Some products are worth keeping on hand just in case you need to use them.
And having them on hand can save you a trip to your local hardware store. Cable ties and tape are everyday items. However, we recommend adding butyl tape to this list.
Today we share everything you need to know about butyl tape and its many uses. Let’s begin!
What is butyl tape?
Butyl tape is a lab-made adhesive material. Unlike natural rubber adhesives, butyl tape is more resistant to temperature changes, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor applications.
Tape works best as a sealant between joints and does a fantastic job as an extra barrier to keep moisture out.
Many manufacturers put a layer wherever they put screws or where water can get in.
And you can often find it where walls come together and under roof fixtures. These are some of the most common spots for water damage, especially on RVs.
Butyl Sealing Tape – Butyl Rubber Sealant Promote Sealing – Automotive (Car, RV, Marine) Adhesive Tape for Installing Auto Parts, Windows, Doors and Windshields, etc.
- Butyl Sealing Rope Purpose: butyl rubber 13Ft/4M, suitable for sealing car doors, windshields, waterproof films, hoods,…
- Headlight sealant Easy to use: butyl sealing tape is chemically resistant and very flexible, it can be pressed flat or…
What does butyl tape stick to?
Butyl tape is incredibly versatile when it comes to surfaces to stick to. It sticks to rubber, glass, plastic and metal. It is also incredibly resistant to temperature changes due to its unique design and properties.
If you live in a climate subject to frequent temperature changes, you should have this product ready for your projects.
This is especially true if you want to keep moisture and other potentially harmful materials out of a particular space.
How long does butyl tape last?
The printed shelf life for butyl tape is usually five years from the date of manufacture. In many cases, however, it can take 20 or 30 years for some applications. It is a product that is extremely resilient and experiences minimal degradation.
Keep it away from harsh chemicals like gasoline and turpentine, and you’ll likely get good use out of your butyl tape for a few decades. It is one of the toughest and most reliable types of tape available on the market.
Can you remove butyl tape?
Because butyl tape does its job incredibly well, it’s not always the easiest material to remove. You must use a liberal amount of solvent, such as paint thinner, to remove it from an area.
It can be incredibly stubborn. In these cases, it may help to take a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the tape and use a plastic scraper to get under the adhesive.
Just be careful how much heat you apply to the area and not to use too much force when scraping. Any of these actions could cause serious and extensive damage to the surface.
What is butyl tape used for?
As we mentioned earlier, there is no shortage of applications for using butyl tape. It’s an incredibly versatile material that can be helpful in a number of ways.
Let’s look at some of the most common uses.
RV repairs and maintenance
If you’ve ever owned an RV, you know that moisture and water can quickly cause tremendous damage. Left untreated, water damage can quickly cause floors to rot and dangerous mold to grow inside an RV.
As a result, many repair and maintenance projects use butyl tape to minimize risks from moisture. Some camper manufacturers even install long pieces of it along the seams to prevent water from entering the rig.
The tape reduces the likelihood of water entering through bolt holes in an RV. If you’ve looked at an RV, there are hundreds, possibly even thousands, of bolts holding it together. Water entering any of these holes can cause serious and expensive damage.
Keep in mind: Avoid a headache on your next RV repair with these 3 tips!
seal windows
Whether it’s humidity, hot air, or a cold breeze, you want to eliminate any gaps in your windows. Butyl tape works great as it is easy to shape and durable and resistant to constant weather changes.
If you’re tired of feeling drafts through your windows, consider sealing them with this tape when installing. Keeping your windows sealed makes it easier for you to control the temperature in your living space.
apartment repairs
Butyl tape is also perfect for some home repairs and projects, e.g. B. for sealing HVAC ducts, sealing metal roofing or siding and supporting vapor barriers in crawl spaces.
If you’re concerned about moisture entering an area, use this as part of your defense plan.
Keep in mind: Have you recently upgraded your RV AC filter? If not, here’s why you should update ASAP!
marine applications
As already mentioned, butyl tape provides excellent protection against moisture. We can’t think of any place where keeping water out is more important than on a boat. They say loose lips sink ships, but so do holes in boats.
However, sometimes you will want to attach rigging and other accessories to your boat and you may need to drill a hole to make this possible.
Placing a layer of tape under rigging or accessories can help reduce the likelihood of water entering a boat.
For it to be effective, you must use it on any fasteners you add. Give it a day or two, and then trim off any excess material sticking out of the fasteners.
Butyl tape can save the day
Butyl tape is one of the most effective and versatile products. It’s easy to see why you should have it readily available to assist you with any project you may have around the house, with your RV, or many other uses.
It’s better to have it available and rarely need it than to need something and not have it. You never know when it might come to your rescue and save the day!