FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

My brain has stopped working !!!

woodway | Posted in Construction Techniques on March 16, 2008 02:48am

Ok, I just can’t recall what the name of the product is but someone here, on this very site, recommended a compound to seal leaking rain gutters. As my brain recalls, the material is basically a bituminous type compound containing fiberglass fibers and a petroleum distillate solvent. Comes in a gallon can and is spread with a trowel or putty knife inside the gutter and allowed to dry (solvent evaporation). At first I thought it was just roof patch but after checking, that ain’t it.

So, what is it I’m thinking about?

Reply

Replies

  1. bowquack | Mar 16, 2008 04:46am | #1

    Not wet/dry roof cement?  from the description that sounds right.  Is it a tar like product?

    1. woodway | Mar 16, 2008 07:42am | #5

      You know, that might have been it. I used it about two years ago and as I remember from the label, I believe it said it could be used in wet conditions. It was black and very thick in consistency, roof patch sort of thing.. Now you've done it, I'm back thinking about it and looking for this on on the net again. It's getting late and I'm looking up black stuff on the net. I could be in be bed now, damn.

      1. woodway | Mar 16, 2008 08:17am | #6

        Got it!!!!!Henry's 208 wet patch roof cement! Good for metal roofs and as I found out, it works like a charm in metal gutters too. Surface needs to be clear of dirt etc. but once it's clean the stuff sets up nicely on a warm day. After about a week, it becomes almost hard yet still pliableThanks, now I'm going to get some sleep.

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Mar 16, 2008 03:21pm | #7

          Geocel Fibered Brushable 2315 I think is the good stuff.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

          1. woodway | Mar 16, 2008 08:05pm | #12

            Thanks Sphere!

  2. Riversong | Mar 16, 2008 04:49am | #2

    Are these aluminum gutters?

    I would use a high-quality silicone caulk.  Thats what gutter installers use.

     
    Riversong HouseWright
    Design *  * Build *  * Renovate *  * Consult
    Solar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
    1. User avater
      Sphere | Mar 16, 2008 03:25pm | #8

      Tri-polymer Geocel is much better IMO. And lacking that , I like Lexel.  Silicone has slowly been leaving my arsenal of caulks and sealants for exterior work.  I've fallen out of love with it.

      YMMVSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

      1. gotcha | Mar 16, 2008 05:24pm | #9

        I used Lexel on a leaking skylight while it was raining. No problems for 3 or 4 yrs now. No way silicone would have worked.Pete

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Mar 16, 2008 05:54pm | #10

          I had used it exclusivly when I was in NC, moved to KY 4 yrs ago, and couldn't get it locally..I had it sent up.

          Then I hooked up with Seeyou as one of his gutter installers/roofers and the Geocel is what he supplied, ABC has it in stock..and that stuff is right up there too in performance, if not better in many uses. The Brushable formula, is all I'd consider for many jobs.

          Both are paintable, and one of the benefits of that is , one could smear lex or geo OVER old sillycone , to make it accept paint..and Lex is also an excellent adhesive for different materials..sillycone is not.

          For OLD copper gutters that may have failed solder joints, and re-soldering is out, a very good repair can be had by the use of geocel or lexel, I'd not trust much else for the long haul.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

      2. Jim_Allen | Mar 16, 2008 06:20pm | #11

        I agree. Silicone seems like the miracle caulk but it has significant limitations and numerous conditions will cause it to fail. For gutters, there isn't anything better than the gutter sealant that the local gutter suppliers sell. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07

      3. Riversong | Mar 16, 2008 08:18pm | #13

        Tri-polymer Geocel is much better IMO. And lacking that , I like Lexel.

        I agree.  I mentioned silicone only because that's what my last seamless gutter intaller used, specifically made for aluminum gutters.

        But I don't use silicone for anything either.  Lexel is the only caulk AFAIK that adheres to rotomolded polyethylene - and I repaired a plastic kayak with it.

        I've used Geocel ProFlex and been happy with it.  I also use urethane caulks for exterior work.  Phenoseal for kitchens and baths. 

        Riversong HouseWright

        Design *  * Build *  * Renovate *  * ConsultSolar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Mar 16, 2008 08:25pm | #14

          Yeah, Phenoseal here too for K&B.

          My latest binge has been Big Stretch for Hardie type ext. and Azek trim, cheap and really easy to tool..I hate Poly Urethane caulks unless it's a big void and I don't have to dink with it..nasty to tool.  Current HO supplied SW SP-1 (?) urethane for hardie siding and I told him to return it after the first tube..horrid to work with.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          "Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"

  3. theslateman | Mar 16, 2008 04:49am | #3

    Are you thinking of a Geocel product?

  4. DavidxDoud | Mar 16, 2008 06:05am | #4

    butyl caulk? otherwise known as 'lap and gutter seal'?

    "there's enough for everyone"

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander

We tried out a range of rotary and random-orbit sanders to compare their dust collection, quality of finish, and user fatigue after hours of sanding.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in