How to distinguish real and fake butyl tape?

With the application of butyl tape in the waterproof industry, “manufacturers” of various butyl rubber tapes have sprung up, with different qualities and mixed prices. Butyl rubber has good low-temperature flexibility and aging resistance, so how can we quickly identify butyl sealing tape? Let me introduce it to you below.

First of all, distinguish it from the smell. 

Authentic butyl rubber is basically odorless, while those materials with a slight smell of latex or asphalt are mostly asphalt compound materials added to reduce costs. Therefore, when identifying butyl tape, you can smell if there is any peculiar smell.

Second, in terms of color.

Butyl rubber is available in white, gray and black. At present, in order to save costs, many domestic manufacturers mostly add hot melt adhesive to reduce costs. As a result, the flexibility of butyl tape is relatively poor. The black ones are usually made with carbon black added, mainly to strengthen the effect and make the butyl tape more durable. White butyl tape is generally added with titanium dioxide and calcium powder. This cost is lower, but the flexibility is reduced, and it is easy to break and become brittle. The butyl tape produced in this way cannot seal and waterproof.

Distinguish it from the stickiness. 

In fact, the initial viscosity of real butyl waterproof tape is not high, while fake ones usually add asphalt and an emulsion that improves viscosity. In high-temperature climates, flow often occurs, which greatly reduces the performance of butyl tape. So when identifying butyl tape, pay attention to these small details.

Identify butyl tape from the aluminum foil side.

At this stage, aluminum-coated films are mostly used in the market. Although this kind of material can be compounded into many colors, its material is not resistant to ultraviolet rays, so the service life of butyl tape is shortened. Generally, it will not exceed two summers.