as it is light grey, I don't want to use it on the window install. (You will be able to see the tape thru the window glass.) Plus, I didn't think this was sticky enough to hold a 3.5 ft by 2 ft panel of vertical glass in place. We're doing this at the dock, and last thing I need is to see it drop into the water.

I really got the butyl tape to rebed some stancions and it looks great for that.

Sounds like I need to check into the Dow Corning 795. Anyone use the GE SCS2000 SifPruf?

Any thoughts on where to find the black, 1/4 in thick, two-sided tape? I still think I am going to have to use some of that to keep the window in place while the sealant sets up.

**GordMay** · 18-08-2015, 05:49

Limitations
SCS2000 is not recommended:
•
For use underwater or in other applications where the product
will be in continuous contact with water.
•
For use in food contact applications.
•
When painting of the cured sealant is desired (unless
appropriate specialized paint products are used).
•
For structural adhesion on bare metals or surfaces subject to
corrosion (
i.e.,
mill aluminum, bare steel, etc.).
•
When using colors other than black for structural glazing
applications, contact Momentive Technical Services prior to use

sailjumanji · 18-08-2015, 06:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordMay

Limitations
SCS2000 is not recommended:
•
For .......

Yeah, I don't think I am any of those. Plus I read where a couple of the boat builders recommended this stuff for replacing Lexan windows. Sounds like the product might have been good for my Lexan as well, instead of the activator/prime/sealant Seka system.

Anyone have any experience with the SCS2000?

Cool Runnings · 18-08-2015, 08:22

Use Dow 795. I would just place small 1/8" thick 1/4x1/4 foam spacers between the glass (plexi?) and the frame. Tape all surfaces that you don't want to get goop on. Then apply the 795 to all surfaces that you want sealed/adhered. Then install the window with some way to hold it in place for a day. Use a Popsicle stick to tool the exposed 795 surfaces so you get a nice radius. This is the way I replaced the fixed ports (deadlights) on my C42. Worked great.

winethief · 18-08-2015, 08:32

I used butyl tape on my portals and love it. Less messy than using Sikaflex or other sealants.

George

s/v Wind Thief

Canuck Sailor · 18-08-2015, 08:41

I used Sikeflex for glazing five years ago and the windows were held in with a brace from the outside of my dodger and have been in ever since. Sorry can't remember the number but should be on their web site.
The only photo is at night with the LEDs on but you can see one of the two side windows and the centre front window that are held in with the sealant. No external gusset is holding them in place just the sealant/adhesive.