Duct tape, ductboard tape, flex duct tape-what is the difference?

April 25, 2011

Duct tape, ductboard tape, flex duct tape-what is the difference?

You might have heard the joke that all a DIY person needs is duct tape and WD40.  If something is supposed to move and doesn’t, use the WD40.  If it moves and isn’t supposed to, use the duct tape!

Before the advent of fiberglass ductboard and insulated flex duct, gray cloth duct tape(our item # 58-082) was pretty much all we needed for tin ductwork and a million other uses around the home, and it is still great stuff to have on hand.  Today, there is also UL approved ductboard tape sometimes called aluminum foil tape, as well as flex duct tape.

As the name implies, ductboard tape was designed to construct and seal fiberglass duct work.  This tape is pressure sensitive which means you must go over it with a small squeegee to make a good seal.  Ductboard tape is available with or without the UL 181 approvals.  The UL 181 approved tape (our item # 57-092)  is clearly marked on the outside of the tape and must be used when the ductwork will be inspected.  Surprisingly, the non-UL 181 tape (our item # 57-091) has a higher adhesion rating than the UL 181 approved tape.  Most of our local contractors prefer the nonlisted tape unless a job must be inspected.  Our flex duct tape  (our item# 57-085) is a very sticky, black tape designed to bond, protect, hold and patch flexible duct pipe.  Flex duct tape is not recommended for metal duct.

Now you can get the right tape for the right job.  We will discuss the WD40 later!