Is duct tape heat proof?

Duct tape is really versatile and can be used to repair many things in the house. Strength: Duct tape rolls is tough and sticky, making it excellent at keeping things attached. It is a useful thing, that can be used for multiple jobs such as: repairing your toy or sealing the box. However, will duct tape tolerate hot temperatures? Is it going to do as well in the really hot environments? Read on to learn how duct tape interacts with heat and what you should know before using it. 

The Heat Resistance of Duct Tape

Duct tape has three key layers that assist with it being durable and useful. The top layer is fabric so that it can be tucked in properly. The plastic coating is the second layer and lastly a sticky glue that helps it to stick on things. These parts combine to create a super strong tape. That said, Flexible duct tape is not great for heat and you need to know some things about it. 

Duct Tape and Heat. 

Duct tape is good until about 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 Celsius), momentarily. This does mean that if you are using duct tape for small repairs such as fixing a leaky pipe or patching up a smaller sized gap, then it should be good to go. That said, if you hope to apply duct tape in environments that are both very hot and for extended periods (next to a vehicle engine or next to an oven) it might just not perform the way you want. In those instances, the heat could possibly be excessive for duct tape to tolerate. 

Duct Tape Thermal Limit Testing

Researchers have carried out some interesting experiments on the behavior of duct tape in heat. In the experiment, they took some duct tape and put it in an oven at 200-degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) for one hour. This was a test to see how duct tape would interact with extreme heat. And, yet another test involved exposing a piece of duct tape to an open flame for 30 seconds. No, pendulum and saucer both performed below we expected them to. The next step proved that it could no longer stick to my skin, having melted off of me into the pot. This goes to show that even though Waterproof duct tape is able to endure some amount of heat, it certainly has a breaking point. 

How Duct Tape Can Take the Heat? 

A plastic coated duct tape can work to a certain degree, but not like real heat resistant tapes. That plastic is known as polyethylene, and it's designed to be strong enough that its physical state does not change in the ordinary course of high-temperature cooking. The material layer and a sticky glue also contribute to making the duct tape strength and robust, as well. But when duct tape is melted with high heat, these materials can begin to fall apart and lose some stickiness. However, we should also be aware that duct tape does not hold up extremely high temperatures for an extended period. 

The Best Time to Use Duct Tape — And the Times for Which You Should Look Elsewhere

Duct tape is an invaluable thing in every house, and many people use it for all sorts of work. Maybe not for really hot climates though. For instance, if you are going to repair something near multiple heat sources such as an engine or oven/stove the chances of your patch job holding up for more than five seconds is slim so use a special tape made specifically for high-heat. Specialty tapes are usually made with materials such as silicone or fiberglass, which can withstand high temperatures without melting and while still staying tacky. 

To summarize it is a versatile tool that can be strong and useful as you tackle many different things around your home. It is sticky and aids in repairs but cannot stand the heat for long. The more you understand about how duct tape works, and what happens to it under the heat of a desert sun or in an attic with no insulation between it and the roof shingles — the easier your job will be when replacing broken windows stop. 

New Time cautiously identifies the importance of having a sound set of tools and materials for every task you engage in Duct tape may not be ideal for every situation, however you will find we carry a variety of tapes and adhesives to fit all your needs. Whether you require everyday repair work or have a unique application, we will get it fixed right so that way the next project can be completed with confidence.