Chances are you’ve already come across flashing tape on a site. If you haven’t, then you’re in for a massive game-changer.
Flashing tape is a strong, waterproof tape that is used during construction and building projects. It’s used to seal off gaps between windows/doors and the exterior of the house to protect from the weather, in particular from water damage.
Why is flashing tape so widely used?
Flashing tape is widely used because of how easy it is to apply and effective it is once adhered. Before flashing tape was the norm, waterproofing joints was a timely and difficult process. Now it only takes a couple of minutes to install a waterproof layer.
Modern flashing tapes are great for use in both very low and very high temperatures. Marshall Innovations flashing tape works well, even at temperatures as low as -6 degrees Celsius.
Flashing tape isn’t a permanent fix, providing UV protection for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. It is recommended that once applied, the window should be fitted as soon as possible, with the 30 to 90 days being a safety buffer in case delays occur in the build.
The biggest draw for many contractors for the move to flashing tape has been its low cost. Flashing tape is an incredibly affordable building solution, often being priced as low as $3/m.
How to apply flashing tape to a window
Window flashing jobs are super easy and with practice you should be able to protect a window frame from the weather in just a matter of minutes.
Firstly, you’ll want to cut a small piece of tape for each corner. Apply this to the outside of the building on a 45 degree angle to the corner. This will help ensure the seal further down the line.
Then, measure and cut the length of flashing tape that you will need. Your flashing tape should be twice as wide and slightly longer than the window sill that you are covering, so that you can fold down the remaining half to cover the front of the build for maximum protection.
Carefully apply the tape. One way to ensure that your tape is tight to the corners is to use a pencil, ruler or another right-angled tool to make the tape flush, limiting air bubbles in the final application. Air bubbles should be avoided at all costs, as this affects the adhesion of the tape, and means that the ultra-thin tape isn’t being used to its fullest potential.
Finally, when you come to apply the other half of the tape to the front of the house, push down the tape and cut from the corner out to allow the tape to go around the corner of the window. This is where the 45 degree tape that was applied earlier comes into play, protecting the otherwise exposed area.
We highly recommend checking out this useful video by Marshall CEO Nick Batt on how to quickly and easily complete a window flashing job.
If you’re interested in using flashing tape on your projects, why not use a Kiwi brand that knows construction like the back of their hand. Marshall Innovations has been at the forefront of New Zealand building since 2011 and is actively involved in trying to find solutions to New Zealand’s building needs. You can find their Superstick Flashing tape and many more of their amazing products here.