What Tape Should I use when? Tape Comparisons.
When looking to seal plastic sheeting, the environment that it is being used in is what will dictate the best tape to select. Is there moisture, high humidity, sunshine, or water? Is the tape sealing two over-lapping sheet's of a crawl space liner in a moist basement? Or are we talking about sealing a tear in a slip and slide tarp. Is the tape going to be in the sun? For this post, we are going to introduce the films that Global Plastic Sheeting favors.
The best Over-All Tape:
Our most versatile tape, that is water-proof, fish safe, and has UV to protect from the sun's rays, Ultra Perm is the best selection. This tape is EXCEPTIONALLY STICKY. When it is put down, it's not coming up. If you have a tug of war with two sheets of plastic, the plastic will break before the tape let's go (in most cases).
The Best Tape for a Crawl Space Liner or Vapor Barrier:
If you are sealing a crawl space liner or vapor barrier, Vapor Seaming Tape is a great choice. it is chemical resistant- not that you have chemicals in your basement- and has a nice strong hold. It will resist the moisture coming up from the ground. If you want a double sided (two-sided) tape for this application, the Butyl Seal Tape is a great choice. It is waterproof, aggressive, flexible and non-hardening.
The Best Tape That is Fire Retardant:
There are two choices when it comes to the tape being flame retardant. Polyken 225 FR meets FAR 25.853 (a) and is used in the aerospace industry. It is used in areas where flame retardancy is required. 225 FR seals duct work, fiberglass insulation and more.
Global CFRP Tape is also fire retardant, and virtually leaves no adhesive residue on applications lasting up to 60 days.
The Best Waterproof and/or Fish Safe Tape?
Ultra Perm is the clear cut choice here. It can be used in your pond, slip and slide tarp, and anywhere there is water. This beast of a tape grabs on, and doesn't let go!
If you really want to be sure and select the best most cost effective tape for your project, just give up a call. If we can't help you, we will attempt to direct you to someone who can. We want to help, and don't want you to get stuck!
Tape Comparison Chart: Polyken 225 FR, 268 FR, Ultra Perm Tape and Butyl Seal Tape
So many tapes on the market. Here are 4 of our best selling tapes that will get your job done! Do you need a really strong adhesive system that is water-proof- or a tape that is flame retardant? What temperature range will this tape be used? Have a look at this chart. If you need help, please call: 760 597 9298. Thanks
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Characteristics
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Ultra Perm
Tape
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Butyl
Seal
Tape
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Polyken
225 FR
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Polyken
268 FR
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Thickness
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26 mil
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35 mil
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12 mil
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8.5 mil
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Waterproof
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Yes
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Yes
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No
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No
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Moisture Resistant
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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|
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Fire Retardant
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No
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No
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Yes
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Yes
|
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Double Sided
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No
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Yes
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No
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No
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Adhesion to most
Surfaces
|
Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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|
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Very strong Adhesion
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Very Strong
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Strong
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Strong
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Not as strong as 225FR
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Accepts Wide Temp. Ranges
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50 ̊ - 95 ̊F
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40 ̊F to 200 ̊F
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N/A
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Good Seaming ability
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Yes
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Yes
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|
|
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Adhesion To Steel
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Yes
|
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40 oz/in
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42 oz/in
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Burn Length
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N/A
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N/A
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5.5"
FAR 25.852
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4.5"
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Adhesive
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20 lbf/in
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Rubber
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Rubber
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Temp Rating
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20 ̊F to 170 ̊F
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50 ̊F to 95 ̊F
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40 ̊ F +
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105 ̊ C/ 221 ̊F
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Resistant to U.V. Light
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Yes
|
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N/A
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N/A
|
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Shelf Life
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5 Years
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24 months from
Date of Manufacture
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24 months from
Date of Manufacture
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Elongation
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> 700%
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|
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8 %
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Tensile Strength
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15 lbf/ in.
|
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29 lb/in
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27 lb/in
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Other
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Fish Safe
|
|
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Non Corrosive to
Copper Wire
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VOC
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Yes
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|
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Low
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Still Stuck? Hello Global Plastics...!
By Phone Toll Free In the U.S. 866 597 9298
By Phone directly: 760 597 9298
By Fax: 760 597 9574
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