One of the greatest challenges of owning a house is that mold can grow quickly when humidity levels rise in a building. You must be extra cautious about using the right kind of tape, or it will be hazardous to the health of your family.
Flashing tape protects window and door openings from water entry by adhering to them. It is also known as weather-stripping. The framing members are mounted with adhesive tape and the window or door is attached to the tape. The best window flashing tape prevents moisture from damaging a building’s framing, insulation, and finishes.
In this article, we will discuss various window flashing tape features, buying guide and general FAQs.
Huber ZIP System Door and Window Flashing Tape
3m Window Flashing Tape
XFasten Aluminum Tape for Window Flashing
Our Top 5 Picks for Window Flashing Tape
There are many different types of flashing tapes on the market, but not all of them will work well in your situation. When you purchase window flashing tape, it is important that you consider which type of application would work best for your particular job.
The selected products are handpicked by us so that you can make an informed decision about purchasing windows flashing tapes of your choice.
1. Huber ZIP System Door and Window Flashing Tape
ZIP System Tape is made from a high-quality acrylic adhesive that provides an airtight and waterproof sealing that can withstand harsh weather for many years. By using this tape, you can avoid any costly and damaging water infiltration into your home.
This product is clearly one of the best window flashing tapes that are on the market. It is specifically designed for an easy-to-use ZIP System roller. It will help you improve the efficiency of your job site by maximizing effectiveness.
ZIP System Tape is a strong and adhesive polypropylene film with self-adhesive backing. This window flashing tape is perfect for flashing and sealing the seams. This flashing tape has an installation temperature ranging from 0 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so it can be used both during the summer and the winter season.
The acrylic adhesive used in this window flashing tape is incredibly strong and is resistant to both heat and UV light. This makes it perfect for use in situations where high temperatures or prolonged sunlight exposure is likely.
Huber ZIP System Door and Window Flashing Tape is compatible with a wide range of materials and substrates, making it a versatile option for many applications. PVC windows are a popular choice for many homeowners, and window flashing tapes are an ideal way to protect them from moisture and water damage.
This window flashing tape has been designed to be protected against direct UV radiation and is made with an adhesive material that is resistant to water, high temperatures, and harsh weather.
Highlighted Features:
- Made from high-quality acrylic adhesive for an airtight and waterproof seal
- Easy-to-use ZIP System roller maximizes the effectiveness.
- Strong and adhesive acrylic with self-adhesive backing
- Installation temperature of 0 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Compatible with a wide range of materials and substrates
2. Huber ZIP System Stretch Window Flashing Tape
ZIP System stretch tape is a high-performance flashing material that is designed to keep out air and moisture. The tape is self-adhered, making it easy to install, and it locks in place to create a weather-tight seal. This makes the tape ideal for use on a variety of building substrates, including those that are mismatched or have irregular surfaces.
For a professional look every time, it can readily expand to accommodate corners and curves. Multi-position, the high adhesive formula is perfect for a wide range of applications.This flashing tape is designed to provide an airtight seal around erratic and tricky to seal areas like rough openings, curved doors, penetrations.
This window flashing tape is extra-strong yet tightly stretchable. It can be used on single pieces of vinyl siding, without the need to piece segments of tape together. The acrylic foam core is also water-resistant, making it a perfect choice for any flashing needs you may have. It is used for installations ranging from 0°F to 120°F.
ZIP System stretch tape is the ideal flashing tape for windows because it is UV resistant. The product has also been designed to be compatible with flexible flashing for PVC windows, a quality hard to come by from competitors.
Huber ZIP System Stretch Window Flashing Tape is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive that is designed to be installed on windows. It is recommended that you roll the window flashing tape on with a J-roller to ensure proper installation. The tape has been tested per AAMA 711-13 and passed.
Highlighted Features:
- It is a self-adhered material that is used for sealing on window
- Tape can be applied to irregular or mismatched surfaces.
- It will expand to accommodate all corners and curves during installation.
- The high adhesive formula is perfect for a wide range of applications.
- It will provide an airtight seal around areas where it is hard to seal properly.
- Window flashing tape has an acrylic foam core that is water resistant.
3. 3m Window Flashing Tape
This window flashing tape is an adhesive used in construction to seal around windows, doors, and other openings. It is unique because it uses acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive which sticks and stays stuck. This eliminates the need for primers or staples, making the process much easier.
