Window Frame Screws (Sealing?)

[k10lan]

We are making progress!

After the initial tear out, we have made the new window frames for the front dinette windows (old ones were black and fell into dust).

The question we have relates to the screws which attach the skin to the frame. We want to make sure water won't come in through the holes and ruin the new wood. The options as I see them.

1. Just attach the screws and trust the pressure will prevent water from going in the screw holes.

2. Putting a layer of butyl between the skin and frame.

3. Put butyl in each screw hole.

4. Combine 2 and 3.

Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated.

[vikx]

Just a dab of sealant before the screw is driven will help. I use clear gutter seal, not silicone...

[k10lan]

We picked up some Lexal (sp?) will that do?

[Gone Kayaking]

I think lexal is a silicone product. I would use something that has butyl in it. gutter seal is a good product and not expensive.

You are using a layer of butyl tape between the window frame and trailer right? This is a must. The screws will pick up the tape on their way in which will also help the seal.

[dawgpound]

Lexel is what I have used on all of my vintage trailers and restorations, since 2003 and never had any problems with it. Lexel is also widely used in the log home building industry, because it holds up against the harsh movements of the logs. This is also why I chose to use it.

[cowcharge]

I squirted some non-silicone clear sealant (sorry don't remember the brand, it was from the hardware store) into the holes, and made a little doughnut of it around the screws right under the heads before driving them in.