"Funny thing is, my neighbor swears by EPDM tape for his shed windows and doors."
Yeah, sheds and outbuildings are a whole different ballgame. EPDM tape can work fine there since they're usually less insulated and don't have the same moisture buildup as basements or living spaces. For house windows, especially below grade, stick with closed-cell foam and quality caulk. Messy, sure, but it expands into gaps and stays flexible through temperature swings. Sometimes the old-school stuff just works better...
Good points on the foam and caulk—I've had good luck with that combo myself. One thing I'd add, though, is to make sure you're not overdoing it with the foam. Learned that the hard way when I replaced a basement window a couple years back. Thought I'd just fill every little gap, but ended up warping the frame slightly because the foam expanded way more than I expected. Had to redo the whole thing...lesson learned.
Speaking of EPDM tape, has anyone tried using it as flashing around windows above grade? I've seen some mixed opinions online—some swear by it, others say it's asking for trouble long-term. Curious if anyone here's had firsthand experience with that.
I've used EPDM tape around windows above grade a couple times, and honestly, I wouldn't recommend it. Did a window replacement on my garage about three years ago and thought I'd give it a shot—seemed easy enough. But after a couple harsh winters, the edges started peeling up, and moisture got trapped underneath. Ended up redoing it with proper flashing tape. Stick with what's proven, IMO...not worth the headache.
Did you prep the surface thoroughly before applying the EPDM tape? I've heard mixed things—some say proper cleaning and priming makes all the difference, but maybe it's just not suited for windows long-term...
I've wondered about this myself, actually. When I replaced a few windows a couple years back, I spent ages prepping—cleaning with alcohol, priming carefully, the whole nine yards—and the EPDM tape seemed to hold up pretty well initially. But after about two winters, I noticed some slight peeling at the edges. Made me question if it's really the best long-term solution for window sealing, or if maybe temperature fluctuations and UV exposure eventually compromise it regardless of prep.
Have you considered or tried any alternative sealing methods like butyl-based tapes or liquid flashing? I've read some promising things about their durability, especially in climates with harsh weather swings. Curious if anyone's had better luck with those options over EPDM...
I've gotta admit, I was skeptical about EPDM from the start. When I moved into my place, the previous owner had used it around a couple windows, and within a year I saw similar peeling issues. Switched over to butyl-based tape last summer after some digging around online, and honestly, it's holding up way better so far. Can't speak long-term yet, but the adhesion just feels more solid... seems less sensitive to temperature swings too. Might be worth giving it a shot before writing off tapes altogether.
Yeah, EPDM can be hit or miss in my experience too. Had it around my patio doors a few years back and it peeled faster than sunburn after a beach day, haha. Switched to butyl tape myself and haven't looked back—seems way more forgiving with temperature swings and moisture. Only downside is it's a bit stickier to handle... ended up with half of it stuck to my gloves first time around. But hey, small price to pay if it keeps the water out, right?
Interesting take on butyl tape—I get the appeal, especially with temperature swings. But have you noticed any issues with long-term UV exposure? I've heard mixed things about how well it holds up over time without proper flashing or covering. EPDM definitely has its quirks, but at least it's designed to handle sunlight directly. Curious if you've had yours installed long enough to see how it ages...
Good points about UV exposure—I've had butyl tape installed on a shed window for around 5 years now, and honestly, it's held up better than I expected. That said, it's partially shaded, so maybe that's helped. EPDM is definitely more robust in direct sunlight, but if you're careful about placement or covering the tape properly with trim or flashing, butyl can be surprisingly durable. Like you mentioned, temperature swings are where it really shines. I'd say proper installation details probably matter more than the material itself...
"I'd say proper installation details probably matter more than the material itself..."
Couldn't agree more on that. I've seen high-end materials fail miserably just because someone skipped the flashing or didn't seal corners properly. Butyl tape can definitely surprise you—I replaced windows at my brother's cabin about eight years ago, fully exposed to sun and snow, and the butyl's still holding strong. Honestly, it's less about EPDM vs butyl and more about taking your time to get those little details right... saves headaches later.