September 2019

Construction Tapes
TALE OF THE TAPE: SEAL THE DEAL
Construction tapes: accessories or essentials? The experts at A. Proctor Group discuss...
The phrase “a chain is only as strong as its
weakest link” is completely appropriate to
use when describing a building envelope
that is designed for longevity and constructed
with integrity.
Considering the small format size and the total
relative amounts used on a building site
compared to other building materials, the
importance of construction tapes are easily
overlooked. Often classified as an accessory, tapes
can mistakenly be thought of as an optional,
interchangeable or a “nice-to-have-but-notnecessary”
item. In fact, because tapes are used
for things like sealing the connections between
insulation boards and building membranes –
arguably the weakest points of any building
envelope – tapes should be thought of as an
indispensable component of the total building
system.
Uncontrolled air movement through poorly sealed or
punctured membranes and gaps between rigid
insulation boards reduces the energy performance
and internal comfort of new and refurbished
buildings alike. Whether or not the building uses the
highest specification membranes and modern
insulation may not matter if air leakage pathways
are not properly sealed off. Heat will simply bypass
these materials and their energy and thermal
benefits will not be fully realised as a result.
Not all tapes are created equal
If remembering to include tape into a construction
specification is important, then making sure to
choose the right tape for the job is absolutely
essential. Construction tapes should complement
the performance of the system they support, be
strong enough for the job, adhere well to the specific
surface they are applied to, and tolerate the shortand
long-term environmental conditions of the
building site without substantial loss of function.
Choosing the right tape for the application can make
the difference between success and failure of a
building system.
Ideally, there would be one product that could be
used in all areas of a building site that requires
tape. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single tape solution
that is practically or technically viable to do every
kind of taping job well. This means the contractor
will have to be knowledgeable of the role tape plays
in many different taping scenarios.
Some of the questions contractors should ask when
deciding on which tape to use can generally be
grouped into two categories:
“What is the function of the tape?”
• Sealing gaps? Fixing other materials temporarily
or permanently?
• Does the tape need to be airtight, breathable or
reflective?
• Does the tape need to be reinforced, transparent
or flexible?
• Which material edges are being sealed i.e. do you
need single-sided or double-sided tape?
“Where is the tape being used?”
• Will the tape adhere to the substrate? Is a primer
required?
• What is the expected working temperature and
humidity range?
• Does the tape need to have water or UV
resistance?
• Does the tape need to be solvent or VOC-free (i.e.
interior applications)?
Tape System Component Collection:
With so many options out there, it is handy to have
a collection of high-performance tapes all in one
place. To enable contractors meet the guidelines set
out in Building Regulation documents and help them
A Proctor offers a range of tapes.
make the right decisions regarding tapes, the A.
Proctor Group supplies a wide range of tapes that
complement building envelope systems. Designed
specifically in response to the evolving demands of
the industry, their collection of construction tapes
ensures the performance, resistance and reliability
of the full gamut of internal and external
construction systems.
• Wraptite Tape: Vapour permeable and airtight for
external membrane detailing and sealing the
exposed joints of rigid insulation.
• Flextite Tape: Scrim-reinforced elastic tape for
internal and external applications with high
adhesive strength, water resistance and UVstability.
• Procheck Multilap Tape: Solvent-free scrimreinforced
double-sided vapour barrier tape with
easy release liner and high adhesive coating weight
(can bond to rough surfaces).
• Reflectafoil Tape: Air- and vapour-tight flameretardant
30um aluminium foil tape used for sealing
joints in vapour control layers, especially lowemissivity
membranes.
• Façadeshield UV Tape: A permanently UVresistant,
tear resistant exterior membrane with a
matte black finish making it ideal for use behind
open cladding and façades.
Contact A. Proctor Group
01250 872 261
www.proctorgroup.com
@proctorgroup
82 TC SEPTEMBER 2019