For over a half a century, duct tape has been keeping airplanes together, nuclear subs together, it makes race cars faster, has been used in space missions and was used on the moon. Needless to say, it is a universal standby for patching up millions of fix-it projects. I believe it can temporary fix anything except a broken heart. I’m guilty of using it myself {BLUSH with embarrassment} and I know better.
In 1998 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) researchers performed a 3-month experiment to see if duct tape could hold up to normal conditions generally found in air duct environments. It, as well as, many other tapes and sealants were run through simulated conditions of heat (160-170º) and cooling (50-55º) and the only sealant that failed was (you guessed it) duct tape.
In the short run, it is sticky and does an adequate job. In the long run, it sucks! Research seems to show that while the tape is good for short, temporary repairs in “normal” temperature ranges, high heat tends to degrade the adhesive, thus, its failure.
The long and short of the story? If you want to seal your duct work, there are better materials to use than duct tape!
And, that, my friends, is my 2₵’s worth for the day. Make it a great day!
TeamCHI ~ The Complete Home Inspections Team
Call 615.661.0297 to schedule an inspection
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