Insulation tape is a faithful companion and indispensable support for anyone working with technical insulation. At the same time, it requires extra attention and can be time-consuming to handle. But we dare to say that the tape helps the insulator get the job done properly and that in most cases it helps to improve the quality of the job, not create trouble and adhesion (no pun intended).
So when the installer expresses a heartfelt ‘that tape!!!’, it's not necessarily the tape itself that's causing the problems. At least not in these cases:
- How to clean
Not many adhesives adhere well to dirty surfaces - tape adhesives are no exception. Grease and dust kill any bond and must be removed before the tape is applied. Of course, this also applies to any dirt that threatens to settle between the tape and the substrate.
- Moisture
There are tapes that can withstand moisture, but only after application. During the actual taping process, the surface must be completely dry, and here we do not operate with error margins; completely dry or poor adhesion.
- Temperature
In the tape's data sheet, you can see what temperature range it is designed for, after application and curing. In the same data sheet you can read the temperature required during application. There can be big differences here.
For example, the well-known VVS-tapen fra Glava made to withstand temperatures from -20 to 120 degrees. During application, on the other hand, it must be between 5 and 55 degrees.
- Storage conditions
Storage conditions also affect the adhesive's bonding ability. Temperature is once again important, and to stick with the previously mentioned Glava tape, it should be stored at room temperature between 18 and 20 degrees. Raise your hand, everyone who leaves the tape in the back of the service vehicle....
- Installation
How often do you iron the tape so hard that you can see the reinforcement pattern from the substrate clearly through the tape? Hopefully every time, because then you ensure that the tape gets the best possible grip. Again according to Glava specifications.
All tapes have procedures for how they should be applied, and you must follow these.
Better bonding effect
There are cases where the insulation is laid over staples or other recesses on the pipe. In such cases, mechanical stress occurs in the material to be taped and this is transferred to the tape. When taping such transitions, it is important to reduce the tension in the material first, often using steel wire, before applying tape.
Curing is also essential for fastening, and many adhesives need up to 24 hours to reach full adhesion. During this time, it's important to reduce the load, for example with fixing tape.
Please also note that temperature variations between night and day during curing can reduce the adhesive effect.
Tape for all purposes
Isopartner has a large selection of insulation tape and can help you find the right tape for the right application. We can also remind you how to avoid blaming the tape when it hasn't done anything wrong.
And if you need a tape that we don't have in our range, we can get it for you.