SEALING SCREWS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS

[dmarkvid2]

I am going to be putting back all the teak wood that I refinished, and some other deck hardware back on my boat soon. Is it best to caulk the whole bottom of the accesories, or just put caulk on the threads of the screws? and what type of caulk? Thanks.

 

[imported_bjs]

Re: SEALING SCREWS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS

use some sealer that works below water line.not that youre putting screws below water but i think taht sealer is better.i would also put sealer on the screw threads.i think it helps with a good seal.good luck

 

[flashback]

Re: SEALING SCREWS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS

I like lifeseal. It is a polysulfide and never gets real hard. I just use it around the holes, I don't glue the entire piece of wood down.. as I know I will need to take it up again... also it will allow the water to run under and past the wood rather than trapping it.. providing you sealed the underside of the wood as well...

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: SEALING SCREWS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS

anything that you fully glue down with ploy-urethane poly-sulfide caulk will have to be cut back off with a razor knife. it is some seriuos adhesive.<br /><br />I normally just put a pea size blob on each screw hole and let it spread out a bit when cinched as well as coating the screws on the way in.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: SEALING SCREWS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS

well thats right I dont want to permenantly glue them down, just want to keep the water out, and be able to take off thr hardware and wood if i need to. thanks for all the advice.

 

[2manyboats]

Re: SEALING SCREWS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS

Putting sealant on your screw threads can adversely affect the screw's holding ability to whatever you're screwing into (unless you're through-bolting). Put sealant (polysulfide is great for below waterline) around the holes, bed the material, tighten about 90%, then complete tightening just before the sealant is fully cured.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: SEALING SCREWS TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS

I would not put anything on the screw threads, but I would put a dollop of clear silicone on the screw head, spread it smooth, to prevent water from setting in the groves of phillips-head screws. When/if you come back years later to remove the screws, the silicone can easily be pried/popped out in one chunk leaving you with a screw head free of any corrosion.