Hi
About three years ago we put in a Ritchie horse waterer –the 150 http://www.ritchiefount.com/watermatic.html
It is mounted on a concrete platform. There is a 12″ hole in the ground in the middle that the feed hose comes up, with a heat tape around it. There is also a heater in the square tower in the middle that keeps the water on either side slightly above freezing.
To keep it warm on the inside, they recommend putting a bead of silicone caulking all around the bottom edge where the waterer meets the concrete to stop air infiltration.
Three years on, I just noticed that the silicone has dried out and shrunk up. I know that unless I replace it before winter, I will be looking at a major expense – replacing the feed hose probably, when it freezes and splits.
So, here’s the question — what would be the best sealant to use to close up that gap between the plastic and concrete. What will stick to both?? I know that I have to remove the old caulking to make the new stuff stick. And I need to get it done before freeze-up here in the GWN.
BTW, the fountain has been great — for anyone who has horses and is getting tired of carrying buckets.
Replies
Geocel 2300 available at most roofing supply places such as ABC, or mail order.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
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Should I be able to find it at a real builders' supply store -- one that services contractors (Not HD, or Lowes).
Looks as though I can get it in just about any colour..
Thanks for the tip.
You may, some caulks are funny that way, I like Big Stretch and had a bear of time getting 3 cases last week, ( a Sashco product) and Lexel ( a close relative to Geocel) is the same way.
Depends on the retailer's purchaseing volume I guess.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Just clean it good, wipe it down with denatured alcohol, and use silicone again. Silicone will stick to itself. Not sure about the other caulks.
Rich
Not always so. All silicone is not equal, both Lexel and Geocel will adhere for certain. Lexel esp. it doubles as an adhesive.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_oEx4-Mc4
The world of people goes up and
down and people go up and down with
their world; warriors have no business
following the ups and downs of their
fellow men.
Wasn't sure they would stick, good to know.
Rich
I think I need to try Lexel for an upcoming caulking job.
The customer has a steel awning abutting a block building. There's a gap of about 1/8" where rain comes through. He asked me to caulk it. I told him that I didn't know of a product that I could guarantee would span the gap, adhere to masonry and steel, remain flexible (the awning flexes a little) and form the necessary fillet to shed water. He understood my concerns and will be happy if I can even reduce the amount of water coming through.
It sounds like Lexel should work as long as it's thick enough that it doesn't ooze through the gap before it cures. What do you think?
I go with Big Stretch for stuff like that, or Geocel. Lexel dosn't stretch as well as those two.
Had an interesting learn this week, wood brick molding meets brick, old caulk is wax and jute ( oakum like) ...I was gonna use Big Stretch, painter had a better idea..Perma chink in a tube..sanded , and it matches the mortar perfectly.
Learn something new everyday.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj_oEx4-Mc4
The world of people goes up and
down and people go up and down with
their world; warriors have no business
following the ups and downs of their
fellow men.
Thanks. I'll pick up some Big Stretch and play with it before I climb up on the awning and use it for real.
FWIW, 3M makes some marine adhesive/caulk called 5200. Some boat friends of mine use it for everything, through hull fittings, etc. Just don't use it on anything you want to take apart at a later date, and be careful....the stuff gets on everything, and it takes a while to get off..
Bing
5200 is insane stuff. For extreme situations only....
Yup. It can be applied under water.
The problem with silicone is that it does stiffen and harden and pulls back from metal with thermal expansion and sometimes in presence of aciods.Geocel is far better at remaining stuck, and it has about 800% elasticity. I have repaired probably over a hundred places on roofs due to silicone/metal separation. Never had any such with geoccell.
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Silicone does have it's place but I don't't use it much. There are many better caulks out there. I've seen silicone fail way to many times to have much faith in it.
I really don't like doing thing twice when I can do them once.
Edited 10/11/2008 12:25 am ET by popawheelie