Adhesive tapes have become the most popular tool for bonding surfaces together. Know the dos and don’ts of using them from this article.
In addition to nails and hammers, the tape is seen everywhere on a building site. Tape provides the ideal combination of portability, versatility, and ease of use. Finding the right tape for the job and knowing how to use it are the challenges. In the market and online tape stores, there are many different adhesive tapes with different characteristics. It can be difficult to choose one. The purpose of this article is to give a general overview of adhesive tapes in construction and some basic dos and don’ts.
Taking a Look Back
An adhesive substance derived from tree sap was used by early humans to mend earthenware pots before the tape was invented. Dr. Horace Day invented the first tape ever in 1845. He made bandages using fabric strips and rubber adhesive tapes. The invention was the inspiration for Johnson and Johnson’s Band-Aid (1921). The 3M Company developed the first masking tape in 1923. Over the years, adhesive tapes have evolved into the various types of adhesive tapes we use today (e.g., packing tape, painter’s tape, electrical tape, etc.). Each is used for a specific purpose.
What is Adhesive Tape?
Adhesive tape (also known as PSA tape, self-stick tape, pressure-sensitive tape, or sticky tape) is a backing material (such as paper, plastic film, cloth, or metal foil) coated with an adhesive.
Backing material varies according to its intended use and can be narrow or wide. In most cases, adhesive tape is clear, but other kinds include glossy, matte, transparent, double-sided, and repositionable tape infused with fibers to make it stronger. Usually, it comes in rolls so you can use what you need and save the rest for later.
Home Building with Adhesive Tapes
In the construction of houses, adhesive tape is used in different ways. Among them are:
- These products can provide structural strength by replacing bolts, rivets, welds, and other mechanical fasteners.
- Different materials can be bonded without causing compatibility problems.
- It provides protection against moisture and environmental elements.
- Assembly time can be reduced.
- It eliminates the need for refinishing damaged surfaces caused by welds.
- It is possible to achieve cosmetic superiority by eliminating visible mechanical fasteners.
- It easily adheres to surfaces such as glass.
- It provides uniform thickness and gap filling properties.
House Building Tape Types
There are four types of adhesive tapes that are commonly used in house building or construction.
Housewrap, HVAC, and Insulation Tapes
The purpose of these tapes is to provide a seal (waterproof, airtight, and permanent) on a variety of surfaces.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is commonly used for strapping or bundling on the job site, as well as for performing temporary and permanent repairs. Specialty tapes are used for specific tasks, such as attaching stucco or hanging certain types of materials. As a result of its adhesive, backing, and excellent environmental resistance, it is ideal for waterproofing.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape insulates and connects wires. There are, however, many other uses for it, including wrapping it around bare electrical wires in a coil-like shape to keep moisture and condensation out.
Masking and Painters Tapes
These are used to protect walls, floors, and other surfaces during painting, sanding, cleaning, or general construction activities. Masking tapes can also be used to bundle, color code, or label light items.
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Dos and Don’ts
The following are some considerations regarding adhesive tapes when building houses, along with some dos and don’ts.
Environmental Conditions
Adhesive tapes can be affected by temperature, humidity, and UV light. The tackiness of adhesive tapes varies with temperature; the colder it gets, the worse the bond. You should consider this factor when selecting a tape or, even more importantly, to prevent tape failures.
Building Codes
The use of tape in home buildings is increasing. Building codes usually specify the type of tape to use. Do not use tapes that aren’t recommended by the building codes if you want your home to pass inspection.
Clean Surface
For adhesive tape to work correctly and prevent failure, make sure the surface is dry and dirt-free.
Ease of Removal
Consider whether there will be any adhesive residue or damage to your freshly painted walls or surface after you remove the tape. It is a good idea to remove painter’s tape from walls or surfaces before the paint has dried. By doing so, the paint and the tape are prevented from bonding, resulting in jagged edges when the tape is removed.
Tape made of paper may seem like a good choice for sticking down floor coverings since it is usually made with adhesives that can be removed easily. Nonetheless, do not use masking tape on floors. Even though it can be easily removed from walls, window and door frames, cabinets, etc., it can cause damage to many types of flooring.
Durability
Do not cover floors with tape that may tear or splinter (e.g. paper tape) when subjected to heavy foot traffic. Consider using polyethylene (PE) or PVC tape. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and repeated contact with equipment.
Other Considerations
Don’t assume that all duct tape is appropriate to seal ductwork. There are different kinds, so make sure it’s designed for the purpose you’re going to use it for.
It is vital that you pay attention to the electrical tape’s dielectric strength (the maximum electric field strength the tape can endure before breaking down).
Don’t forget to use electric tape of the right color. The wrong color could indicate an incorrect voltage quantity, putting technicians at risk.
When you are ready to tape down your floor covering, start in a corner and apply the tape along the length of the covering, wiping the tape down with your hands to ensure maximum adhesion to the covering and the floor.
Final Thoughts
Adhesive tapes can be used to bond a variety of surfaces. Since it is quick, clean, and saves time and money, it has become a popular tool. Various types of tape are available for different materials. Make sure you know the answer to these two questions before you buy.
- What are materials that need to be pasted?
- What is the climate or weather like?