What is bitumen tape and where is it used?

Bitumen tape - self-adhesive polymer for roofing, joint, waterproofing, rubber, adhesive tape for asphalt and other coatings, is the best choice for construction and installation work. This modern material is made from a polymer mass that has many advantages. It is worth talking in more detail about what types of bitumen tape are popular, how they differ from each other.

Bituminous tape is a roll material that looks like a classic scotch tape, but with a denser structure. This self-adhesive canvas adheres well to the surface and has a high degree of adhesion. The tape has a multi-layer structure, which includes:

• internal coating based on bitumen-polymer mass with the addition of rubber;
• outer layer made of metallized copper and aluminum tape.

The protective coating is applied on both sides. Easily removable during tape installation, preventing premature contamination of the material. The wide range of colors and sizes makes this material easy to adapt to specific applications. Available in single and double layer versions of the tape, designed for different installation methods.

Bituminous years have many advantages that other types of insulation do not have. First of all, it is ease of use. There is no need to pre-cut large canvases into smaller strips, to solve the problem of their installation to various types of coatings. Among other obvious advantages, the following points can also be highlighted.

• High elasticity. The material retains it even under the influence of atmospheric factors.
• Versatility of application. Bituminous tapes do an excellent job of sealing concrete, asphalt, wood, glass.
• Convenience of storage. Coated rolls do not stick to other surfaces.
• High degree of waterproofing protection. The material is completely waterproof.
• Adhesive without thermal effects. It allows work to be carried out without an increased risk of ignition.
• Ease of installation. Simply peel off the protective insulating film and then apply the tape firmly to the surface. For work, you only need scissors or a special knife to form segments of the desired length.
• Self-healing ability. In case of minor damage, the material expands, filling the damaged areas that have arisen.
• Wide range of colors and shades. In addition to the classic black tape, you can find foil or colored tape on sale, completely merging with the roofing.
• The ability to operate at temperatures from -40 to +90 degrees.
• Application without restrictions. You can insulate the pipes, mount it in other hard-to-reach areas.

There are also disadvantages. Bituminous tape is not suitable for use inside buildings and structures. The material has a high class of toxicity and flammability. When heated, the tape is subject to expansion, which can negatively affect its performance.

Bituminous tape is available in a wide range of options.Construction foil or scotch tape with a different coating works no worse than liquid sealant, makes less installation requirements. The classification of the material involves its division according to the type of basis, purpose, functionality.

In the production of the sealing tape, a butyl rubber base is used, giving the product its versatility. A protective silicone film is placed on the adhesive base. The rubber mixture added to the bitumen increases the elasticity of the web. Double-sided tapes are well suited for use on PVC surfaces, and the temperature range for their use varies from -60 to +120 degrees Celsius.

A distinctive feature of butylene tapes is the absence of odor. The metallized insulating layer reliably protects the material from damage under the influence of UV rays and chemicals. This type of tape is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Sealing strips of this type bear little resemblance to conventional tape. They include a polyethylene base covered with bitumen. The tape has excellent elasticity, impressive adhesion characteristics, and adheres tightly even to uneven surfaces. It can act as a protective anticorrosive insulation, it works as a dielectric for devices and mechanisms.

This original material is radically different from all others. The tape used to insulate polycarbonate is applied at the joints of the sheets, suitable for repairing and restoring damaged coatings. The sealing layer is airtight, resistant to destruction under the influence of UV rays.

The tape is made on the basis of hydrophilic rubber, has the ability to increase its size when in contact with a humid environment. In addition to polycarbonate, such strips can be used to form insulation of roof structures, glass greenhouses, showcases, greenhouse complexes.

A unique waterproofing material that can easily increase its volume is in great demand at industrial facilities where maximum reliability of connections is required. Such a tape is made not from bitumen, but from a special rubber. The mixture has high hydrophilic properties, which allows it to be used as a sealant. In everyday life, such a tape is suitable for insulating windows and doors in the area of ​​openings, in industry it is in demand for sealing joints.

The most common product class. It is made of materials with reduced toxicity, suitable for indoor use. Household bitumen tape does not emit a specific odor, acts as a sealant for units and connections of water supply lines. It can be used in the bathroom, kitchen space, basement and basement floors.

There are many options for bitumen tape on sale in different price categories. It is produced by well-known European brands, and domestic manufacturers are not lagging behind them. For example, Technonikol manufactures a product called Nicoband, which is popular among professional builders. Butylene-based tape is also in the arsenal of TeMa.

Other noteworthy brands include the following.

• Dichtungsbahn. This bitumen tape manufacturer from Germany ensures the superior quality of its products. All materials comply with EU standards. The bituminous mass is insulated with a special film; when glued, it adheres well to surfaces with varying degrees of roughness. It is recommended to carry out work at positive values ​​of atmospheric temperatures.

• Plastter. This manufacturer produces a wide range of bitumen tapes in different colors and sizes. The adhesive layer is additionally protected with silicone, and the base contains, in addition to bitumen, polymers and rubber. The reinforcing mesh provides increased tensile and tensile strength to the strip.

• Ecobit. This brand produces bitumen tape for construction and installation purposes. The manufacturer has provided for increased adhesion of the composition even to surfaces with low adhesion. The protective layer of this tape is copper sheet. The adhesive part is covered with silicone for additional protection.

• Sika. The European brand produces universal-purpose sealing tapes that adhere well to various types of surfaces. Modification with elastomers provides improved product performance. A wide range of sizes makes the products of this company a good choice for waterproofing roofs and foundations.

The use of bitumen tape today is relevant for many areas of activity. Depending on the type of product, it can be used in construction and repair, as well as as an insulating layer. The most demanded directions should be considered in more detail.

• Reconstruction of the roadbed. For asphalt and concrete pavements, special, especially durable options are used that can withstand significant operational loads.
• Roofing. For the roof, a double-sided or single-sided sealing tape is used. It is also trimmed with valleys and roof ridge. For slate cracks, the coverage of bituminous strips can also be used.
• Installation of underfloor heating systems. Here the insulating tape ensures the sealing of the joints. For a warm floor, high-quality waterproofing is very important.
• Anti-corrosion protection. It is used for pipes and other metal structures susceptible to rust damage.
• Soundproofing. Bituminous tape is not only a joint material, but also a good option for covering the cases of devices and mechanisms.
• Wall repair. In the presence of cracks, the structure of the building collapses quickly. A special insulating material will interfere with this process.
• Installation of floors. In this case, the insulation used ensures reliable sealing of the joints.
• Sealing cracks in the openings of windows and doors. In this case, the insulating material will provide reliable protection of the structure from blowing, the formation of drafts.
• Waterproofing of piles, foundations, septic tanks. The bituminous strip is well attached to concrete structures, is not afraid of operation in a humid environment.

A wide selection of areas of application of the material is due to its operational properties and characteristics. It has proven itself well in private housing construction, industrial applications.