Benjamin Obdyke’s new HydroTape DS is an acrylic-based double-sided sealing tape for used with mechanically fastened housewrap. Opting to use a double-sided tape for housewrap seams helps eliminate many of the issues and failure points of conventional seam tapes.
In standard applications, traditional seam tapes that adhere to the surface of housewrap or to sheathing with integrated weather barriers can create a reverse overlap; in these cases, if the tape wrinkles or lacks sealing pressure, it can impede water drainage and create “fishmouths” that trap moisture. Additionally, many conventional tapes are vapor-closed, which means that trapped moisture will dry inward toward the sheathing rather than to the exterior. All of these issues can lead to moisture damage within the wall system over time.
Alternatively, Benjamin Obdyke’s new HydroTape DS ¾” double-sided tape installs between the housewrap layers, adhering to the undersides of each layer where they overlap. The result is a tape that helps prevent blow-off during installation yet doesn’t interrupt moisture drainage or capture bulk water. The tape’s acrylic adhesive is vapor permeable, ensuring any trapped moisture dries to the exterior. The adhesive also seals around fasteners to reduce air infiltration at penetration points.
“Many seam tapes used on the surface of mechanically fastened housewrap can often do more harm than good, trapping moisture and exposing the building envelope to damage,” said Tara Murray, director of marketing for Benjamin Obdyke. “HydroTape DS is a preferred alternative. It serves the same purpose but ensures moisture can move and escape as intended to protect the wall system.”
HydroTape DS is split wound and has a release liner to ease application; the installer simply unwinds the tape onto the bottom housewrap layer, removes the release liner, overlaps the top housewrap layer, and applies pressure to create a strong seal. The double-sided tape also can be used at the top of the wall, adhering the housewrap to the sheathing as an alternative to applying caulk.
The ¾” tape comes in 82’ rolls. It can be used with flat and drainable housewraps.
For more information, visit benjaminobdyke.com.
ABOUT BENJAMIN OBDYKE
Since 1868, Benjamin Obdyke has been helping architects, builders, and contractors in the United States and Canada Build Better by developing and adding new advances to its product line. Benjamin Obdyke develops, sources, markets, and sells proprietary roof and wall products that improve the building envelope and the performance of other building materials for the new construction, repair, and remodel markets. Innovations from Benjamin Obdyke, such as the first roofing ridge vent on a roll, the first wood roofing underlayment, and the first rolled product to provide drainage and air flow in rainscreen wall assemblies, have helped shape today’s building practices. Headquartered in Horsham, Pa., Benjamin Obdyke partners with a network of distributors, dealers, buying groups, and cooperatives to reach building professionals in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.benjaminobdyke.com.
