Aluminum tape, also known as foil tape, has many uses in the electrical, HVAC and construction industry. It can be used in jobs requiring moisture and chemical resistance, thermal conductivity, flame resistance, heat and light reflectance, and weatherability. There are several different styles of tape available, including acrylic adhesive, line-less, polymer coated, and flame resistant aluminum glass tape.
Foil tape with an acrylic adhesive is used for sealing off vapors in fiberglass duct board, sheet metal ducts and FSK systems. It is ideal for use in HVAC systems, due to its high tack cold weather acrylic adhesive, which helps it to adhere well, even in periods of low temperature and high humidity. It performs at its optimum level in temperatures between -40° and 250°F (-4.4° and 121.1°C), with a tensile strength of 21 pounds per inch (9.5 kg per 2.54 cm) of width.
Line-less aluminum tape is used for refrigeration duct bonding, due to its water-based acrylic adhesive and the absence of a liner. It can also be used for joining and sealing air duct seams and connections. This tape has a service temperature range of 68° to 248°F (20° to 120°C).
Polymer coated tape is used in the building industry to coat electrical cables. This type of tape is known as a shielding tape because it is also used to shield communication cables from the weather elements. It has an aggressive adhesive and blocks out moisture and odors. Due to its insulation abilities, it is also used in mobile home roof repairs.
Flame resistant aluminum glass tape contains a solvent based acrylic adhesive, making it water and UV resistant. This type is perfect for wrapping insulation cables, instruments and other high temperature sensitive materials, due to its heat-reflective wrap. It has a tensile strength of 135 pounds per inch (61.23 kg per 2.54 cm), and can withstand temperatures between -65° and 600°F (-53.88° and 315.55°C).
All varieties of aluminum tape should be stored under normal conditions of 60° to 80°F (16° to 27°C) with a relative humidity between 40 to 60%. For optimum performance, it should be used within two years of its manufactured date. Foil tape should only be used for the purpose in which it is intended, and it hasn't been evaluated or reviewed for medical usage.
