The strong, moisture-resistant adhesives in reinforced tapes have made their way into various applications in construction, repair, installation, and plumbing. But where exactly? This guide explains what reinforced tapes are, including their basic properties and where they can be useful.
There are various types of protection tapes out there, so it helps to know the difference, and this is your first stop on the tape train.
What Are Reinforced Tapes?
Reinforced tapes are designed with high-tack adhesive, strengthened by fibres made of fibreglass or polyester. This level of tackiness allows the tape to form a strong bond with any surface in an instant. Though easily torn off by hand without tools, it resists stretching and tearing when applied. The tape can also stick and unstick multiple times without losing its effectiveness.
These qualities make reinforced tapes a stronger alternative to duct tape and low-tack tape, thanks to their greater adhesive grip!
You’ll find them thick, often with visible reinforcement fibres that give them a textured or patterned look. The colours available vary, but grey (silver-ish) and black are common. Overall, it looks similar to duct tape and PVC silage tape but feels more robust.
Uses for Reinforced Tapes
Reinforced tapes come in handy in construction and home repair settings. Either way, here’s where you can use them:
Temporary floor protection installation
When installing Floorgard Corry Board to cover flooring or surfaces, reinforced tape can keep the temporary protection intact, even in high-traffic areas. The addition of tape underneath the corrugated sheet also keeps it in place, so anyone who steps on it won’t have to worry about slipping or tripping.
In situations like this, it also shows how adhesive tapes can play their part in worksite safety.
Short-term repair and restoration work
The strong adhesion, high strength, and ease of use of reinforced tapes make it handy for various kinds of repair and restoration tasks. This includes window sealing to keep drafts at bay and improve insulation. The tape also works in securing edges or patches of carpets to prevent them from fraying or detaching from the floor. Got any loose legs on your furniture? Repair it with the reinforced tape by securing the faulty parts.
Plumbing applications
The strong adhesive features of reinforced tapes can withstand moisture, which makes them effective for a range of plumbing tasks. Creating a seal even in damp conditions is straightforward where standard adhesive tapes might fail. This, in turn, stops leaks and ensures the joint stays tight.
For instance, when connecting PVC pipelines, you can use reinforced tape to hold the fittings for a leak-proof connection. If the pipes leak, wrap the tape around the damaged section to patch and seal it.
Packing and shipping
Reinforced tapes are also used for bundling materials and strengthening or sealing packages, e.g., heavy and bulky goods. They’re perfect for the job as they can withstand the weight of contents without breaking open. Multiple strips across the seams and edges will do the trick.
Moreover, you can use the tap as a ‘control’ for cardboard boxes and corrugated packing. For instance, reinforcing the flaps and corners to add extra support where the packing is weak. For shipping delicate items, wrapping tape around the box edges helps absorb shocks and ensures contents stay put.
Other tapes are also used in construction, renovation, and general purposes, but for different functions. Read this guide, 'The Builder’s Guide to Different Tapes,' for more information.
For inquiries, contact us at hello@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a temporary floor protection and scaffold protection supplier based in the UK and Ireland.