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Today’s rubber tape (butyl tape) uses a synthetic (elastomer) rubber that creates an airtight tape. Initially, rubber tape used natural rubber components. Therefore, while the price of asphalt tape may appeal to contractors, its problems make it less than an ideal choice for construction tape.
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Emits harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs)ĭuring remodeling and retrofitting old buildings, contractors discovered how much asphalt tape degrades over time, contributing to the degradation of the structures.In temperatures 185° F and 210° F, the asphalt not specially formulated for high temperatures will soften and begin to flow.Starts to lose stickiness at around 50° F, and bonding characteristics below 40° F, making them a poor choice for cold weather applications.May require priming to fully bond with substrate materials, like oriented strand board (OSB) and concrete.Loses durability when exposed to UV-rays.Unfortunately, asphalt tape has several significant drawbacks: Asphalt tape is produced from modified bitumen, similar to the rubberized asphalt found in eaves flashing. In the past, the low cost of asphalt tape made it one of the most widely used tapes in the building industry. Construction tapes have made advancements in durability and performance for various climate conditions and temperatures. For the health and well-being of those working or living in a building or home, you should select tapes that lack toxins.Ĭomparing Asphalt, Rubber, and Acrylic Construction Seam TapesĬonstruction seam tape manufacturers continually strive to offer new and improved products, often geared to improving a building’s energy performance and service life.Good construction tape provides UV-resistance, since UV-rays can degrade the physical properties of the tape.To maintain long-term durability, select tape with excellent air- and moisture resistance and low-permeability.It should have enough tensile strength and stay flat and maintain its form against the vapor barrier over the lifespan of the building project.The tape should maintain its adhesion value over time and against hot, cold, and wet environments.The best tape for vapor barriers must provide long-term adhesion, durability, and resistance to air, moisture, low permeability, and UV-rays to protect the building envelope. The cost of the different brands and types of vapor barrier tape can vary tremendously. A flexible tape also hastens the application because it permits workers to seal quickly around any penetrations or tight corners. Vapor seal tape with marked edges tears easier and applies quicker, saving workers frustration and time. When trying to decide what type of tape for a vapor barrier you should get, consider the following crucial factors: Ease of application
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Selecting a suitable tape for a vapor barrier makes a significant difference in a building or home’s energy efficiency, integrity, and IAQ, which is not an easy task with so many types of tape on the market today. Choosing the Best Construction Tape for Vapor Barrier Seams
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Mold produces allergens and irritants, and can cause breathing problems, allergies, and even inflammation in some individuals. Properly applied construction sealing tape contributes to good indoor air quality (IAQ) because it stops moisture intrusion and unhealthy mold growth. Over time, some air barrier tapes will degrade or get damaged, weakening points in the seal, damaging the integrity of the structure. The best tape for a moisture barrier will improve the durability and longevity of a structure by keeping out moisture or air particles that can lead to structurally damaging mold. Improved Energy EfficiencyĬorrectly applying vapor barrier sealing tape to air and vapor barriers will effectively seal out unwanted air and moisture, contributing to a sustainable building or home, and reducing energy use and costs. At Polywall, we offer an alternative that provides all the same benefits - Blue Barrier™ Liquid Flashing 2100. The proper sealing of a vapor barrier with easy and quick to apply vapor barrier seam tape provides several significant benefits to a home and building. Sealing the seams of an efficient vapor barrier with high-performing tape helps create a continuous air barrier and reduces moisture intrusion and accumulation into the wall system.
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