The swelling of putty tape and sealant is a normal phenomenon in leisure vehicles, which can often be perceived as visually disturbing, but does not constitute a defect. Nevertheless, it has important technical reasons and functions. In this article you will learn more about the causes and how you can safely remove the excess material.
Causes of swelling
The main causes of swelling are usually due to material properties and installation methods:
- Material property: Mastic tape consists of elastic materials such as butyl, which react to changes in temperature and movement. Heat causes the material to expand and protrude at the edges.
- Sealing effect: The swelling shows that the sealant is actively working to effectively seal small gaps and unevenness.
Possible solution: Removing the excess material
If you decide to remove excess putty tape, follow these steps:
- Careful scraping: Use a plastic knife or a piece of hard rubber to gently remove any excess material. This prevents damage to the base of the mastic tape.
- Utilise cool conditions: This work is best done at low temperatures or early in the morning, when the sealant is less elastic and easier to handle.
- Seal the cut edges: After removing the excess sealant, the cut edges should be sealed with car wax or a special sealant to maintain the sealing effect and protect the material from environmental influences.
ℹ️ Note
The swelling of putty tape is usually a sign that the sealant seals well and protects the vehicle.
💡 Our tip
A regular check of the seals can help to recognise potential problems at an early stage and avoid major repairs.
This website uses automatic translations. Please excuse any errors. In case of doubt, the original German version applies.