Dicor Butyl tape shelf life

[Townesw]

Has anyone tried to use 4 year old Dicor butyl tape BT-1834-1? Does it dry out or get brittle? It has never been out of the plastic bag it came in. Website tech specs say 18 months - 2 year shelf life. @SeaDawgI know that you use butyl tape. What has been your experience?

 

Thanks,

Bill

 

Edited September 21 by Townesw

[Patriot]

Bill, here is what AI says -

AI Overview

Dicor butyl tape, including the BT-1834-1 model, is made from a synthetic butyl rubber compound that is specifically designed 

not to dry out, harden, or become brittle over time. This longevity is a key feature of butyl tape, making it a reliable and durable sealant. 

In contrast to traditional putty tape, which can lose its integrity after just a few years, Dicor butyl tape maintains its flexibility and waterproof seal for decades. It is engineered to withstand UV rays and extreme temperature fluctuations without degrading. 

How butyl tape works

• Permanent pliability: Butyl tape remains soft and pliable and never cures or hardens like other types of sealants. Its permanent flexibility is what prevents it from cracking or breaking apart with movement or temperature changes.
• Weatherproof seal: Butyl tape provides an airtight and watertight barrier that can withstand heavy rain, cold winters, and direct sunlight.
• Long-term integrity: Because it does not rely on a chemical cure or drying process, a correctly installed butyl tape can last 20 years or more. 

A note on proper installation

For Dicor butyl tape to last, proper installation is necessary. This includes cleaning the surface to remove all dust, grease, and moisture before application. For the best results, you should also apply pressure evenly to ensure the tape fills all gaps and forms a complete seal. 

Edited September 21 by Patriot

[Rolind]

IMO it’s kinda like spending all day in the kitchen baking with out of date flour.  You sure would hate to get all that work done only to discover it was bad!

[jd1923]

On 9/20/2025 at 5:51 PM, Townesw said:

Has anyone tried to use 4 year old Dicor butyl

I would do this. Take a length of the butyl. Roll it and stretch it like using Play-Doh when we were kids! If you can roll it up in a ball and stretch it out again and all the original lines disappear, you have good butyl. 

[jd1923]

@Townesw I just purchased a new roll of butyl, even though I have some left in an older roll. It's hard to keep butyl, glues and tapes fresh in our very dry Arizona climate.

I'm rebuilding the rear stabilizer jacks on our hull which includes removal of the jack post assemblies. They were caulked at both interior and exterior hulls. I'm thinking butyl wrapped in a circle will be easier and cleaner to apply than caulk from a tube. I just received this product today. it looks fresh, of good quality and the roll is huge! This might be worth your consideration and for others reading.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001FCB4JS/?th=1

[mossemi]

I am pretty sure that @SeaDawg has recommended storing butyl tape in the refrigerator.  I think it’s a little easier to apply when it is cool/cold.

Mossey

[jd1923]

I'll be posting my stabilizer jack rebuild thread soon, a sneak peak here.
This new Dicor butyl is top-shelf! It stays where you place it and fills the cracks! 🤣

Edited September 27 by jd1923

[Patriot]

10 hours ago, mossemi said:

I am pretty sure that @SeaDawg has recommended storing butyl tape in the refrigerator.  I think it’s a little easier to apply when it is cool/cold.

Mossey

As long as it’s stored next to the dairy drawer and not in the veggie drawer! 🤣 

Edited September 27 by Patriot