Why does nobody talk about how traditional putty outlasts modern sealants?

I've seen too many sealant jobs fail within a couple years. Recently, I worked on a historic building and the original putty was intact after 50 years. Everyone's so focused on quick application, but durability matters more. It's crazy that we're not having this conversation more often. Let's prioritize what actually lasts.

3 comments

3 Comments

victor2661mo ago

I used to grab the fancy silicone tubes for everything at home because the videos made it look easy. Then I re-did my own window trim two years ago and it's already cracking in the sun. Seeing that old, hard putty on my neighbor's place that hasn't been touched since the seventies really made it click. We got sold on speed and gave up things that actually stand up to time. It's a bad trade when you have to redo the work every few seasons.

moore.stella1mo ago

My bathroom window from 2008 has that rubbery silicone caulk stuff, and it’s already pulling away and letting in a draft. Five years, that’s it. Meanwhile, the original putty on the old basement windows is this gross, rock-hard gray goop... and it seems fine. We really traded a century of service for a product that comes in a nicer tube.

james_martin9328d ago

Five years, that's it" is exactly what made me switch back to putty.