Outdoor sealant - what is this? How to correct?

See pics. I'm working to address exterior gaps/holes to limit access for pests and increase energy efficiency.

The attached pics are of an exterior spigot and an AC unit attachment.

As you can see, there is an old, black, peeling putty-like seal around both. Neither are doing a great job. I think they may be black pro-grade "Great Stuff" - but I'm not sure.

How can i fix? Remove the old? Add a new layer? Something else?

My goal is to eliminate cracks/air/pests/etc., but also for something to look decent against white siding.

**Thanks in advance to this forum for the insights. Always appreciated!**

Th

 

That is called Duct Seal or electricians putty. It's available from home improvement stores and can be found in the electrical department. It's also available from electrical supply stores. It comes in 1lb blocks.

 

Its just a clay like material, will dry out with age, just peel/dig it out and replace with newer!

 

It can also be painted, have done so in the past for multiple customers.

 

Thanks all! So - the recommendation is to remove and replace, rather than to amend with another later?

And - why would one use this rather than Great Stuff (expanding foam) or silicone sealant? Just trying to understand why this would be preferred over other options I may already have on-hand.

 

Silicon would be caulking so it's not compatible for such large gaps, it will just fall out.

The spray foam could work but it;s not really controllable for size and shape where the putty is pretty user friendly!

 

Another vote for duct seal. It's the mot economical, easy to use, and practical product for mechanical entries like you have pictured. It's inexpensive, stores well on the shelf, in a drawer, in your tool box, or wherever, and you can shape it to whatever shape you need. And, as mentioned, you can paint it if you want. Nothing to clean up or throw away when you're done, and no, it's not going to last forever any more than any other product you might choose, but when it's time is up you chip and peel it away, and redo it.

 

Thanks all for the input - helpful & appreciated!