Sealing tape: how to choose the best brand and seal joints in building structures

Despite the existence of durable materials, as well as a host of modern technologies, in the process of building houses and other structures, walls still have seams, joints, grooves that reduce thermal insulation. To eliminate this drawback, masters use sealing compounds - gels, pastes, solutions. One of the most convenient means of use is considered to be a sealant tape, which reliably hides any defects in the building.

Content:

• Features of tape sealant
• Varieties of sealant tape
• Butylene tape
• Bitumen-polymer tape
• Polycarbonate Tape
• Scope of application
• Tape manufacturers
• Tips & Tricks

Features of tape sealant

Any rough construction or structure requires further processing, including sealing joints. Previously, gypsum, tow, homemade putties, clay, which did not last long, were used for this purpose. Now such materials have been replaced by tape sealant or sealing tape - a multifunctional product based on polymer compositions.

Sealing tapes have a wide range of operation: they are in demand not only in the residential sector, but also in industrial facilities, communications. The need for sealing is due to the risk of moisture penetrating into the cracks of structures, which will inevitably lead not only to a violation of the microclimate, but also to rapid destruction of the base. A sealing tape prevents these effects by reliably isolating the seams from water, dust, and dirt.

The main advantage of the tape over other sealants is its ability to self-adhesive on the base, for which you only need to tear off the edge film layer. For sealing, you don’t need to purchase special tools, cover the seams with masking tape, and the work of applying tape is minimal labor and is easy even for a beginner. The tape has a uniform elastic surface, while inside it is reinforced with a layer of aluminum foil or other durable materials.

The characteristics of the sealing agent are as follows:

• powerful water-repellent properties;
• easy adoption of the desired form;
• preservation of elasticity even at subzero temperatures;
• prevention of the multiplication of bacteria, fungi;
• lack of spoilage in contact with aggressive chemicals;
• environmental friendliness, a possibility of application for external and internal works;
• tear resistance;
• suitability for work with any materials;
• high adhesion with metal, brick, wood, concrete, etc .;
• implementation in the form of rolls of different lengths;
• service life - at least 20 years;
• strengthening of heat, noise and vibration isolation of the premises;
• the possibility of operation in the temperature range of -60 ... + 140 degrees.

Varieties of sealant tape

Depending on the number of adhesive sides of the tape can be one-sided and two-sided. By field of operation, the products are divided into:

1. Tapes for window openings. They are made of polypropylene with an adhesive base, which fastens together with slopes or other parts of the windows. Designed to increase moisture protection of structures, replace plaster and conventional sealant. Most tapes for windows are vapor-permeable, some in appearance resemble foam rubber. This property allows condensate to accumulate on the foam layer.
2. Universal tapes. Most often made from bitumen, they include an aluminum layer and a reinforced polyethylene film. They have a wider scope.

Butylene tape

Such sealants are made on a butyl rubber basis, they are classified as universal. The tape provides high-quality insulation protection, protects metal, wood, polycarbonate, concrete from damage. It does not harm PVC and other types of plastic due to the chemical inertness of butylene. The aluminum layer of the tape provides resistance to the effects of acids, alkalis, ultraviolet radiation.

Other properties and characteristics of this type of sealant are as follows:

• resistance to negative temperatures;
• lack of smell;
• suitability for internal and external works;
• thickness about 1 mm, width 5-30 cm.

Bitumen-polymer tape

Such tapes provide corrosion and dielectric protection of structures. Due to moisture resistance, they can be used for insulation of underground pipelines, water supply systems, sewers, for roofing. The material easily repeats the shape of any surfaces, including those with bumps. With gusts and cuts, the bitumen-polymer tape is able to self-seal, while maintaining reliable joint protection.

Polycarbonate Tape

It is also called a "swelling cord." It is implemented in two forms - with a round and square section. The material is made from a special hydrophilic rubber, so it is able to increase by 6 times in size after contact with water.

Polycarbonate tape has the following properties:

• air tightness;
• resistance to ultraviolet;
• strength, lack of reaction to mechanical stress;
• the ability to close up any chips and cracks;
• long service life;
• moderate cost;
• safety for humans.

In addition to polycarbonate, the material is well suited for metal, glass, stone and concrete, various composite substrates. It can be used in the arrangement and repair of industrial facilities, bridges, underground structures, basements, parking lots.

Scope of application

Sealant tape can be used to seal joints and joints of almost any building structures made of homogeneous or dissimilar materials.

With its help produce:

• junction of roof elements (pitched, flat);
• repair of tile, rebate roofs, metal and PVC gutters, balconies and loggias;
• insulation of installation joints in the drainage layer from a membrane, polycarbonate;
• arrangement of ventilation systems, pipes with cold water;
• protection of joints from polyurethane foam;
• vibration, sound insulation of rooms, windows;
• sealing joints between the wall and plumbing;
• repair of ship transport, railway cars;
• sealing of seams of oil pipelines.

Tape manufacturers

On sale there are a large number of sealant tapes, differing in base, size.

Here is a list of the most popular brands:

1. Nicoband (TechnoNicol). Universal tape with sealing and waterproofing function with colored foil coating. Available in red, silver, gray, brown, green. It has a high degree of UV protection, suitable for working with roofs, gutters, cold water pipes, attics, balconies, greenhouses.
2. PlastterRepair, sealing, waterproofing tape on a self-adhesive basis. It consists of bitumen, synthetic rubber, adhesive polymers, and is coated with a silicone film on top. Resistant to weathering, UV radiation, absolutely waterproof. Immediately closes punctures, seams, any damage.
3. Flex Waterproof silicone tape for sealing joints, pipes, for the repair of various products. It is implemented in black and white, has a width of 10-30 cm. It is used in plumbing works, when warming doors, windows, sealing pipelines.
4. Tytan Professional RS Tape. Self-adhesive bitumen tape for roofing, insulation of parapets, attics, windows, various building structures. Reliably protects seams from moisture, instantly attaches to the surface.
5. "Ecobit". Provides complete tightness of chimneys, window blocks, ventilation systems. Contains bitumen with polymers of increased strength, also has a film of copper. Great for glass, metal, cement.
6. Ceresit CL. Sealant tape for all construction works, characterized by high elasticity, takes any form. Resistant to deformation and tearing. When working, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime within + 5 ... + 30 degrees.

Also in stores you can find tapes of brands "Abris", "Liplent", "Guerlain", "Masterflex", "Comfort".

Tips & Tricks

Before applying tape, you need to take care of the cleanliness of the working area. Degrease the surface, remove all dirt, dust, old paint, wipe off traces of oils and oil products. The coating bordering the seam is treated on both sides with a special waterproofing compound. Further, the procedure is as follows:

• stick the tape directly onto the wet base;
• press the tape into the base, smooth it so that there is no air left under it;
• on the deformation joints impose a material in the form of a loop;
• the joints of the sealant in the corners are laid with spacing on each other.

Sealant tape provides reliable insulation of any joints and joints. Its use will help protect buildings and structures from pollution and moisture and increase the period of their maintenance-free service.