Tape recommendation for sealing membrain as air barrier.
I’m detailing membrain as my air barrier, and although 3m all weather flashing tape would work well sealing the layer to my plates and around window openings, I’m wondering if it’s overkill for indoors. Is there a product suited to this application, or better off sticking with the flashing tape?
Thanks, Daniel
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Replies
I use the 3M flashing tape. I like the 3" wide kind, since it makes alignment less critical as you're working.
I haven't really tried anything else, but I'd be reluctant to save a few bucks on a product that is doing a fairly critical job in a place I won't be able to access again in the future for testing or maintenance. This is why I haven't really tried anything else for this application :-)
Bill
Thanks for the advice. I've become a strong proponent of this tape. Its adhesive properties are great.
After working with this tape a couple times, I too am surprised it doesn't get more attention.
It's only downside is that it will tear easily if punctured. I have to be careful of that when sealing around electrical boxes and any other penetrations. Aside from that, it's great stuff.
Bill
Up here in the great white north we use Tuctape for vapor barriers. Cheap and sticks extremely well to most plastics including Membrain. I've used the 3M version of it (8088) that feels similar.
The 3M flex flashing tape is fantastic especially if you need to adhere to wood. It does have a bit of a rubbery smell though, so if you have a lot of linear feet be ready for it, it does dissipate after a month or so.