Replacing windows

[kirbyc1goo]

Im replacing the windows/rubber seal around them because they leak. I was wanting to go with glass to replace the lexan ones that came out because lexan fades/cracks. Im not sure this will work because they maybe have a possible bend in them.

Does anyone have a suggestion of lexan vs glass? Also does anyone know where to get a replacement seal such as the one in the pics, or one that is just as adequate. Thanks

 

[Steve Dion]

You probably have acrylic not lexan. Lexan is not good for exposure to the sun.

If you don't have a flat surface, you will need to go with a acrylic material. You will probably get rid of the boat before the acrylic crazes. I don't think it is going to crack unless you screw it in place.

I cannot help you with the seal, you may need to find a company that mfg something like this. I would suggest that you start with the McMaster.com website.

 

[dscribner]

Many Lexans (aka polycarbonate) is UV stabilized so it will work great in the beating sun. But, as Steve alluded, there are those that don't do well. What I did, since I'm really cheap and kind of broke, I got some scrap poly from work. Cut it to shape then adhered it to the cabin with structural glazing tape. They use this to mount windows in skyscrapers. I then masked off around the windows and cut a nice round perimeter with a razor. I sealed the joint with white silicone (GE) and tooled it nicely so it looks almost like a white gasket.

I had searched for months for the correct gasket but it never came thru. I hope you have good luck locating yours.

 

[Steve Dion]

Here is an expert opinion about polycarbonate vs acrylic. Remember not all acrylics are create equal. Do not buy that cheap imported stuff. It is still expensive, but you will be replacing it sooner than the quality stuff.

http://www.selectplastics.com/index.php/blogs/tonyd/acrylic-vs-polycarbonate.html

Being cheap is not always the least expensive way out.

 

[kirbyc1goo]

Sounds like an excellent idea where did you get your glazing tape from? 3M makes some and it sounds like it would do the trick.

 

[Zaphro]

I found gasket material at a auto glass installer. I replaced the rusted front window frame of my Jeep with a fiberglass window frame (twice the thickness and the reason I was at the glass installer after breaking the winsheild trying to force it into the new frame with the old gasket.... D'oh!) A couple of mesurements, a phone call and 24 hours later there was gasket material to fit the frame, glass, and opening.

 

[PeteK]

Auto glass guys are a good place to look. Try looking through the stuff on this web site:

http://www.stanpro.com/#

They make a lot of the OEM stuff. They don't sell direct but will tell you where the dealer nearest to you is that carries the product you want.

Pete

 

[Steve Dion]

Just a heads up. When you look at the specs for the Glazing Tape, there is no reference to the compatibility with acrylic. So if this is the route you take, you may want to check with the mfg (3M) before you take this route. You also need to see if your have enough overlay (surface to surface bonding area) for this product to work.

Your other option is to use DOW795 which is a silicone based product that is also used for commercial window glazing and it is compatible with fiberglass & acrylic.

 

[dscribner]

Be carefuel with the sealant. I design for a comercial skylight company and we don't recommend silicone with acrylic. Some acrylics react to it. We recommend urethane sealant. For polycarbonate, only silicone. But, as dumb as it sounds, this is manufacturing dependent so before you apply anything sticky, surf the net. Also, an auto glazer might recommend butyl tape. Don't go with it. It has no real structural properties and the stuff that was on my boat (by PO) was just a MESS!

 

[kirbyc1goo]

In case anyone else finds this useful in the future, I manged to find a replacement seal on the third website I tried haha. Looks like it will do the job! Thanks everyone for your input!

http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/bbCMS/shopping.asp?intDepartmentId=4


Apparently its called a Claytonrite Self Sealing Weatherstrip

 

[dscribner]

kirby you ROCK! I'll be using these guys in a while myself. It's about $3/foot . . .ish.

 

[kirbyc1goo]

Hate to post in an old thread but in case anyone ever reaches this page and is looking for the same weather stripping. It can be found in the USA. This website is where i am going to order mine.

http://www.perfectfit.com/15976/154...--Locking--2-Piece--Boats--Equipment-Etc.html

Oh and dscribner, I sent you a PM about splitting a roll. They come in 50' packages