It has a surface temperature range of 0F (-18C) to 176F (80C), which allows it to be used on damp areas. This makes it a versatile and reliable product for use in construction projects. This tape will provide a barrier between your siding and the weather that is outside.
It will be thin and not bulky like other types of tape, and it won’t rip as traditional flashing materials do. This tape also seals over nails and staples, so you will not have any water getting in.
This tape is special as it allows nails to seal better before and after the tape is subjected to thermal cycling according to AAMA 711-05. This product is made up of a synthetic rubber compound that will not liquefy, bleed, or melt when in contact with many building sealants. It will not dissolve in extreme summer temperatures either.
The 3m Window Flashing Tape is a product that can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s service temperature range according to the manufacturer is -40ºF to 240ºF (-40ºC to 116ºC). This product is a type of window flashing tape that can be split into small liners for easy and accurate positioning. This makes it easier to use.
This product will provide lasting, UV-resistant protection for your home window flashing. The tape is resistant to UV exposure, which saves you time and money on re-application. It can also be split into small liners for easy and accurate positioning.
Highlighted Features:
- The adhesive used in construction to seal around windows, doors, and other openings
- Using acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive for easier installation and stickiness
- Surface temperature range of 0F (-18C) to 176F (80C)
- Is resistant to UV exposure and will provide protection for up to 12 months
- The tape is subjected to thermal cycling according to AAMA 711-05 and passed.
- Will not dissolve in extreme summer temperatures.
4. XFasten Aluminum Tape for Window Flashing
This aluminum butyl tape is perfect for a variety of purposes. It is super waterproof, making it ideal for use on metal roofs and in other wet environments. It can also be used to seal leaks in gutters, RV roofs, and around windows. Plus, it’s resistant to corrosive chemicals, making it a great choice for a variety of applications.
The Aluminum Foil Butyl Tape is hassle-free, installation is simple, and is perfect for the typical homeowner to accomplish professional results. The flashing detail is manageable and does not turn gooey.
This Aluminum Roof Flashing Tape is perfect for projects that require durable and long-lasting tape. This tape can endure severe outdoor conditions, including heat (250F), UV exposure, cold weather (-13F), and dust. The aluminum backing on this tape makes it puncture-proof, ensuring that it can take a beating.
XFasten Aluminum Tape for Window Flashing is a great product to use for repairing roofs. The flexible aluminum foil surface allows it to curve and flex, making it ideal for repairs on curved and structured areas. The XFasten Waterproof Tape is one of the best tapes on the market for flashing windows.
It is suitable for a number of surfaces, including plastic, metal roofs, galvanized metal, glass, and concrete. These flexible flashings have a long shelf life and do not melt into a gooey slob like many butyl tapes.
Highlighted Features:
- Aluminum butyl tape.
- Super waterproof.
- Resistant to corrosive chemicals.
- Easy installation, hassle-free.
- Can be applied on a variety of surfaces.
5. DuPont Tyvek Window Flashing Tape
DuPont Flashing Tape is a premium-quality, self-adhesive window flashing material that is made with a butyl-based adhesive layer. It is designed to protect the heads and jambs of rectangular windows by conforming to and sealing around window frames. It is qualified to several key industry-approved standards, including the AAMA 711-07.
DuPont Tyvek Window Flashing Tape is a product used in construction to help seal and protect many flashing joints and seams. It is made of durable polyethylene, making it ideal for use on windows. The tape helps to prevent water and air infiltration, making it a crucial step in protecting your home from the elements.
Window flashing tape is an incredibly important part of any home improvement project. It bridges the gap between the rough opening and the building envelope, protecting these areas from potential water damage.
StraightFlash, manufactured by DuPont, is the premium peel and stick flashings that is composed of 100% butyl-based adhesive layer and Dupont Tyvek. It ensures that the tape sticks tightly to any surface while blocking rain from entering openings in commercial buildings.
DuPont Flashing Tape is an essential component of any weatherization system. The combination of weatherization and LEED points can help you create more sustainable buildings.
