All About Tapes

BG1 (load group 1) is one of the classifications that a foam tape can achieve after the complex test as defined by DIN 18 542, which confirms the suitability of the foam tape for weather-exposed applications. The 600 Pa driving rain density is only one of the properties that a foam tape needs in order to be classified as BG1. It also requires, amongst other things, that the tapes meet a high level of airtightness, UV resistance and fire resistance.

BG2 (load group 2) confirms the suitability for use in non-weathered, e.g. hidden applications. According to DIN 18 542, a driving rain-tightness of 300 Pa is necessary.

BG R (load group room side) is the certification for airtight tapes. Here the requirement is a <0,1 m3 / [h ⋅ m ⋅ (daPa) 2/3]. This says airtightness prevails when less than 0.1 cubic feet of air per hour and metre of grout comes through the seal at 10 Pa pressure.

Multifunctional sealing tapes are classified according to the kind of the loads they are exposed to, when installed in the MF1 and MF2 load groups.

All multi-purpose sealing tapes must be airtight like BGR tapes. The load groups MF1 and MF2 differ as BG1 and BG2 in terms of UV resistance and driving rain.

This depends on whether the tapes are later exposed to strong or low load when installed. In this regard, DIN 18 542 makes very clear specifications. Tapes that are subsequently exposed to the weather must maintain a surface that meets the criteria of BG1 or MF1, therefore the tapes have to pass an raintight test of up to 600 Pa.

Only in areas of low weathering (e.g. couplings / under trim) is a tape of load group BG2 or MF2 sufficient, which only prescribes raintightness up to 300 Pa.

If a sealant is applied to an impregnated joint tape, it closes its surface and thus prevents moisture from escaping through the tape. Due to the building’s physics this is alarming, since accumulated moisture attacks the materials at the construction’s joints and so leads to building damage, such as mould.

Tapes are raintight and water vapour permeable, so that moisture is released to the outside. The additional step of adding the mastic is therefore not required, which means that when using such a tape you save time while staying safe!

With parallel joint edges, the use of tapes is recommended because the tape can be pressed evenly against both edges and thus seals the joint properly. It’s important to note: the dimension must be adhered to!

If they are staggered edges or if they run obliquely to each other, then window membranes are better suited, since they can also be glued on staggered edges. However, as with BG1 tapes, membranes must be UV resistant.

Foam tapes are verified by external testing institutes such as MPA Bau, ift Rosenheim and others to check their raintight and airtight performance. The test reports provide reliable information in terms of which product provides which benefits, as they specify the properties of a tape and are also the basis for classifications such as BG1, BG2, MF1 and MF2.

With the outdoor weathering test by MPA Bau Hannover, illbruck TP600 Compriband 600 has been demonstrating its performance for over 24 years! The test mock up is exposed to snow and ice in winter, pollen in spring and burning heat in summer. Despite facing these challenges for over two decades, the annual review confirms the high quality of illbruck tapes.

The performance of a foam tape has a decisive impact, as a high-quality tape retains its functionality for an extended period of time. Often, less material (a smaller dimension) is sufficient to achieve the necessary tightness, saving material and costs. Using a tape with a higher price, generates savings over the long term for the installer and house owner. This is why we fully trust our premium TP600 Compriband 600, TP652 Trio +, and TP653 Trio X and provide it with a 10-year warranty.

Illustration legend: 1 - Edge distance, 2 - Joint width, 3 - Joint depth

• Measure the joint width (according to RAL at least 8 mm).
• Select the tape dimension so that the determined dimension is well enclosed (for example, the joint width determined is 8 mm = tape width 7-12 mm) and so that there is enough tolerance.
• The choice of joint depth depends on the surface quality of the joint edges. If this is very coarse or rough (e.g., plaster surface) a wider tape is needed than with a smooth surface.

Explore the illbruck Tape Selector here