EMSEAL precompressed sealant tapes for automotive rattle and squeak applications

Automotive: Rattle & Squeak Gaskets

Self-expanding, universal closure tapes.

Emseal self-adhering tape seals are made from resilient, open-cell polyurethane foam impregnated with a water-based acrylic-modified asphalt emulsion (AST Hi-Acrylic) or a water-based, acrylic impregnation (MST).  They replace and outperform liquid sealants, butyl-tape sealants and closed-cell closures.

Emseal tapes have been the sealants of coach builders, custom and kit car builders as rattle and squeak and sound proofing seals for decades.

How it Works – The EMSEAL Advantage

The open-cell foam is impregnated, compressed  and shipped in reels. The stored strain-energy of compression in the foam means continuous back-pressure is exerted against surfaces to be sealed. This pressure, combined with the adhesive nature of the impregnation, assures reliable adhesion to both substrates. As the sealed components shrink and expand with seasonal temperature changes, long-term sealing contact with the substrates is maintained.

Features

Will not dry out and become hard or brittle.

UV-stable and highly resistant to aging and vermin (bugs, rodents, birds, etc.)

Will not extrude from between joints when squeezed, which is a possibility with caulk or butyl-type tapes.

May be used in non-moving gasket-type applications as well as in moving expansion/contraction-type joints.

Sizes

Available compressed thicknesses:
3/32″ (10mm) up to 2″ (50mm)
Equivalent expanded thickness:
3/8″ (10mm) up to 4″ (100mm)

Available widths:
3/8″ (10mm) up to 3″ (75mm)

Download product size chart (pdf)

Movement

Emseal sealant tapes have different sealing levels at different levels of compression. For applications where movement is expected, and watertightness is required, the sealant tapes can accommodate +25% and -25% (total 50%) movement of the supplied compressed size when installed in gaps equal to the supplied size.

See compression chart below for levels of sealing at respective compression levels.

Color

AST Hi-Acrylic: Black
MST: Grey

Uses

Seal out dust, air, wind-driven snow, and moisture through joint details in metal buildings and similar structures, both pre-manufactured and site-built.

Ideal as joint fillers in expansion/compression seals in joints that are subject to movement from thermal expansion and contraction of a structure, and as gasket-type seals in mechanically fastened, non-moving applications such as lap seams.

Suitable for use against metal, plastic trim, and other materials common in metal building structures.

Use in all applications where the material will be allowed to expand to fill voids.

Provides a durable and versatile solution to these typically difficult-to-seal panel contours at eaves, hips, valleys, peaks, concealed gutters, etc.

Use small-sizes in flat-on-flat “gasket” applications (side laps, end laps, and laps with closures) where the material will be held at a high degree of compression by fasteners such as clips, screws, etc.

In gasketing applications Emseal metal roof and building sealants are hard-working, long-lasting, high-performance alternatives to butyl-tapes which generally squeeze out; or to closed-cell materials which suffer compression set and additionally tend to dry out and crumble.

The following indicates levels of sealing at respective installed compression levels:

Emseal sealant tape compression and sealing level chart

AST Hi-Acrylic is by volume the most widely used. Black in color as the result of it’s advanced acrylic-modified asphaltic impregnation, AST affords economy without sacrificing performance.

MST features the latest in acrylic chemistry and is grey in color. Choice of MST over AST is really a preference of the user for color and chemistry.

1. Storage and Surface Preparation
Tape should be stored in a warm dry interior location. Ideal application temperature is approx. 75°F (24°C). Expansion will be faster at higher temperatures and slower at lower temperatures.
Tip: For faster expansion in cold conditions keep the material warm before use and, if desired, apply heat from a hair dryer to installed material to accelerate expansion. Joint faces should be dry and cleaned of dirt, oils, grease, etc. There should exist sufficient depth to receive full width of the sealant.

IMPORTANT: Reels must be stored FLAT and kept compact. Should material expand in package it can still be used. Unroll material, allow it to expand, then recompress it between surfaces to be sealed.

2. Opening Reels
Only open materials that will be immediately used. Remove shrink wrap.

Cut in front of colored marking tape and pull back release liner to expose mounting adhesive.

3. Square Off Ends
Start and finish ends must be cut square. For easier cutting spray knife or scissors with mist of water.

4. Peel Off Liner
Remove release liner to expose adhesive face of tape.

5. Adhere to Surfaces
Press adhesive face to one surface. Align other surface with tape. Secure surfaces together. Tip: If needed, cut and fit small filler pieces of tape to fill panel corrugation or voids.

6. Joining Lengths
Overlap one piece of tape with another. Cut through both pieces at a 45-degree angle with a long-bladed knife. Reposition mitered faces over each other and pinch them firmly together to make a join.

Available in many sizes.
If this tape size does not return the results you desire in your specific application, ask your vendor or Emseal for other size options.

Available for shipment internationally.
Prices are available directly from the manufacturer.
The product range is continually being updated, and accordingly EMSEAL® reserves the right to modify or withdraw any product without prior notice.

• Will not adhere to components that are dirty or dust covered or to surfaces coated with oils or other release agents.
• Will expand to follow and fill irregular substrates within reason. Sharp corners and acute angles may need to be filled with additional filler pieces  in order to ensure a proper seal.
• Substrate must be capable of resisting, without bending or deflection, approximately 1.5 to 2.5 lb/in2 (10 to 17 kPa) back pressure from the tape.