I’m looking at a solar install and plan to use strut channel to mount the panels to the roof. I saw another camper do similar and seal it by putting down 3” squares of butyl tape where he screwed into the roof and then covered with dicor. Looking at Amazon, there are tons of tapes at different price points. Are they all that different? What is a good brand or source? I really don’t want to save $10 to risk thousands in leak repairs later.

No, not all equal.3 basic types:1) Your basic cheap putty tape. This stuff is junk and holds no place in an RV. 2) Poly-butyl blend. (IIRC, that's what it's called)Better, but still nothing to write home to mother about. 3) Pure butyl tape.The most expensive but the best choice. It sticks very well to all surfaces, never hardens or crumbles and remains pliable for years. And its a bear to remove. That's a plus, not a negative.As you said, for a few bucks more a roll, get the good stuff. It is well worth it. I have a part roll of it in my box of goodies I keep in my TT and it is still soft and pliable in spite of being many years old.I personally would not buy this type of stuff from Amazon. Chances are it comes from China and holds the same quality as their tires....You may pay more, but find some good old Made in USA product.This info is based on my experience from a bunch of years ago. Maybe they have something better now, I don't know.

Consider using Eternabond. That stuff seriously sticks!!!

Where would be a good source to buy pure butyl tape or ernabond?

OkieGene wrote:Consider using Eternabond. That stuff seriously sticks!!!Eternabond tape and butyl tape is not the same and used for different purposes. Chuck

bajajoaquin wrote:Where would be a good source to buy pure butyl tape or ernabond?I have purchased my Eternabond tape for many years from Best Materials but they also sell Butyl Rubber sealant tape. Here is the 4 inch Eternabond tape that I have used extensively on my roof. It has been on there for almost 15 years and was just recently removed when I had my roof recovered.I have found that Best Materials usually has the best price for most roofing/caulking type products.Barney

Are Butyl Tapes Equal? | Good Sam Community

theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Sep 23, 2021
Remember, the beauty of butyl is that it is easily replaceable ! It is NOT an adhesive. Other mechanical fasteners are required to keep items in place. You should use fasteners that can be removed so that the butyl can be replaced, instead of adding more layers of your favorite adhesive caulk !
EgorKC
Explorer
Sep 24, 2021
3) Pure butyl tape.
The most expensive but the best choice. It sticks very well to all surfaces, never hardens or crumbles and remains pliable for years. And its a bear to remove. That's a plus, not a negative.

Correct. Sika Corp makes the butyl tape that major corporations specify for their applications. Insider knowledge so I cannot name them but Appliance and Automotive companies use only Sika. Another domestic manufacturer is located in Minnesota and theirs would work too. Butyl tape is not supported by any membrane. It's an industrial strength putty that will last for years as long as it is sandwiched between 2 surfaces.
Greg
mobeewan
Explorer
Sep 24, 2021
I will be ordering/purchasing some metal roofing panels and trim pieces in the morning for a couple sheds along with screws & Butyl tape. When purchased from someone who sells commercial metal roofing for homes you can get butyl tape in widths of 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1" on 45 to 60 ft rolls. I don't know the price yet but I'm going to be purchasing 2 rolls in 3/8" width.

The roofing i am buying is from Marco Metals purchased through the local 84 Lumber store. I think that Marco Metals is a distributor because the same exact roofing products are also provided from Best Buy Metals.

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