General FAQs

Explore our frequently asked questions about the illbruck brand, our products and our solutions here...


What is an impregnated tape?

An open-cell foam, impregnated with a resin which provides weather resistant properties, compressed onto a roll and available in various widths and thicknesses for joint sealing.

Is it necessary to apply a sealant over the top of the tape?

No – the tape is weather resistant to a minimum of 600 Pa (equivalent to 70mph – violent storm category). If a tape is ‘capped’, this will negate the vapour permeability, potentially causing problems due to moisture entrapment, and could also facilitate three-sided adhesion of the sealant by adhering to the face of the tape and preventing movement of the sealant resulting in adhesion failure to the sides of the joint.

How does the tape function?

The resin impregnation and the high level of compression result in a closed cell structure which is highly weather resistant but remains vapour permeable so that any moisture which may be trapped behind can escape as moisture vapour and ensure drying of the joint.

Are impregnated tapes suitable for movement joints?

The tape can accommodate movement across its thickness (joint width) whilst remaining stable within the joint. The level of movement capability is likely to be in excess of typical silicone type sealants.

How do I select the appropriate size of tape?

In order to do this, determine the joint width, and any variation along the length of the joint. Select the tape thickness range which includes the defined tolerances. The tape width is determined by the available depth into the joint but also subject to being at least equivalent to the maximum thickness, eg 15 (tape width)/7 – 12 (tape thickness range); 20/8 – 15; 20/10 – 18, and being located at least 1 – 2mm inside the joint.

What guarantee of performance do illbruck tapes carry?

The premium illbruck impregnated tape, TP600 has a 15 year performance guarantee and also a 10 year insurance backed guarantee* as part of the i3 System. TP600 & TP450 hold BBA accreditation. Subject to correct selection and application, illbruck impregnated tapes have a life expectancy in excess of 25 years. *under the conditions specified by CPG UK

What is a multi-functional tape?

This is an impregnated tape which combines the three functions of weather resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation, and airtightness. When compared to sealing a window perimeter joint using three separate products (see illbruck i3 System), there is a significant time saving, typically 80%. These tapes are wider and usually fit across the full depth of the window frame.

What is the life expectancy of impregnated tapes and how does this compare to silicones?

Impregnated tapes have been in service for over 25 years and hence, that is the minimum predicted service life currently. This compares with silicones on the basis of the correct grade and correct application being used. Silicone is frequently selected inappropriately, and applied without primer and/or backing rod where applicable. There are fewer criteria to satisfy with impregnated tapes. *under the conditions specified by CPG UK.

What is an ‘Intelligent’ Membrane?

These membranes are so-called due to their ability to promote the drying out of a building by having a variable ‘sd’ (equivalent air layer thickness) value whereby as localised humidity increases, the sd value decreases (the membrane becomes more vapour-open) and the sd increases (becomes more vapour-tight) in less humid conditions.

How are membranes fixed?

There are various options of self-adhesive strips or full face self-adhesive, enhanced acrylic self-adhesive, gaskets and proprietary site applied adhesives.

Do you offer any training for counter and sales team members?

Yes.  We hold Coffee Chats, which are short 15-30 minute sessions on a key topic.  We can also attend trade mornings and provide demonstrations and support for your sales team.  Head over to our Learning Zone for more information.

Do you have a dedicated specification team?

Yes, we have a Specification Manager and technical teams who can support you with specifying the right products for the right application.  Contact us to request a callback or to submit a question.

Why should you use a primer?

Primer should be used to strengthen the substrate and for joint compounds to have maximum adhesion to the substrate. This means that the technical performance of the joint compound can be used to the utmost. There are primers for porous and non-porous substrates as well as for different types of joint compounds such as Hybrids or silicone. Which primer is suitable can be read about in the respective joint compound's technical data sheet.

What are the differences between sealant types: hybrid, acrylic and silicone?

Hybrids

Application areas:

  • Interior and exterior
  • Window installation
  • Facade joints
  • Movement and floor joints

Characteristics:

High UV resistance and weather resistance, as well as long-lasting elasticity and flexibility.

Application:

Very easy application with suitable tools, at high and low temperatures.

Special feature:

Does not contain solvents and isocyanates. Hybrids allow use on wet substrates and can be overpainted.

Acrylic sealants:

Application areas:

  • Mainly interior
  • Connection joints with low load
  • Interior and drywall
  • Crack filling

Characteristics:

UV and weather resistant, non-elastic.

Application:

Very easy application with suitable tool.

Special feature:

Can be painted and plastered over and is paint-compatible.

Silicones:

Application areas:

  • Interior and exterior
  • Glass construction
  • Sanitary area
  • Food contact

Characteristics:

Insensitive to UV, weather and high temperatures, highly flexible and elastic in the long term.

Application:

Easy processing with suitable tools, at high and low temperatures.

Special feature:

Extreme UV stability, high temperature resistance and high resilience.