Forum Discussion

egarant's avatar
egarant
Explorer III
Nov 01, 2018

100% Silicone vs Dicor

Hi Everyone,

I've always stayed away from using silicone on my RV's for the many reasons stated on this forum, BUT when I was at my local RV shop yesterday the tech was admiring my rig when he noticed some missing caulk on a vertical seam ( I am in the process of removing some old caulk an re-applying).

He asked what I was going to use, I told him I had used Geocel ProFlexRV sealant and did not like it at all and was removing it where I had applied it. He told me to use 100% silicone to caulk the outside vertical seams. It is what they use at the shop all the time on all the RV's. He just said make sure it is 100% silicone and not a blend of any kind.

What do you think?
Truck Campers
  • egarant's avatar
    egarant
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2018
    What do you suggest for sealing the vertical seams? I tend to agree that silicone is not the answer.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2018
    Ask him if he will re-do any silicone caulking that he applied when time comes to recaulk

    Silicone will NOT stick to silicone so it has to be COMPLETELY removed.....that includes the residue which is time/labor involved BEFORE you can recaulk using ANYTHING else.

    Like above post.....glad to know he uses it so I could STOP him before and then not go back

    I like ProFlex. Small cup of water and a WET finger helps.

    Dicor Non-Sagging works well also

    And they need to be FRESH (shelf life) and unopened (use it/can't save it).
  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2018
    Well,I have used silicone for years and never had an issue with it.The internet hates silicone but there are alot of RV places that use it like you just posted..

    My reply was from using silicone off and on for like 50 years..Your mileage may differ.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2018
    Silicone only belongs in breast implants. not on an RV. I use Sikaflex myself.
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2018
    Should I be using ProFlex on the bottom of the frame on my shower? I tried silicone and it wiped off the next time I dried down the shower.
  • Photomike's avatar
    Photomike
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2018
    I had the same experience, had some work done and I went in as they were finishing up and out came the silicone. Talked to the tech and he has been using it for 30 plus years without an issue, guaranteed it would work and when I sold the unit 5 years later is was still perfect.

    Like he said there is a huge difference in arm chair quarter backs and professionals. Use what you are comfortable with. I have used silicone for years for various uses and in some situations I am fine with it, in other situations I would stay away.
  • Photomike's avatar
    Photomike
    Explorer III
    Nov 01, 2018
    bob213 wrote:
    Should I be using ProFlex on the bottom of the frame on my shower? I tried silicone and it wiped off the next time I dried down the shower.


    Many manufacturers of shower stalls and tub enclosers for home and RV's say use silicone. I have had it work great on some and then on others have had the same results as you with it peeling off in days. On one encloser I had caulked using the recommended silicone and it peeled, so I contacted the manufacturer and they stated that the shower stall needed to be wiped first with a cleaner (I cannot remember the type, I am thinking rubbing alcohol but don't quote me) to cause the silicone to get a hold on it. Did that and it worked great that was 8 years ago and it is still sealed.
  • jaycocreek's avatar
    jaycocreek
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2018
    Here is a pretty slick video on how to apply the sealant without a mess..I am the worlds worst caulker and found this interesting...

    A four minute video..

    How to apply sealant
  • Chris_Bryant's avatar
    Chris_Bryant
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2018
    Caulk is not really what seals those seams- it is there as a line of defense if the butyl fails.

    That said, I don't have anything against a good quality RTV silicone on the sidewalls- I have 20 year old silicone caulk jobs I've done still in good shape, but... the caulk I used isn't carried at normal stores, the closest is Permatex RTV silicone- ~$13/tube. It has good adhesion and is very flexible (low modulus).

    Yeah, it must be completely removed if it needs to be replaced, but if applied correctly it won't need to be replaced, and it is *way* easier to remove than Proflex.

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