Is this silicone?

[heatherbella]

We just purchase a 2010 Crossroads Zinger ZT-320-QB and I'm going to go over the caulking before winter. Most of the caulk seems factory, which is ok to caulk over, but I found something concerning around the doors of the front passthrough. I thought it was black until I washed it, but now I'm thinking it looks like silicone! UGH! What do you think? It feels rubbery when I try to stick my nail in.

The weird part is the bottom of the same hatch is like putty. My nail goes right in!

What should I do? I'm guessing the silicone needs to be removed. What's the best tool for that? This is my first time doing this maintenance.

Thank you!
Heather

[Stan]

Windows on RV's are normally installed with a flat putty sealant called Butyl Tape. This goes under the window flange and provides the seal. When the window is tightened to the rig, this Butyl tape will ooze a bit and is probably what your are seeing at the bottom of your window. It can be cleaned off with a plastic razor blade or putty knife. The upper sealant that you see is caulking. I doubt it is silicone unless a previous owner applied it. It should be a product like ProFlexRV which comes in white, grey and black and should be applied all the way around the window. The ProFlex provides additional sealing but normally is used to give a finished look.

[heatherbella]

Originally Posted by Stan

Windows on RV's are normally installed with a flat putty sealant called Butyl Tape. This goes under the window flange and provides the seal. When the window is tightened to the rig, this Butyl tape will ooze a bit and is probably what your are seeing at the bottom of your window. It can be cleaned off with a plastic razor blade or putty knife. The upper sealant that you see is caulking. I doubt it is silicone unless a previous owner applied it. It should be a product like ProFlexRV which comes in white, grey and black and should be applied all the way around the window. The ProFlex provides additional sealing but normally is used to give a finished look.

I bought some ProFlexRV in white to do the re-seal around the existing seals, which all appear to be factory. I'll have to take a look at it when it dries and compare it to the top of the access hatch. It seems more rubbery than I'd expect from ProFlex but I could be wrong.

Yes, the bottom must be Butyl tape. I think I'll take some of the excess off with a putty knife just to clean it up.

[mark5w]

Looks like silicone. Best to be safe and remove all of it. Do not use silicone when you redo it. Use a caulk made for rv's
Site for caulk remover: Caulk Removal Made Easy | Goo Gone

[Lloyd]

Mark if that stuff works like they show, it would sure be great. Problem is, I can't stand the smell of that crap.

[mark5w]

I wonder if it smell like the original goo gone or is a different formula and smell.