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When it comes to protecting a construction project against moisture, choosing a waterproof tape isn’t quite as simple as finding a product labelled “waterproof”.
Different areas of a building or outdoor structure are exposed to moisture in very different ways. A tape used to protect timber joists beneath a deck has a completely different job to one sealing the joints of a damp proof membrane or creating a vapour-tight seal around insulation.
That’s why choosing the right waterproof construction tape means looking beyond water resistance alone and considering the application, substrate and environment in which the tape needs to perform.
In this guide, we’ll look at what to consider when choosing a waterproof tape and some of the common applications where specialist construction tapes can help provide long-term protection against moisture.
There isn’t one waterproof construction tape that’s right for every job.
Before choosing a product, there are several factors worth considering.
The substrate is one of the most important considerations when choosing any construction tape.
Smooth membranes, foil-faced insulation, timber joists and rough or incised timber all present very different surfaces for an adhesive to bond to.
A tape that performs well on a smooth surface won’t necessarily provide the same level of adhesion on rough timber. Choosing a tape designed for the intended substrate helps create a more reliable bond and reduces the risk of the tape lifting or failing prematurely.
Consider where the water or moisture is coming from.
Is the tape protecting timber against rainwater? Sealing an overlap between two membranes? Creating a vapour barrier? Or protecting a vulnerable part of an external structure from prolonged exposure to moisture?
Understanding exactly what you’re trying to protect will help determine the type of waterproof construction tape required.
For external applications, waterproofing is only part of the equation.
The tape may also need to cope with UV exposure, changes in temperature and challenging weather conditions. Products used externally should therefore be selected specifically for outdoor use rather than assuming that any waterproof tape will be suitable.
Not every waterproof construction tape is simply there to cover a gap.
Depending on the application, a tape may need to seal around fixings, maintain a continuous barrier between materials, conform to an uneven surface or provide additional protection to vulnerable areas of a structure.
Thinking about the purpose of the tape rather than waterproofing alone, makes it much easier to choose the right product.
At Walther Strong, we develop specialist tapes and adhesives for specific construction challenges rather than taking a one tape fits all approach.
Here are some common waterproofing and moisture-protection applications and the types of product designed to tackle them.
Even when the visible decking boards are designed for external use, the timber substructure underneath is repeatedly exposed to rain and moisture.
Water can collect around fixings and on the top of timber joists, creating vulnerable areas within the structure.
Walther Strong Deck Tape is designed specifically to protect timber decking substructures. Applied to the top of joists before the decking boards are installed, it creates a protective barrier between the timber and moisture.
The tape is self-sealing around fixings and UV stable, helping protect the timber beneath the finished deck. Walther Strong Deck Tape also carries a 25-year bond guarantee.
For installers looking for a faster application, Deck Tape Pro offers the same type of joist protection in a liner-free format, removing the need to peel away and dispose of a release liner during installation. Each roll also contains 25% more tape.
Rather than using a general-purpose waterproof tape, choosing a product developed specifically for decking ensures the tape is designed around the way the structure is actually built.
Landscaping presents a different challenge.
Timber sleepers can have smooth, rough or incised surfaces, and choosing the right tape depends on the type of timber you’re working with. The surface condition affects how reliably the adhesive can bond, particularly when the sleepers are being used in retaining walls or other applications where they’re exposed to soil and moisture.
Walther Strong Sleeper Tape is designed for use on smooth timber sleepers, helping provide a waterproof barrier between the timber and surrounding moisture.
For rough or incised timber, Walther Strong HD Sleeper Tape is the more suitable option. It uses a morphing adhesive that is designed to conform to uneven surfaces and create a reliable bond on incised sleepers. It can be used in applications where the protected timber will come into contact with soil.
Where a larger or more complex incised timber surface needs protection, Walther Strong HD Timber Coating can also be used to provide a rubberised waterproof coating.
This is a good example of why the substrate matters when selecting a waterproof construction tape. Sleeper Tape is suited to smooth timber, while HD Sleeper Tape and HD Timber Coating are designed for the additional challenges presented by rough or incised timber.
Waterproofing isn’t always about protecting the surface underneath a tape. Sometimes, the tape itself forms an important part of a wider barrier system.
Walther Strong DPM Butyl Tape is designed for sealing and jointing damp proof membranes, helping maintain an airtight and waterproof seal across overlaps, joints and penetrations.
Its self-adhesive construction makes it suitable for both internal and external applications and provides a practical way of maintaining continuity between sections of membrane.
When working with DPMs and similar materials, choosing a tape developed specifically for membrane jointing is important because the aim is to create a continuous seal rather than simply covering the joint.
Moisture protection within construction isn’t limited to liquid water.
Controlling water vapour can be equally important in insulation and HVAC applications, which is where aluminium foil tapes are commonly used.
Walther Strong HD Aluminium Foil Tape is a Class 0 tape designed for applications including HVAC systems, rigid foam and PIR insulation.
It is thermally conductive and provides vapour sealing, helping create a barrier against moisture, dust and chemicals. Rolled edges also make the tape easier to handle and help reduce unwanted tearing during application.
Again, the application is very different from protecting an external timber structure, despite both products potentially sitting within the wider category of waterproof or moisture-resistant construction tapes.
Even a high-performance tape can only do the job it has been designed to do.
Some common mistakes include:
Taking a few moments to consider the application before selecting a product can make a significant difference to its performance.
Ultimately, there’s no single answer.
The best waterproof construction tape is the one designed for the surface, environment and application you’re working with.
For a decking substructure, that could mean a self-sealing joist tape. For an incised timber sleeper, it could mean a tape with an adhesive developed specifically for rough timber. For a damp proof membrane, the priority is creating a continuous waterproof and airtight seal. And for insulation or HVAC applications, vapour sealing may be just as important as resistance to moisture itself.
At Walther Strong, our range of specialist tapes, adhesives and coatings has been developed to solve specific challenges across construction, landscaping and decorating.
Not sure which tape is right for your application? Speak to the Walther Strong team and we’ll help you find the right product for the job.
