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Weather Seal For A Window Deadlight

jimmiem | Posted in General Discussion on July 8, 2016 05:35am

I have deadlights for my front door sidelight windows.  The deadlights were originally sealed to the sidelight framing with caulk.  I have removed the deadlights for painting and would light to weather seal with some type of gasket instead of caulk. 

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  1. DanH | Jul 08, 2016 06:05pm | #1

    What do you mean by "deadlight"?

    1. jimmiem | Jul 08, 2016 07:40pm | #2

      It's a storm window.  Single pane of glass in an metal (aluminum) frame.  I believe deadlight is the correct term.  I also have a bay window with a fixed center window.  A deadlight was made for that also.  I had storm windows made for the entire house when I bought it.  The deadlights were made to order.

      1. DanH | Jul 08, 2016 09:13pm | #3

        So are these storms on the inside or the outside?  And why do you feel they should be sealed?

        1. jimmiem | Jul 08, 2016 09:41pm | #5

          They are on the outside.  I believe that deadlight was what the window company referred to them as. 

        2. jimmiem | Jul 08, 2016 09:54pm | #7

          Seal them to keep out water and air.

          1. DanH | Jul 08, 2016 11:38pm | #8

            So, how does condensation drain out?

          2. jimmiem | Jul 09, 2016 06:33am | #9

            Leave the bottom unsealed...regular storm windows have weep holes.  The framing at the bottom of the sidelites is sloped.  The deadlite rests on the framing. 

          3. DanH | Jul 09, 2016 07:55am | #10

            So what you really want is flashing.

          4. jimmiem | Jul 09, 2016 08:44am | #11

            When originally installed the installer ran a bead of caulk along the perimeter of the deadlite frame and pressed it against the framing.  When I removed it for painting the caulking left a mess.  I just want to air/water seal the deadlite frame to the wood window/door frame with some type of gasket.  I found some tubular gasket that I could slit and fit over the edge of the deadlite framing that would be pressed tight when the deadlite is screwed to the wood frame.  Just wondering if there is a product made specifically for this type of application.

      2. DanH | Jul 08, 2016 09:15pm | #4

        The definition I found was "a

        The definition I found was "a metal cover or shutter fitted to a port to keep out light and water".

        1. jimmiem | Jul 08, 2016 09:52pm | #6

          http://www.harveybp.com/storm Chec

          http://www.harveybp.com/

          Check this web site....it'll show storm windows and deadlites.

  2. calvin | Jul 10, 2016 06:11am | #12

    Jim

    http://www.conservationtechnology.com/building.html

    You might find something here.

    1. jimmiem | Jul 10, 2016 08:19am | #13

      Hi Calvin,

      Thank You for mentioning that company.  I had forgotten that I had gotten their catalog several years ago.  At the time I was interested in their weatherstripping that gets installed in the corner of the door jamb (?).  The kerf is cut with a specialized tool that has a 45 degree angle.  Their  tool was a little pricey for a one time project.  I have a RotoZip and tried to make a 45 degree guide for it.....I'm still working on the design.  By the time I get it worked out Global warming will have made by idea obsolete. 

  3. User avater
    deadnuts | Jul 10, 2016 09:03pm | #14

    Eternabond tape

    I would recommend Eternabond double sided tape. Run the tape around the perimeter, set your deadlights and then carefuilly trim to edge with razor knife. This seal will be far superior to a surface caulk bead. The Eterna bond material material is awesome. I always keep a roll in my van for various gasketing and sealing tasks.

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