A builder’s toolbox shouldn’t be limited to equipment and power tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and drills. Construction tapes are just as important and versatile, proving their value for a wide range of tasks — just as they say, they can fix almost anything! In this guide, we’ll explore those must-have protection tapesand their applications.
Duct Tapes
You’ve probably heard a lot about duct tape, and for good reason — it’s a go-to tool for builders and DIY enthusiasts. Also known as cloth tape, duct tape is a durable adhesive tape used for general sealing, patching holes, packing boxes, and more. It works well indoors and outdoors due to its strength and water resistance. Plus, it can adhere to rough and uneven surfaces like wood, stone, plaster, brick, and metal. This versatility makes duct tape the go-to solution for a variety of projects and fixes.
Note: Reinforced tape offers a stronger alternative to regular duct tape when you need extra adhesive grip and material strength.
Scrim Tapes
Plastering is common in construction and renovation works, and scrim tape is often used to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish. This self-adhesive tape, made from firm, open-weave fabric, is applied to gaps between plasterboard sheets before plastering. This prevents cracks from forming after the plaster is applied.
Scrim tape looks like a thicker version of medical gauze and is perfect for strengthening plasterboard joints. While it’s technically possible to complete a plastering job without it, gaps between plasterboards can cause cracks in the final plaster layer. Repairs would then become much more complex and costly, so it’s wise to keep scrim tape readily available for convenience.
Electric Tapes
Electrical wiring and phasing tasks require a specific type of tape: electrical tape. Electric tapes have polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backing and a non-corrosive rubber-based adhesive, made to protect, insulate, and shield wires and cables. This makes it an excellent fire protection solution compared to other tape types.
For instance, the cloth fibres used in many duct tapes can burn at high voltages, posing a fire risk. Electrical tape is therefore the most appropriate choice for insulating wiring.
Overall, electrical tape is suitable for cable insulation, phasing, and splicing tasks, and it’s trusted by professionals to get the job done right.
Frame Tapes
Frame tape, also referred to as painter’s tape, is specifically designed for painting projects. It has a lower adhesive level to handle delicate freshly painted or plastered walls without damaging the surface or causing extra touch-ups. Using frame tape helps you achieve clean, bleed-free lines and a professional finish.
Suppose you need to repaint the conference room walls during an office renovation. Apply frame tape to the edges of trim, windows, and doors to keep paint from bleeding and create clean lines. You can also use the tape to cover areas where different shades meet, such as where an accent colour contrasts with the main wall colour.
Masking Tapes
Masking tape is one of the most common types of tape, familiar even to those who aren't builders or DIY enthusiasts. It’s often used to temporarily hang items, seal boxes, or even wrap gifts. In a construction or renovation setting, its light adhesive creates a barrier that helps prevent paint, plaster, dirt, and debris from damaging walls, floors, and other surfaces. Overall, masking tape is a standard, medium-tack, all-purpose tape.
Double-Side Tapes
As the name suggests, double-sided tape has pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides. This allows two surfaces to bond together — such as attaching foam to wall panels or flooring underlayment to floors. Double-sided tape is also useful for bundling job site materials and securing items in place. It can be applied to hold down carpets and rugs, secure temporary fixtures, and even mount lightweight objects on walls without the need for nails or screws.
Tape is a versatile tool found in builders’ toolkits and commonly used at home for quick fixes and temporary solutions. The types mentioned above are just a few examples of tapes used in construction and renovation. They are so common and versatile that their applications extend well beyond these uses.
Some manufacturers offer custom logos on tapes for brand awareness, like this Floorgard Vinyl Tape. It’s an upgraded version of masking tape with a stronger adhesive.
While you’re considering Floorgard, be sure to check out our range of temporary floor protection. We recommend FR Floorgard Corry Board for long-term use and demanding projects that require corrugated sheets like correx.
Contact us via hello@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a temporary floor protection supplier based in the UK and Ireland.