Duct & Repair Tape

About Duct & Repair Tape

Duct and repair tapes are indispensable tools for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts across the UK, offering versatile solutions for temporary repairs, weatherproofing, bundling, and countless other applications on site and in the workshop. From the legendary strength of Gorilla Tape to specialist products like aluminium foil tape and self-fusing silicone repair tape, this category encompasses a comprehensive range of high-performance adhesive tapes designed to tackle virtually any fixing, sealing, or repair challenge.

Modern duct tapes have evolved far beyond the basic cloth-backed varieties of yesteryear. Today's professional-grade tapes feature advanced adhesive formulations, reinforced backing materials, and weather-resistant properties that make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether you're sealing ductwork, protecting surfaces during decorating, making emergency repairs to pipework, or bundling cables on a construction site, there's a specialist tape engineered for the job. Leading brands like Everbuild, Faithfull, and Gorilla Glue offer products that deliver exceptional adhesion, durability, and reliability in demanding professional environments.

The product range includes heavy-duty gaffa tape for stage and events work, weatherproof tapes for outdoor applications, aluminium tape for HVAC installations, and innovative self-fusing repair tapes that bond to themselves without adhesive. With options suitable for everything from quick temporary fixes to semi-permanent installations, duct and repair tapes represent some of the most cost-effective and versatile products in any tradesperson's toolkit.

Jargon Buster

• Gaffa Tape - A cloth-backed, pressure-sensitive tape with a matte finish that tears cleanly by hand. Originally developed for the entertainment industry, it's valued for its strong adhesion and clean removal without leaving residue.
• Duct Tape - Heavy-duty cloth-backed tape with a polyethylene coating, originally designed for sealing heating and air conditioning ductwork. Features aggressive adhesive and strong reinforced backing for demanding applications.
• Self-Fusing Tape - A specialist repair tape that bonds to itself through compression rather than using adhesive. Ideal for waterproofing and electrical insulation as it creates a permanent, seamless repair that won't unravel.
• Tensile Strength - The maximum pulling force a tape can withstand before breaking, typically measured in Newtons. Higher tensile strength indicates a more robust tape suitable for load-bearing or high-stress applications.
• Backing Material - The substrate layer that gives tape its structural properties. Common materials include cloth, PVC, polyethylene, and aluminium foil, each offering different strength, flexibility, and temperature resistance characteristics.
• Adhesive Transfer - The amount of adhesive residue left behind when tape is removed. Professional-grade tapes are formulated to minimise transfer whilst maintaining strong initial adhesion.

Who Uses Duct & Repair Tape?

Duct and repair tapes serve a diverse range of professionals and applications across multiple trades and industries:

• Plumbers and Heating Engineers - Emergency pipe repairs, securing insulation, and temporary leak fixes
• Electricians - Cable management, temporary wire bundling, and protecting work areas
• Builders and General Contractors - Sealing vapour barriers, temporary weatherproofing, and countless on-site repairs
• HVAC Installers - Sealing ductwork joints, securing flexible ducting, and aluminium tape applications
• Decorators and Painters - Masking and protecting surfaces, securing dust sheets, and covering fixtures
• Maintenance Teams - Quick repairs, temporary fixes, and general facilities management
• Events and Stage Crews - Cable management, floor marking, and securing equipment with gaffa tape
• Agricultural Workers - Repairing silage wraps, temporary fencing repairs, and general farm maintenance
• DIY Enthusiasts - Home repairs, weatherproofing projects, and general household maintenance
• Vehicle Mechanics - Temporary automotive repairs and securing components during diagnostics

How to Choose the Right Duct & Repair Tape

Selecting the appropriate tape for your application ensures optimal performance and value for money. Consider these key factors:

Application Environment: Determine whether your tape needs to perform indoors or outdoors. Weatherproof and all-weather tapes feature UV-resistant backing and aggressive adhesives that maintain their bond in wet, hot, or cold conditions. Standard duct tape may fail in extreme temperatures or prolonged moisture exposure, whilst specialist products like Gorilla All Weather Extreme Tape are specifically engineered for demanding outdoor use.