Highlighted Features:
- 100% butyl-based adhesive layer
- Prevents water and air infiltration
- Protects heads and jambs of rectangular windows
- AAMA 711-07 approved, ideal for use on windows
- It offers high durability
- Helps seal and protect joints and seams
Factors to Consider Before Buying the Right Flashing Tape
Prior to ordering up windows flashing tape for your project, you need to consider certain factors. The factors are mentioned below.
Types of Flashing Tape:
Flashing tape is a material that is used in construction to prevent water from entering a building. There are many different types of flashing tape, but the most common are made of acrylic, butyl, and bitumen.
Acrylic flashing tape is made of a plastic material and is the most common type. It is flexible flashing, weather-resistant, and easy to cut. They are recommended for use on vertical surfaces, but it can also be used for other applications where a strong cold weather-proof seal is needed.
Butyl flashing tape is made of a rubberized material adhering to polyethylene film. Flashing comes in rolls with an easy-to-remove film release liner. It is available in 20 mil thickness as well as a variety of sizes. It is most commonly used for sealing around window panes, wall assemblies, and other surfaces where the modified bitumen tape would be too rigid.
Bitumen flashing tape is made out of the same material as the rubberized asphalt used to seal roofs and roads, which makes it resistant to cold weather, water, and UV radiation. It is also very sticky, making it a good choice for applications where a strong seal is needed. However, modified bitumen is also the most difficult to work with, as it is very stiff and hard to tear.
UV Protection:
Window flashing tape is essential for many construction projects. It is important to select the right type of window flashing tape, as some tapes are more effective than others against the sun’s UV rays. Sunlight can degrade certain tapes over time, so it’s important to find a tape that has UV protection built-in.
Thickness:
When purchasing flashing tape, it is important to find a tape that is not too thin or too thick. A thin tape may not be as durable as you need, while a thick tape can be difficult to install. You should use flashing tapes that are durable enough to last as long as your structure.
Weather & Temperature:
Weather and temperature are two of the most important factors, as they can affect the adhesive on the tape. Most modified-bitumen products become less sticky at around 50°F, so they won’t stick as well in cold weather. If you’re working in cold weather, it’s best to choose a butyl or acrylic-based product.
When it comes to high temperatures, standard modified bitumen can often melt and ooze. This is especially true if it’s installed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions and under metal that’s exposed to direct sunlight.
For example, on metal roofing material or window framing that’s facing south or west. When it comes to high temperatures, butyl tapes are more stable. But they too have upper limits.
Flashing tape can be ruined by high temperatures and high humidity. It is purposefully made of materials that will break from extreme heat and lose adhesive bond. So when it reaches the range of 120°F-180°F, the adhesive begins to soften and the film becomes less sticky. Commercial formulations are available with higher tolerances for heat, although they are typically not as sticky.
Materials:
There are three main types of Materials: concrete, metal, and solid wood. Each type has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to select the right type of tape for the job.
For example, if you’re working with concrete, you’ll want a tape that can avoid adhesive bond fails and can adhere well to wet surfaces. If you’re working with most metal flashings, you’ll want a tape that can withstand heat. And if you’re working with wood, you’ll want a tape that won’t cause any damage to the surface.
FAQ:
Is Flashing Tape Needed Around Windows?
Yes, you will need to use flashing tape to make sure the window is sealed. You can easily determine it by close inspection of the interior and exterior surfaces of the frame. Flashing is usually installed at the head, and sides of the windows.
Do Replacement Windows Need Flashing Tape?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as climate and weather conditions in your area. If you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow, then it’s probably a good idea to use flashing tape on your replacement windows.
This will help to ensure that moisture doesn’t seep into the window frame and cause damage to the new window.
How Wide Should Window Flashing Tape Be?
Because most window flanges have less than 2 inches in width, 4-inch tape will suffice to meet code requirements that flashing extend beyond the surface of the house wrap.
Is Acrylic Tape Water Resistant?
Acrylic adhesives are available in two types: water-based (also known as dispersion or emulsion) and solvent-based. While water-based acrylic systems are slower to dry than solvent-based ones, they have a better resistance to chemicals, solvents and water.
Final Verdict:
Window flashing tape is a durable, weather-resistant material for securing windows. It provides an airtight seal that prevents outside moisture from entering the home during storms or heavy winds while still allowing fresh air to flow in through open windows. In addition, the best window flashing tape is easy to install with no special tools needed!
We hope that you have found our article helpful and we wish you all the best in your home improvement project.