Quad Max isn't bad, but honestly, I wouldn't call it a breeze to smooth out. It does set quicker than some others I've tried, so you've got to work in smaller sections, or you'll end up with a mess. I learned that the hard way doing my patio door last spring—had to redo one whole side because I tried to rush it. But once it's set, the seal is solid. Definitely worth the hassle if you're patient enough.
I've been thinking about trying Quad Max myself, but your comment about it setting quickly makes me pause a bit. Did you find that working in smaller sections really solved the smoothing issue, or was it still tricky even then? I've had similar experiences with other fast-setting sealants, and sometimes even smaller sections didn't help much—ended up looking patchy anyway.
Also, curious if anyone's tried tooling Quad Max with a bit of soapy water or alcohol? I've heard mixed things about using liquids to smooth certain sealants, some say it helps, others say it messes with adhesion. Wondering if Quad Max is one of those that reacts badly to moisture during application?
And speaking of reliable seals, how long has your Quad Max job held up so far? Any noticeable shrinkage or cracking after a year or two? I've had some supposedly "premium" caulks shrink badly after just one winter, so I'm always skeptical when something claims to be super durable.
Right now, I'm leaning toward trying something like DAP Dynaflex Ultra or maybe even Sikaflex, since I've heard good things about flexibility and weather resistance. But if Quad Max really holds up as well as you say, maybe it's worth the extra hassle of working quickly. Decisions, decisions...
I've used Quad Max a couple of times, and yeah, the quick-setting issue is legit. Working in smaller sections definitely helps, but it doesn't completely eliminate the smoothing hassle—still takes some practice to get it looking neat without patchiness. Personally, I avoid using soapy water or alcohol with Quad Max; in my experience, moisture tends to mess with adhesion and curing consistency more than it helps.
On the upside, durability-wise, it's been solid. I sealed some windows about three years ago—no visible shrinkage or cracking yet, even after harsh winters and hot summers. But I get your hesitation; I've had supposedly premium caulks fail miserably before too.
If ease of tooling is a big concern for you, Dynaflex Ultra might be the safer bet. It's pretty forgiving and flexible enough for most window applications. Sikaflex is great too, especially for larger gaps or joints that see lots of movement.
Either way, I feel your pain—nothing worse than redoing a sealing job because the product didn't hold up as advertised...
I've had decent luck with Dynaflex Ultra too. Quad Max is definitely tough stuff, but man, it can be a real pain to work with if you're not quick enough. I remember the first time I used it... ended up scraping half of it off and starting over because it set faster than I could smooth it out. Lesson learned, haha.
One thing I found helpful with Dynaflex Ultra is that it's pretty forgiving if you're not perfect at tooling. You don't have to rush quite as much, so you can actually take your time and get a clean finish the first go-around. It's held up nicely for me too—sealed some basement windows a couple of years back, and they're still looking solid, no leaks or cracks yet.
But yeah, I totally feel you on the frustration of premium products failing. Nothing worse than thinking you're all set, only to find water dripping in again after the next big storm. Hang in there, you'll get it sorted eventually.
"Quad Max is definitely tough stuff, but man, it can be a real pain to work with if you're not quick enough."
Yeah, Quad Max is solid once it's set, but the working time is brutal. I had a similar experience sealing some second-story windows—ended up with a messy bead because I underestimated how fast it'd skin over. Dynaflex Ultra has been my go-to since then; it's easier to tool and holds up well. Haven't had callbacks yet, knock on wood...
Quad Max is definitely unforgiving if you're not quick, but honestly, Dynaflex Ultra wouldn't be my first choice for exterior window sealing—especially second-story jobs. It's easier to tool, sure, but I've seen it lose flexibility over time in harsh climates. OSI Quad (the regular one, not Max) hits that sweet spot between workability and durability. Bit messy at first, but nothing a damp finger can't handle...and it stays flexible for years. Haven't had leaks yet, fingers crossed.
I've had mixed luck with OSI Quad myself. Used it on some south-facing windows a few years back, and while it held up pretty well overall, I did notice some minor cracking after a particularly brutal winter. Could've been my application technique though—I'm no pro. Recently switched to Sashco Big Stretch for a similar job, and so far it's been solid. Easy to apply, stays flexible, and no leaks yet...but ask me again in five years, haha.
Used OSI Quad plenty myself, and yeah, it can crack if conditions get rough. Big Stretch is decent, but I've had better luck with GE Silicone II—holds up great on south-facing windows and stays flexible through winters. Worth a shot if you run into issues again.
Had the same issue last winter—first year in my own place and thought I had it sorted with OSI Quad, but nope, cracked right open after a few cold snaps. Ended up switching to GE Silicone II after my neighbor recommended it. Honestly, it's held up surprisingly well through some nasty storms and temperature swings. Glad to see someone else backing it up, makes me feel like I'm finally getting the hang of this homeowner thing...
Interesting, I've heard good things about GE Silicone II, but does it stay clear over time or yellow out? I've been burned before by sealants that claim they're weatherproof but end up looking nasty after a year or two...