Best way to remove lap sealant

Question

What is the best way to remove lap sealant from parts? We have removed all of the gutters, back and front caps etc. in the process of installing a new EPDM roof, but those parts now have lots of lap sealant on them. Some of it is old some of it is not so old. I've heard of people using a hair dryer, heat gun or just a putty knife. What do you think is best? I want to make sure we do this right :)

Also, some of these components have butyl tape on them as well. What's the best way to remove that?

Thanks!
Craig N Tammy

Moved to Tech Issues forum from DIY.

westend · Answer

Use heat and scrape. If it is mill finish (aluminum colored), you can use a small grinder/drill and a wire wheel.

craig_n_tammy · Answer

Thanks westend!  When you say "use heat" are you referring to a heat gun (e.g. HIGH heat) or something like a blow dryer (low heat)?Craig N Tammy

westend · Answer

Craig N Tammy wrote:Thanks westend!  When you say "use heat" are you referring to a heat gun (e.g. HIGH heat) or something like a blow dryer (low heat)?Craig N TammyI have heat guns but a hair dyer puts out about as much heat. Be careful on painted surfaces or plastic. You don't want to ruin anything. Also, 3M makes a caulk remover that works great for silicone or latex caulk. Don't know how it works on Dicor. Maybe someone around here knows what solvent to use with Dicor? The butyl sealant should just about fall off.

almot · Answer

westend wrote:
Maybe someone around here knows what solvent to use with Dicor?

Methyl Hydrate, aka Methanol, aka Methyl Alcohol. In Canada it sells in Home Depot. This is what I used for "final" removal stage of my (I think) Dicor left after removed TV antenna. Before that final cleaning I just ripped the Dicor off using my fingers and putty knife, it was soft like a dough and laid in a thick layer. Maybe when it's old and dried and thinly spread, it's different, but mine was soft.

nmhuntr · Answer

Hair dryer or heat gun. I just removed some from my roof and early morning it was cool and difficult to remove. When the outside temp got to 70 degrees it pealed right off.

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Best way to remove lap sealant

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