Airtight tapes

The Complete Guide to Airtight Tapes in the UK

Airtight tapes play a crucial role in achieving energy efficiency and enhancing air tightness in buildings across the UK. Essential for passive house construction, airtight tapes ensure that buildings are sealed against drafts and moisture, contributing to better insulation, indoor air quality, and overall performance. Effective use of airtight tapes can reduce energy consumption by up to 30% through preventing air leakage, making them vital for modern construction projects.

These specialized tapes combine advanced adhesive technologies with durable materials to ensure long-lasting airtight building envelopes. Whether sealing windows and doors, ducts, or facades, the right airtight tape ensures long-term durability and efficiency.

What is Airtight Tape?

Airtight tapes are adhesive tapes designed to create airtight seals around penetrations, overlaps, and joints in building envelopes. These tapes are typically UV resistant, tear-resistant, and made from high-performance materials such as butyl, acrylic, and solid acrylic glue. Brands like Siga and Pro Clima lead the market with innovative products designed to meet the stringent requirements of passive house standards.

Types of Airtight Tapes

• Acrylic-Based Tapes – Products like Pro Clima Tescon Vana offer exceptional durability and UV resistance, passing the Kassel Institute Accelerated Aging Test for over 100 years of performance. They provide vapor-permeable properties and excellent adhesion to various substrates.

• Expanding Foam Tape – Ideal for sealing gaps around windows and doors, providing permanent airtight and windtight seals.

• Butyl Rubber Tapes – Highly elastic and conformable, butyl tapes provide water-resistant seals for windows, doors, and facade installations.

• Aluminium Foil Tape – Used in duct sealing and vapour control, ensuring maximum waterproofing.

• Double-Sided Tape – Suitable for overlap sealing on vapour control membranes and airtight membranes.

• Window Tapes – Specially designed to seal around windows and facade joints, ensuring airtightness.

• Uni Tape – A multi-purpose, tear-resistant tape used for internal and external applications.

Key Applications of Airtight Tapes

• Windows and Doors – Airtight tape for windows ensures airtight seals around frames and edges, preventing thermal bridges and air leaks.

• Vapour Control Membranes – Tapes are used to seal overlaps and joints, ensuring vapour control and preventing moisture ingress.

• Roof and Facade Sealing – Pro Clima tapes and Siga tapes are commonly used to seal external joints and penetrations.

• Ductwork and Ventilation – Aluminium foil tape is essential for sealing duct joints, preventing air leakage.

• Membrane Connections – Ensures continuous air barriers by sealing external membrane overlaps and penetrations.

Performance Features

• Enhanced Energy Efficiency – Airtight tapes reduce air leakage, contributing to lower heating and cooling costs.

• Improved Indoor Air Quality – By preventing the ingress of pollutants and allergens, airtight tapes help maintain good indoor air quality.

• Durability – Airtight tapes are designed to withstand high and low temperatures, providing long-term performance.

• UV and Weather Resistance – Many airtight tapes are UV resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Moisture and Chemical Resistance – High-quality tapes provide protection against moisture, chemical exposure, and temperature fluctuations.

• Flexible Use – Tapes can be applied to a range of substrates, including timber, masonry, plaster, and metal.

Popular Airtight Tape Products

• Siga Wigluv Tape – A high-performance, UV-resistant tape suitable for external applications.

• Pro Clima Tescon Vana – Known for passing the Kassel Institute Accelerated Aging Test, ensuring durability and reliability.

• Aluminium Foil Tape (50mm x 30m) – Ideal for duct sealing and vapour control.

• Butyl Rubber Tape – A strong adhesive tape used for sealing joints and providing airtight membranes.

• Unitape – A universal airtight tape suitable for sealing penetrations and overlaps.

Installation Considerations

1. Surface Preparation – Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and dust-free for optimal adhesion.

2. Temperature Range – Apply within the recommended temperature range to ensure proper bonding.

3. Pressure Application – Apply firm pressure to activate the adhesive for a secure, airtight seal.

4. Correct Overlap – Allow sufficient overlap to ensure full coverage and airtightness.

Conclusion

Airtight tapes are essential for achieving energy efficiency and airtight construction in the UK. With products like Siga Wigluv, Tescon Vana, and expanding foam tape, achieving permanent airtight seals has never been easier.

For the best results, choose high-performance airtight tapes that meet passive house standards and provide long-term durability.

Shop airtight tapes today and take the first step towards creating a more energy-efficient, airtight home or commercial space.