Roof membrane splicing: The problem
Airtightness is a critical consideration within any structure, and for those building envelopes that aren’t properly sealed, many problems can occur.
In the case of insulation, poor airtightness can have a negative impact on building performance as air movement and humidity can result in excess energy losses. Indeed, it is said that poor airtightness can be responsible for up to 40% of heat loss from buildings.
Poor airtightness can lead to:
● Increased heat loss
● Increased energy consumption
● Poor acoustics
● Drafts and dust
● Improper function of ventilation systems
● Deterioration of building materials and insulation due to moisture
These adverse effects are often prevalent in roof membranes.
Usually supplied in one-meter rolls, roof membranes are often laid out side-by-side to form a continuous layer of protection within the roof. However, without holistic connectivity between these sheets, gaps may appear.
Air gaps can also occur around other roof-based components such as skylights, chimneys, air ducts, conduits and cables, as well as structural connections like masonry and concrete, where two different materials are joined.
Roof membrane splicing: The solution
This is where high performance adhesive tapes come into play. The most effective tapes will take the type of materials involved (be it wood, metal, brick or other) into consideration over a one-size-fits-all approach in order to deliver maximum efficiency.
Tapes connecting roof membranes might be simpler, connecting the same material of the same size on repeat. However, window splicing tapes need to be varied, with different properties on either side of the tape required owing to the different materials involved in the splicing (such as coated metal or PVC and concrete, for example).
It is in these bespoke, complex instances that we excel at Avery Dennison.
Our material scientists are focused on the dynamic qualities of adhesive tape technologies that are lightweight, durable and can support superior humidity management to keep moisture out and heat in.
We offer single coated PE coated or waved paper that is both hand tearable and UV stable, as well as double coated tape that is scrim reinforced for overlap splices and connections to structures. We use dispersion acrylates to ensure our tapes retain their properties in the face of varied temperatures, as well as demonstrating moisture resistance.
When tapes get colder, they get harder, making them more difficult to apply. Equally, once installed, they need to be resistant to temperatures of up to 80°C. Thanks to our research and development, however, our tapes remain functional during both low temperature application, high temperatures and in moist environments.
Avery Dennison tapes also have high coat weights, ensuring adhesion to rough structures and fibrous materials and show excellent long-term durability.
We’re proud to provide bespoke tapes for highly specific needs, developing customized tape technologies that can be relied upon by builders and contractors seeking to optimize property energy efficiency – not just today, but for tomorrow and generations to come.
