Foil Tape is a pressure-sensitive tape made from aluminium foil. Foil tape can be applied to multiple surfaces and are used for moisture barrier and heat reflection. The combinations of these properties make them ideal for many applications, from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to general purpose repairs. Foil tapes can come in a variety of thicknesses and adhesive strength, but all foil tapes have a variety of temperature resistances. They also have the added benefit of being able to resist moisture, UV rays and chemicals. This makes foil tapes ideal for outdoor HVAC repairs as well as indoor repairs that might come in contact with harsh chemicals like paint thinner or acetone.
Aluminium Foil Tape Silver
Aluminium Foil Tape Silver is a polyester film backed aluminium foil tape used for sealing joints in fibreglass ducting and for general purpose heat-reflecting applications. It has excellent adhesion to most surfaces and good resistance to water vapour and fumes.
- Adhesive: Synthetic Rubber
- Material: Cast Polypropylene Film, Aluminium Foil Backing, Synthetic Rubber Adhesive
- Type: Film backed Aluminium Foil
- Applications: Sealing joints in fibreglass ducting, General purpose heat-reflecting applications
Heat Reflective Foil Tape
The tape is made with a metallised aluminium backing that reflects radiant heat away from the air ducts and heating/cooling equipment. The aggressive, long-lasting acrylic-based adhesive provides a high level of adhesion to ensure the seal will not break down over time. The foil backing also acts as a vapour barrier, preventing moisture migration through the joints and seams. They are also used primarily in heating and cooling systems.
Acrylic Foam Tape
Acrylic foam tape is a double-sided adhesive that can stick to many surfaces. It’s used more often in automotive applications, but sometimes in home improvement projects as well. These tapes have a form similar to foam and can attach pieces of plastic or metal. The PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is resistant to heat and water, so it’s suitable for applications that get wet, such as car windows. Another common use for tape is in solar energy panels. The adhesive helps hold together multiple parts of the panel while withstanding extreme weather conditions.
Other Types of Tape You’ll Want To Use
Duct Tape
Duct tape, sometimes called duck tape, is cloth- or scrim-backed pressure-sensitive tape, typically coated with polyethylene. There are a variety of constructions using different backings and adhesives.
One variation is black gaffer tape designed to be non-reflective and cleanly removed, unlike standard duct tape. Another variation is heat-resistant foil duct tape useful for sealing heating and ventilation (HVAC) ducts, produced because standard duct tape fails quickly when used on heating ducts. Duct tape is generally silvery grey, but also available in other colours and even printed designs.
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape (or insulating tape) is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate electrical wires and other materials that conduct electricity. It can be made of many plastics, but vinyl is most popular, as it stretches well and gives effective and long-lasting insulation. Some types are adhesive-backed, while others rely on the tight coil to hold them in place. Electrical tape is made by wrapping a special backing with a rubber-based or acrylic adhesive. The backing may be plasticised PVC, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, vinyl, or some other form of plastic. Some tapes have pressure-sensitive adhesives on one side; others have pressure-sensitive adhesives on both sides. The adhesives used for electrical tape vary in their resistance to ultraviolet light (UV), oil, chemicals, and temperature extremes.
Double-Sided Tape
Double-sided tape is pressure-sensitive tape that is coated with adhesive on both sides. It is designed to stick two surfaces together, often in a way that is not visible in the end product, due to it being in between the objects rather than overlaying them. This allows for neater-looking projects and better craftsmanship. The tape consists of a thin adhesive film that is removed from one side of a liner and applied to the other, creating two distinct sides, each with its own adhesive coating. One side of the tape can be removed and repositioned before applying firm pressure for a permanent bond, or the entire strip can be pressed into place at once.
Double-sided tape comes in a wide variety of lengths, widths and strengths, depending on its purpose. Different types are also used for specific applications, such as bonding rough surfaces and materials that do not adhere well with standard adhesives. It is available in several forms including strips, rolls and sheets. Some have acrylic adhesives that form a permanent bond to most surfaces, while others are removable.
Packaging Tape
Packaging tape is a type of pressure-sensitive tape used for sealing corrugated fibreboard boxes. It is designed to be peeled off the roll and stick to whatever it touches. This type of tape can be used for many purposes such as packing, sealing, and splicing. As it is made from polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET), packaging tape is generally clear and transparent.
