Six Important Reasons for Not Using Duct Tape

I get this a lot. A Plastic Adhesive Duct tape is said to be an adaptable tool on any job site virtually. This tape is prepared to provide a versatile, robust, and a quick suspension for applications that demand a lot of bonding and attaching. In this regard, Non Adhesive Tapes,Ceramic Fiber Tape,and Carton Sealing Tapes are the best examples.

Duct-tape in this regard is at times referred to as the most sought-out go-to tape for contractors and industrialists all over the world. From protecting the surface from different materials and asbestos remediation to different mold objects, and to more specialized applications like stucco masking,Name Tapes,Spacer Tape,and Knitted Elastic Tape.I can name a vast range of uses for this special purpose adhesive.

However, like any other tape having its merits and demerits, duct-tape has its own set of limits which makes it a little difficult to use at times. Below, I will share some of the essential conditions where a duct-tape falls a little short and what kind of adhesive tape should you be using as an alternate.

1) Water:

It has been said and tested in many instances that duct-tape is resistant to water, but there’s no way that it’s waterproof. It will work for a brief moment until a more powerful solution is used for its bonding, however, with the passage of time, the adhesion will trim when it’s exposed completely and deluged in water.
Alternative: The alternate of duct-tape in this regard is the all leak repair tape. Designed and formulated specifically for such conditions, this permanent adhesive structures a tight water seal and works in both cold and heat conditions. Apart from this, Double Sided Polyester Tape,Adhesive Transfer Tapes,and Butyl Tape are also quite helpful in using these tapes.

2) Heat:

Despite the name, standardly produced duct-tape is not the best choice for someone planning to repair the heating, sealing, and ventilating different kinds of ducts. The heat in this regard alleviates the adhesives, which makes it lose the slip and power from the fastening and causing a tacky mess on the surface of the duct.

The tape in this regard doesn’t carry any specific certification for safety, which shows that it can burn and generate a toxic smoke. This is particularly the reason why duct-tape is not allowed in many states like California.

Alternative: The best solution is the aluminum foil tape which is used for different purposes. Foil tape can work in specific situations up to 248 degrees and is retardant to flame. However, it is essential to remember that it doesn’t have approval to UL 181 so it's best that it’s used in a strict environment with extreme caution.

3) Cold:

There are a vast majority of tapes not used to working well in colder temperatures. Extreme cold temperature hardens down the adhesives and decreases its ability to stick the tape. However, if someone is willing to apply the tape under colder climates, there’s a high possibility that the tape may not completely stick at all.

Alternative: The most effective alternative is the repair tape used in all weather and climate, and may last in temperatures dropping to as low as -30 degrees. Another valuable tape which can survive extreme conditions is the weather double-sided tape. Similarly, Adhesive Foam Tape,Vinyl Tapes are some of the best examples.