Surface Type: Different surfaces require different adhesive formulations. Rough or porous surfaces like brick, concrete, or timber typically need tapes with more aggressive adhesives, whilst smooth surfaces like metal or plastic work well with standard formulations. Self-fusing silicone tapes excel on pipework and irregular surfaces where traditional adhesives struggle.

Adhesion Strength: Consider whether you need a permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary bond. Heavy-duty gaffa tapes and professional duct tapes offer exceptional initial tack and long-term holding power for demanding applications, whilst lighter-duty products may be more appropriate for temporary masking or holding tasks where clean removal is important.

Backing Material: Cloth-backed tapes tear easily by hand and offer excellent conformability, making them ideal for irregular surfaces and quick application. PVC-backed tapes provide superior weather resistance and smoother unrolling. Aluminium foil tapes are essential for HVAC work, offering heat reflection and conductivity alongside strong adhesion.

Width and Thickness: Wider tapes (50mm-75mm) provide better coverage for sealing and repairs, whilst narrower options offer precision for detailed work. Heavier-gauge tapes with reinforced backing provide superior durability and tensile strength for structural applications.

Specialist Features: Consider whether you need additional properties such as waterproofing, electrical insulation, heat resistance, or specific colour options for identification or colour-coding. Products like Power Stik waterproof tape and self-fusing repair tapes offer targeted solutions for specialist applications.

Popular Accessories

• Tape Dispensers - Hand-held dispensers for efficient application and clean, straight cuts on site
• Protective Gloves - Work gloves for handling and applying tape in demanding environments
• Surface Preparation Products - Cleaning wipes and primers to ensure optimal adhesion
• Cutting Tools - Utility knives and scissors for precise tape cutting and trimming
• Storage Solutions - Tool bags and organisers like Stanley FatMax or DeWalt TSTAK systems to keep tapes organised and protected
• Measuring Tape - For accurate measurement before application
• Silicone Sealants - Complementary products for comprehensive sealing solutions
• Cable Ties and Fixings - Additional fastening products for permanent installations

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between duct tape and gaffa tape?

Whilst both are cloth-backed tapes, gaffa tape typically features a matte finish, tears more cleanly by hand, and is designed to remove without leaving residue, making it ideal for temporary applications in the events industry. Duct tape has a shinier polyethylene coating, more aggressive adhesive, and is intended for semi-permanent repairs and sealing. Duct tape generally offers stronger initial adhesion but may leave residue upon removal.

Can I use duct tape on heating pipes and ductwork?

Despite its name, standard duct tape isn't actually recommended for permanently sealing heating ductwork due to temperature fluctuations causing adhesive failure over time. For HVAC applications, use specialist aluminium foil tape like Everbuild Mammoth Aluminium Tape, which offers superior heat resistance and long-term durability. These tapes meet building regulations and perform reliably in demanding temperature conditions.

How do I remove duct tape residue?

Adhesive residue can be removed using white spirit, methylated spirits, or specialist adhesive removers. Apply the solvent to a clean cloth and rub gently until the residue dissolves. For delicate surfaces, test in an inconspicuous area first. Alternatively, heating the residue gently with a hairdryer can soften the adhesive, making it easier to rub away with a cloth.

Is duct tape waterproof?

Most quality duct tapes offer good water resistance for temporary applications, but prolonged water exposure can eventually cause adhesive failure. For genuine waterproofing applications, choose specialist products like Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal Tape or self-fusing silicone repair tapes, which are specifically engineered to create watertight seals on pipes, hoses, and other surfaces exposed to continuous moisture.

How long will duct tape last outdoors?

Standard duct tape typically degrades after several weeks to months of outdoor exposure due to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. For long-term outdoor applications, invest in all-weather or weatherproof specialist tapes that incorporate UV stabilisers and weather-resistant adhesives. Products like Everbuild Mammoth Weatherproof Clear Tape and Gorilla All Weather Extreme Tape are engineered to withstand the British climate for extended periods.