Sealant for Metal to Metal Patch

[Triton318]

I need to cover several small openings on my trailer. I'm going to use sheet metal (probably aluminum), screwed to the metal of the trailer.

What is the recommended method of sealing between the patch piece and the trailer? Butyl tape? Does it come in a thin enough thickness? Is there something else?

Thanks.

Jay

[Relie]

I used silicon on my patch. Works great.

Dave

[JohnB]

If the aluminum you are using is roof flashing, the butyl tape may not work so well and the metal is not stiff enough. Even 1/16" butyl if you can find it may not work exactly right. I only say this as a preconceived thought as I have used a lot of 1/8" and 3/16" thick butyl. You want to the butyl to stick and flow a little. With 1/16" thick, if it flows 1/32" well you only have 1/32" left and going over a bump of anything might be a problem.

If you are using aluminum plate 1/16" thick, then yes 1/8" butyl would work OK.

If you want to caulk, I suggest Dicor non leveling sealant. Click under spec, scroll down, they call it non sag for vertical surfaces. It is sold in camping stores, online in a lot of places. They make leveling and non leveling. https://dicorproducts.com/catalog/ro...-lap-sealants/

I have used the Dicor a lot, works well, does not harden, stay flexible. And you can get it off. A little heat from a hair dryer and you can scrape and peel it right off.