Lexel as final window caulk -- the good and the bad
After installing our front window with plenty of butyl tape, and after cleaning off the tape residue, I wanted a final caulking. I had read that silicone would be no good because it pulls off. So I found this product, Lexel, which is supposed to be perfect for this application.
The good news is that it is really easy to apply and it really sticks after it's cured
The bad news is that it is not easy to smooth it when applying it. Although it dries clear, it is somewhat wavy. And it's kind of shiny, so it's easy to see the imperfections. They say that you can stick your finger in soapy water or mineral spirits in order to smooth it while applying it. But I tried that and it didn't work well.
I should add that I caulked the top of the window and a few inches down on each side, but no further. According to the reading I've done, it's not a good idea to trap any moisture that might get in. Leaving the sides un-caulked allows some drainage, or so they say.
Finally, I should also add that we did a thorough water test, and the window is completely watertight.
The good news is that it is really easy to apply and it really sticks after it's cured
The bad news is that it is not easy to smooth it when applying it. Although it dries clear, it is somewhat wavy. And it's kind of shiny, so it's easy to see the imperfections. They say that you can stick your finger in soapy water or mineral spirits in order to smooth it while applying it. But I tried that and it didn't work well.
I should add that I caulked the top of the window and a few inches down on each side, but no further. According to the reading I've done, it's not a good idea to trap any moisture that might get in. Leaving the sides un-caulked allows some drainage, or so they say.
Finally, I should also add that we did a thorough water test, and the window is completely watertight.
