"I hate to open this up for a major discussion, but what sealant should I use around the water heater flange/shell?"
What the Heck is wrong with major discussions ? They're the best kind, and isn't that what these forums are here for?
Your curiosity adds to my knowledge so thanks for asking...most anything!
Apparently not. Parlastic comes in a tube for use caulk gun. Parbond comes in a squeeze type tube. Parbond is very thin - it will run to a certain exent when applied. This is its chief virtue in that it will flow into small crevices.
I buy it at a local RV supplier (I like the clear, but it comes in aluminum, among other colors). Since Inland Andy touts its virtues I presume they will sell you some.
Edit - I notice this source for the aluminum and white: http://www.dyersonline.com/ . I know nothing of the company.
Doesn't sound like Parr Bond is what I would want to use around the water heater flange then (since it is so thin). What about the consistency of Sikaflex?
I consider Sikaflex and Vulkem to be fuctionally interchangable. Sikaflex cures out to appear much smoother than Vulkem, though, so it looks nicer in exposed areas.
I am not sure what a "water heater flange" is. There is a putty like material that comes in rolls which is used, for example, behind the chrome furnace intake/exhaust plate. Mostly, though, if Parbond is too thin, I use Sikaflex. It is a rather heavy bodied caulk.
I'm talking about the part of the water heater that is attached to the shell of the trailer. I plan to use the putty tape between the water heater and the shell, but figured I should finish off the job with some sort of sealant (Vulkem or Sikaflex).
I have used the semi flexible RV sealer that comes on a roll. It was available in grey and it did a decent job. It has been a year since i replaced my water heater, and the sealer is still doing it's job.
I am going under the assumption that the flange in question is the one that is on the water heater and will cover the opening on the body shell.
Do you beleive I still haven't installed my water heater!?! It got to cold so I waited for Spring...
What did you finish the job with? Did you use the putty as the only sealer? I was thinking of finishing off the edge of the water heater seal to the trailer with Vulkem or Sikaflex. Maybe it's not even necessary with the putty seal????
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