Armaflex Tape: The Complete Guide
Armaflex tape is a self-adhesive, flexible foam tape manufactured by Armacell, designed specifically to seal joints, seams, and overlaps in Armaflex pipe and sheet insulation systems. It is an essential accessory for any installation where a continuous, vapour-tight insulation barrier is required.
What Is Armaflex Tape?
Armaflex tape is made from the same closed-cell elastomeric foam as the Armaflex insulation range itself. This means it offers the same core properties — low thermal conductivity, excellent vapour resistance, and flexibility — ensuring a seamless match between the tape and the insulation it bonds. It comes with a pre-applied pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side, making it quick and straightforward to apply on site.
Key Properties
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Closed-cell foam construction — prevents moisture ingress and condensation forming at joints
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High vapour resistance — maintains the integrity of the vapour barrier across the full insulation system
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Flexible and conformable — bends easily around curves, bends, and irregular surfaces
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Self-adhesive — no additional glue required for sealing seams
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Temperature range — typically suitable from around -50°C up to +105°C, covering most HVAC and refrigeration applications
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UV and ozone resistant — suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in most conditions
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Class O fire performance — meets standard building and HVAC fire classification requirements
Where Is It Used?
Armaflex tape is primarily used to seal the longitudinal seams and butt joints of Armaflex pipe insulation and sheet insulation after fitting. Common applications include:
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Air conditioning pipework and refrigerant lines
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Chilled water pipework
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Domestic and commercial cold water pipes
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Ventilation systems and ductwork
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Any application where preventing condensation is critical
Armaflex Tape vs Armaflex Adhesive
It is worth understanding the difference between Armaflex tape and Armaflex 520 adhesive, as they serve slightly different purposes:
| Armaflex Tape | Armaflex 520 Adhesive | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Self-adhesive roll | Brush/contact adhesive |
| Best for | Sealing seams and joints quickly | Bonding insulation to surfaces or closing slit tubes |
| Speed | Fast, no drying time | Requires contact time |
| Finish | Clean, consistent | Requires care to avoid mess |
| Vapour seal | Excellent | Excellent |
For most straightforward pipe lagging jobs, tape is the quicker and tidier option. For wrapping irregular shapes or fitting sheet insulation to large surfaces, adhesive is often preferred.
How to Apply Armaflex Tape Correctly
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Clean the surface — ensure the insulation is dry, dust-free, and free from grease before taping
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Close the slit — press the pipe insulation seam firmly together before applying tape over the top
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Apply with firm pressure — run your finger or a roller along the tape to ensure full adhesion with no air pockets
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Overlap at butt joints — wrap tape generously over end-to-end joints, extending at least 50mm either side
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Avoid stretching — apply the tape without tension to prevent it lifting at the edges over time
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Work in suitable temperatures — adhesion is best between 10°C and 30°C; cold conditions can reduce initial tack
Available Sizes
Armaflex tape is typically available in the following formats:
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Width: 50mm and 100mm are the most common
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Roll length: Usually 15m or 30m per roll
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Thickness: Generally 3mm, matching the surface layer of standard Armaflex products
For larger jobs — particularly ductwork or sheet insulation applications — the 100mm wide tape is preferred as it covers joints faster and reduces the number of strips needed.
Is Armaflex Tape Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Yes, standard Armaflex tape carries UV and ozone resistance, making it suitable for outdoor pipework in most climates. However, for prolonged outdoor exposure — particularly in high UV environments — it is recommended to finish the installation with Armafinish 99 paint coating or a suitable protective jacketing over the top, as this extends the lifespan of the entire insulation system significantly.
Buying Armaflex Tape
When purchasing Armaflex tape, always ensure you are buying genuine Armacell product rather than a generic foam tape substitute. Generic tapes may not offer the same vapour resistance or temperature performance, which can compromise the entire insulation system — particularly on chilled pipework where condensation control is critical.
