Interesting perspective—I haven't tried silicone yet, but I'm a bit skeptical about durability claims. EPDM has worked decently for me so far, though adhesive quality can be hit or miss. Maybe next time I'm at the hardware store, I'll reconsider silicone... cautiously optimistic?
I've actually had pretty good luck with silicone so far. When I first moved into my place, I was hesitant too—heard mixed reviews about durability. But honestly, if you prep the surface properly (clean thoroughly, remove old residue, etc.) and apply it carefully, silicone holds up surprisingly well. EPDM is decent, but like you said, adhesive can be tricky. Silicone seems more forgiving in that regard... just make sure to let it cure fully before messing with it.
I've had mixed experiences with silicone myself. You're right about prep—it's definitely key—but even with thorough cleaning and careful application, I've noticed silicone can sometimes shrink or pull away slightly after a couple of years, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight or temperature swings. Maybe it's just my climate, but I've found polyurethane sealants to be a bit more reliable long-term. They're a little trickier to apply neatly (sticky stuff!), but once they're on, they seem to flex better with temperature changes and hold their seal longer without cracking or separating.
One thing I learned the hard way: if you do go the polyurethane route, wear disposable gloves and have some mineral spirits handy for cleanup. That stuff gets everywhere if you're not careful... ask me how I know.
I've had similar experiences with silicone pulling away after a few years, especially on south-facing windows that get hammered by the sun. I remember one job where we did everything right—cleaned thoroughly, applied carefully—but still ended up with some shrinkage down the line. It wasn't terrible, but enough to be noticeable and annoying.
Switched to polyurethane sealants a while back and haven't looked back since. You're spot-on about the stickiness though... I once got some on my favorite work jacket and didn't notice until it was way too late. Mineral spirits couldn't save me that time, haha.
One tip I've found helpful: warming up the polyurethane tube slightly before applying (just leaving it in a warm room or near a heater for a bit) makes it flow smoother and easier to control. Less mess, less cleanup, happier installer.
I've had pretty similar experiences with silicone myself. South-facing windows are definitely the worst offenders—sunlight just seems to bake the stuff until it shrinks and pulls away. I remember redoing the caulking on my living room windows a few years back, and even though I was meticulous about prep and application, it still started peeling after a couple of summers. Frustrating, to say the least.
Switching to polyurethane was a game changer for me too. It's definitely messier, and yeah, I've sacrificed a few shirts to the cause. But the durability is worth the hassle. One thing I've noticed is that polyurethane seems to handle temperature swings better overall. Silicone always seemed to get brittle in winter and gummy in summer, but polyurethane stays pretty consistent year-round.
Good tip about warming the tube—I usually just leave mine in the sun for a bit before starting. Another thing I've found helpful is using painter's tape along the edges before applying. It takes a bit more prep time, but it saves a ton of cleanup afterward. Just peel the tape off while the sealant is still wet, and you get a nice clean line without smearing it everywhere.
Also, if anyone's thinking about trying polyurethane for the first time, make sure you have plenty of disposable gloves handy. Learned that one the hard way... spent half an hour scrubbing my hands with mineral spirits after my first attempt. Not fun.
Overall though, upgrading windows and sealing them properly is one of those home improvements that really pays off. My heating bills dropped noticeably after I finally got it right, and the house just feels more comfortable. Glad to hear you're happy with your results too.
Good call on the painter's tape—it's a lifesaver. One thing I'd add is to make sure you smooth out the polyurethane bead right after applying. I usually dip my finger (gloved, of course) in a little mineral spirits first. It helps the sealant glide smoothly without sticking or dragging. Learned that trick from an old-timer years ago, and it's never failed me.
You're spot on about silicone and temperature swings, too. I've seen silicone fail plenty of times, especially on sunny sides of houses. Polyurethane just holds up better in the long run, even though it's messier and takes some getting used to. Glad you're seeing good results already. Sounds like all that prep and cleanup hassle paid off nicely.
Great tip about the mineral spirits—I usually just wet my finger with water, but I'll have to try that next time. And yeah, silicone can be tricky... I've had it shrink and pull away after a couple summers. Polyurethane's definitely more forgiving over time.
Interesting about the polyurethane—I've mostly stuck with silicone, but now you've got me thinking. I've noticed silicone can get pretty brittle and lose adhesion after a while, especially in direct sunlight. Does polyurethane hold up better against UV? I'm always wary of trying new stuff, but if it means fewer touch-ups down the road, might be worth giving it a shot...
"I've noticed silicone can get pretty brittle and lose adhesion after a while, especially in direct sunlight."
Yeah, silicone definitely has its limits. I switched to polyurethane sealant about three years ago when I redid the windows on my south-facing side—tons of sun exposure there. Honestly, it's held up way better than silicone ever did. No cracking or peeling yet, and it still feels flexible. I'd say give it a shot; fewer touch-ups are always a win in my book.
Interesting you mention polyurethane—I've seen it hold up amazingly well on some projects too, especially in sunny areas. But I did have one client whose windows faced constant moisture and shade, and the polyurethane seemed to attract mold a bit more than silicone ever did. Makes me wonder if there's a sweet spot depending on your climate and exposure... Have you noticed any issues with mold or discoloration on yours yet?