Adhesive tape is a great solution for many hard surfaces, but air ducts are not one of them. Duct tape is not designed to withstand extreme temperature changes, such as those coming from your HVAC system. This is why it should never be used on ducts. Adhesive tape was invented during World War II and was originally green in color. To make the tape match the ducts, the color was changed to silver.
This is why it was called “adhesive tape”.To test the strength of adhesive tape, researchers performed a “baking test” in which the sample joints were baked at temperatures between 140 and 187 °F. The results showed that heat degrades glue, and that's what's killing adhesive tape. Max Sherman, a Berkeley researcher, said that “while adhesive tape may not last long as a sealant, in the short term it is strong, sticky and quite easy to use.”Even though duct tape isn't the best option for sealing air ducts, there are still plenty of other options available. General-purpose adhesive tape was not designed for use on HVAC ductwork in absolute. When it comes to sealing air ducts, you should always opt for materials that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Materials such as mastic sealants, foil tapes, and fiberglass tapes are all designed to withstand extreme temperatures and provide a secure seal. These materials are also much more durable than adhesive tape and will last much longer. In conclusion, adhesive tape should never be used on air ducts due to its inability to withstand extreme temperatures. If you need to seal your air ducts, you should always opt for materials that are specifically designed for this purpose.
