Five Types of Butyl Tape and How They’re Used
Butyl tape has a variety of applications due to its unique features. This tape has a semi-rigid structure that stays flexible and tacky while being resistant to water, solvents, acids, bases, and various chemicals. Yet, the tape is also safe to the touch and environmentally friendly.
If you’re curious to know about some of the many use cases for this durable and versatile product, here’s a look at the five most common applications.
1. Automotive Parts and Finishing
General Sealants® is a leading manufacturer in butyl tapes and carries over 20 types for the automotive industry alone. One of the most popular is GS# SS-1000, which is most commonly used to create permanent water- and air-tight seals around backlights and windshields.
One thing that makes GS# SS-1000 the best fit for this application is that it’s produced with a high percentage of rubber. This specialized construction helps prevent the product from squeezing out of its designated area.
Butyl tapes are also used for automotive finishing purposes, creating a tight, leak-free seal around doors and trunks. Even when placed on a joint or curve, the permanent flexibility of butyl tape ensures that it can withstand repeat pressure and bending while continuing to perform like new.
2. Industrial Manufacturing Equipment
Industrial manufacturing processes often involve equipment that operates under rigorous stressors. These include extreme temperatures, which are necessary for molding, shaping, and processing certain materials. Butyl tape plays a role in the industrial manufacturing line by sealing off equipment and ensuring that air, water, gas, and heat don’t get in or out during critical stages of the production process.
One of the many products that General Sealants® produces for the industrial manufacturing industry is GS# 500. This sealant is explicitly designed for extremely high temperatures, and it can even withstand up to 500°F on an intermittent basis. Yet, it remains water- and air-tight and maintains permanent flexibility.
Not only will the right sealant help improve the efficiency of certain machinery, but it can also improve safety in the factory. Products like GS# FlameSeal are fire-resistant, helping to keep extreme heat and direct flame contained and away from workers and other equipment.
3. Roofing and Construction Projects
Another major consumer of butyl tapes is the roofing and construction industry. Construction projects are unique in that they require products with a minimal footprint for aesthetic finishing reasons, yet the solutions also need to be safe to touch, safe for the environment, and durable in all weather conditions.
One of the best-selling butyl tapes from General Sealants® that meets all of these criteria is the GS# WT-1-300. This sealant is able to form an instant and permanent bond to any clean and dry service, but it remains flexible even after withstanding fluctuating conditions.
This sealant is also extremely weather-resistant because it self-heals, which means bolts and fasteners won’t hinder its sealing abilities. That makes it particularly valuable for roofing applications as installation, and even reinstallation down the line, will not compromise its durability or energy efficiency.
4. Underground Utilities & Pipelines
Municipal and commercial projects require pipes to be run underground where they end up exposed to electrochemical reactions in the soil along with pressure, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. These natural changes throughout the seasons cause movement, contraction, and expansion at the joints of pipelines, which could cause leaks if not properly sealed.
The resiliency of butyl tape makes it the ideal product for protecting pipelines in extreme underground conditions. The flexibility of butyl tape means it will continue to be effective even with movement, while its unique construction makes it resistant to moisture absorption, mold, and mildew.
Ideal for this purpose is GS #79, which is a non-hardening type of butyl tape that is certified for NSF/ANSI 61 -Drinking Water System Components. Its special construction makes it suitable for any potable water application, but it’s also versatile enough to be used for construction, manufacturing, and a variety of other industries.
5. HVAC and Refrigeration Components
When it comes to creating an environmentally-friendly heating or cooling element, be it an air conditioner or a refrigerator, having a tight seal that won’t fail is crucial. GS# CT-15 hits the mark with a permanent bond and proprietary technology that minimizes and even eliminates cold flow, even under extreme pressures.
This sealant stays flexible like other butyl tapes, and it’s self-healing, which improves its efficacy. For outdoor applications, like around outlet ducts and HVAC units, it’s even weather-resistant, creating an air- and water-tight seal that keeps the interior more comfortable.
Find The Right Sealant for The Job
Butyl tapes can fill the gaps in many industries, and General Sealants® has an unmatched selection of industrial-grade sealants for a variety of applications. With nearly 60 years in the industry, General Sealants® is a trusted name for butyl tapes, silicone sealants, and other quality products.
If you are searching for the perfect product, General Sealants’ team of experts can help you find it. Reach out to us today to discuss your requirements and we’ll match you with the ideal solution in our expansive catalog. Give us a call at (800) 762-1144 today or fill out our contact form for answers to all of your questions.