Self-adhesive aluminum tape - a widespread sealing material used both in construction, during installation works, and at home. It is an aluminum foil with an adhesive base applied to one side and a sealing layer.
The properties
Self-adhesive aluminum tape is lightweight, durable and reliable with high heat-insulating properties. It is flexible in structure, easily takes the necessary shape. It can be bent, cover uneven surfaces, which makes it quite easy to use.
Most often, self-adhesive aluminum tape is used for sealing joints and thermal insulation of surfaces. This is due to such properties of LAS as:
- the presence of barrier qualities to water, dust, bacteria;
- high wear resistance and tensile strength;
- opacity - the ability to reflect radiation and heat;
- stability characteristics, corrosion resistance and safety.
Self-adhesive aluminum tape has a high degree of adhesion (2.5-10 N / cm). This indicator characterizes the degree of adhesion of the tape to the working surface. The tape retains its properties, including adhesives, in a wide temperature range - from -20 to +120 0 C. The thickness of the adhesive base is at least 20 microns.
Types and designations
Several types of self-adhesive aluminum tapes are available:
- Self-adhesive aluminum tape (LAS).
- LAS-A (reinforced). It is used for increased requirements to the strength of joints.
- LAS-T (heat-resistant). For use in elevated temperatures.
- LAS-SP (with polymer coating). It is used for sealing glass and double-glazed windows.
- LAS-P (durable). For use in difficult conditions and high strength requirements.
The choice of a certain type of aluminum tape depends on the conditions of its use.
Material Specifications
- Self-adhesive aluminum tape is made of aluminum foil with a thickness of 30-50 microns. On one side a layer of glue is applied, which is protected by a release material.
- Heat-resistant tape (LAS-T) is made of the same foil (30-50 microns), but the adhesive base, also protected by release material, is heat-resistant.
- Self-adhesive reinforced aluminum tape is made with a single-sided additional layer of fiberglass on aluminum foil with a thickness of 7-30 microns.
- Polymer-coated aluminum self-adhesive tape (LAS-SP) is made of foil with a thickness of at least 50 microns and a polymer coating (20 microns) applied to it. The adhesive base with protective material is applied on the side of the foil.
- Durable self-adhesive aluminum tape (LAS-P) is made of a multilayer material consisting of two layers of a polymer film of 20 microns and 60 microns and a foil layer between them with a thickness of 9-11 microns.
Application area
High strength aluminum self-adhesive tape allows you to use it when mounting structures under load. Self-adhesive mounting aluminum tape is widely used in new construction and reconstruction of both civil and industrial facilities: sealing joints of heat-insulating materials and ventilation ducts, vapor barrier, pipelines, as well as for updating aluminum elements.
Self-adhesive aluminum tape is used in repair and construction using dry technology, covering joints, strengthening joints and other types of work. With its help, heat exchangers and reflectors of heating devices, heating systems, water supply and ventilation are sealed. LAS is used for fastening the heat exchanger in refrigerated cabinets for foaming.
LAS is used for mounting foamed polymers and mineral wool to plastic or metal surfaces. With increased requirements for the strength of the joints, reinforced (LAS-A) or durable (LAS-P) self-adhesive tape is used, in conditions of elevated temperatures - heat-resistant tape (LAS-T). In the manufacture of double-glazed windows, self-adhesive aluminum tape with a polymer coating is used.
Features of use
Before sticking the tape, the surface to be treated must be prepared. To do this, the surface is degreased with special compounds, it must be dry and clean. When working with the tape, it is necessary to exclude the ingress of small particles on an open adhesive base or on the treated surface. If you do not carry out the necessary surface preparation, the tape will not adhere properly and will not give the desired effect.
One of the important rules when working with self-adhesive tape is to avoid touching the adhesive base. Stick on carefully, without hasty movements, be sure to keep the tape flat. After gluing, it is advisable to smooth the finished seams again. At temperatures above +80 0 C, the tape may twist around the edges. When using the tape under such conditions, gluing should be done overlapping. To obtain the expected effect, it is necessary to adhere to the recommendations specified in the instructions for use.