Not all tapes are created equally, and understanding the differences between them can significantly impact their effectiveness for your specific application.

Two commonly used types of tapes in the building and construction industry, foil tape and duct tape, have their own unique set of features, benefits, and applications.

Duct tape stands as one of the most versatile and commonly used types of tape. Often utilized for temporary fixes, duct tape easily tears by hand and performs well across a wide range of surfaces. With a cloth or fabric backing, duct tape is ideally used for patching, surface protection, and mending various items, from repairing torn bags to securing loose wires. It's important to consider that the grade of duct tape can vary, depending on factors like backing thickness or other adhesive properties.

If you need a duct tape that won’t shy away from the most demanding jobs, try out BluOx Tape® Heavyweight 17 mil Duct Tape! On the other hand, , you may find a less aggressive option like BT-257 suitable. BT-257 excels in applications like general repairs, bundling, and wrapping.

Foil tape, though not as common, has its own unique features and benefits. Foil tape utilizes a soft metal foil backing, typically made from aluminum, lead, or copper, for their distinctive properties and benefits. Foil tape excels in thermal management, efficiently maintaining hot and cold insulation properties much more effectively than duct tape. These properties make it an excellent choice for applications in building and construction, electrical work, and HVAC systems. 

Foil tape is also a much stronger choice for long term applications, unlike duct tape, which dries out and degrades over time, foil tape remains stable long term. 

Still have questions? Our Application Specialists are ready to assist you in finding the best tape for your application!