Shorts-Tape Test, Part 2

A few days ago, I posted a test about the cold weather application of construction tapes.  A few of the tapes performed well, but most I expected more from.  Many of these tapes aren’t cheap, some are downright expensive.  I thought a second, quick test was needed at a more normal application temperature (68°F) compared to installations in cold weather.  Here’s what I found.

I installed most of the same tapes used during the cold temperature testing, the tapes were installed, rolled and left to set for a few days.   I chose to only test on the plywood surface.  The tapes used were the best performers, Siga’s Wigluv, 3M’s 8067 and Zip’s Flashing Tape.  I also installed the cold weather surprise of Protecto Wraps Super Stick and the other tape they had in the cold weather test, the rubberized asphalt BT25XT.  The other tapes installed were the ones I felt underperformed, Pro Clima’s Tescon Vanna (I was contacted by 475 Supply, the place to purchase Pro Clima’s products after the cold temperature testing posted, they informed me there is another version of the Tescon Vanna tape designed for cold weather applications) and both of the Benjamin Obdyke tapes, the UV tape and HydroFlash.  I also included Barricade’s Ulti Flashing Tape.

In comparison, here is the video of me pulling the tapes off the plywood when both the tape and taping surface was cold.  Much different results.

The takeaway, all the tapes perform differently in warm temperatures.  Three tapes I felt much better when comparing warm and cold applications, Pro Clima’s Tescon Vanna and both Benjamin Obdyke tapes, but especially the HydroFlash.  Even though the Protecto Wrap BT25XT stuck this time, it still easily pulled off both the plywood and Zip surfaces, if you’re using them, stick with (pun intended) the Super Stick.  The barricade tape stuck better in warm temperatures, but nowhere near some of the other tapes.

My opinion on which tapes were the best, there are more choices when using at moderate temps, the best was still Siga’s Wigluv but both the Pro Clima and Benjamin Obdyke’s HydroFlash also performed great.  You also can’t go wrong with 3M’s 8067 or the Zip tape.

In comparing taping in warm weather to cold temperatures, I recommend not taping in the cold whenever possible.  There’s a night and day difference.   All this testing has led me to another question, does the tape bond increase if the tape is applied in cold temperatures, then cycled to warm temps?  Should I perform that testing next or are you tired of tape testing?  How about testing other construction products, should there be more?  If so, what products need testing?  Leave me your answer in the comments.

FYI, I’m in Orlando for the next week at the International Builders Show.  Watch for a post when I return on what’s new and exciting in the industry.  If you are attending the show, you can catch me on Tuesday, 2/8 at the Build Zone at 11:30 presenting on the #Barndominium project and again, Thursday, 2/10, 11:00 at the presentation stage with Ben Bogie on Tools for Detecting a Buildings Performance.  Hope to see you there!