Duct Tapes

Whilst it was historically used for sealing joints in air conditioning ducts (hence the name), duct tape is widely used across both the industrial and domestic sector for repairs and strong joins.

Here at Cromwell, we offer a wide range of duct tapes from our trusted, exclusive brands Avon and Senator as well as national brands 3M, Advance Tapes and Gorilla.

What is duct tape?

Duct tape is a strong and versatile adhesive tape with a cloth or scrim backing and a rubber-based adhesive.

Why duct tapes?

It is known for its high strength, durability, and wide range of applications.

When are duct tapes used?

Originally developed for industrial purposes, duct tape has become popular for various household, construction, and repair uses..

Duct tape types

Duct tapes are largely identified by their webbed backing and easy tear away nature, however there are are several types of duct tapes available, each of which possesses key attributes. To help you to find the best one for your needs, we've broken down each type to better highlight the key features of each.

• General purpose duct tapes   -   General purpose or standard duct tape is the most commonly used type. It has a fabric or cloth backing, typically made of polyethylene-coated cloth, with a rubber-based adhesive. Standard duct tape is known for its high tensile strength, waterproof properties, and good adhesion to many surfaces. It is suitable for general repairs, sealing, bundling, and temporary fixes.

• Professional grade duct tape   -   Professional grade duct tape is a higher-quality variant designed for more demanding applications. It typically has a stronger adhesive, thicker backing, and enhanced durability. Professional grade duct tape offers superior adhesion, tear resistance, and weather resistance, making it suitable for construction, HVAC, and industrial uses.

• Coloured duct tape   -   Coloured duct tape comes in various vibrant colours in addition to the traditional silver or grey. It provides the same strength and adhesive properties as standard duct tape but allows for creative applications, arts and crafts, colour coding, and visual aesthetics.

• Waterproof duct tape   -   Waterproof duct tape has an additional waterproof coating that enhances its resistance to moisture, water, and humidity. It is commonly used for outdoor applications, such as sealing leaks, repairing outdoor equipment, and temporary fixes in wet conditions.

Considerations when choosing duct tapes

When shopping for duct tapes, it's important to consider the following factors to select the right duct tape for you, ensuring reliable adhesion, durability, and versatility in various repair, sealing, and temporary fix applications.

• Strength and adhesion - Determine the required strength and adhesion for your specific application. Standard duct tapes provide sufficient strength for most general purposes, while professional grade tapes offer higher tensile strength and adhesive properties for heavy duty applications.

• Backing material - Duct tapes have fabric or cloth backings, typically made of polyethylene-coated cloth. Consider the thickness, flexibility, and durability of the backing material based on the intended use. Thicker backings may provide more strength and resistance to tearing.

• Adhesive properties - Evaluate the adhesive strength, tackiness, and temperature resistance of the duct tape. Some tapes have a more aggressive adhesive for better bonding to various surfaces, while others offer easy removal or repositioning.

• Waterproof - If you require water or moisture resistance, choose tapes specifically labeled as waterproof. These tapes have additional coatings or materials to enhance their resistance to water or moisture.

• Temperature resistance - Consider the temperature range the tape will be exposed to. Some duct tapes offer better performance in extreme temperatures, both high and low, without losing adhesion or degrading.

• Application surface - Evaluate the surface type on which the tape will be applied. Duct tapes adhere well to various surfaces, including metal, wood, plastic, fabric, and concrete. Ensure the tape is compatible with the specific surface to achieve optimal adhesion.

• Ultraviolet (UV) resistance - If the tape will be exposed to sunlight or UV radiation, look for tapes with UV resistance to prevent degradation and adhesive failure over time.

• Length and width - Choose the appropriate length and width of the tape based on your specific needs. Consider the coverage area and the required amount of tape for the intended application.

FAQs

Is cloth tape the same as duct tape?
Yes. Duct tape is the more commonly used term - although in the UK it is informally also known as gaffer tape - but cloth tape also refers to the same product.