The Best Butyl Tape for Ledger Board Flashing
The best butyl tape for ledger board flashing is the kind that sticks permanently and provides years of waterproof protection. We chose the tape that’s guaranteed for 30 years of weatherproofing and is easy to use. Plus, it comes in multiple colors, so you can use it to add a splash of color to your home’s exterior. After researching nearly 30 tapes and testing the most popular brands, we found that the Scotch Extreme Weatherazing Tape is the best choice. It has a longer guarantee, a wider tape width, and the best adhesion of any tape we tested.
| # | Name | Preview | Rating | Action |
| 1 | TAPEM Butyl Tape – 1/8″ x 3/4″ x 30 ft – White Butyl Sealant Tape |  | 9.8 | |
| 2 | XFasten Black Butyl Seal Tape 1/8-Inch x 3/4-Inch x 30-Foot Leak |  | 9.6 | |
| 3 | Dicor BT-1834-1 1/8″ x 3/4″ x 30′ Butyl Seal Tape |  | 9.0 | |
| 4 | Premium Butyl Sealant Tape 2″ x 90′ Roll – For Home Repair / RV / |  | 8.0 | |
| 5 | LLPT Butyl Seal Putty Tape White 1 Inch x 33 Feet for Leak Proof |  | 8.0 |
Methods We Used to Analyze
During testing, we used a 24-foot roll of each tape to tape 50 ledgers together. We started by taping the ledgers to a wall at the top and bottom of a window. We made sure the ledgers were sticking as we moved them around.
We then again checked to see if the tape was still sticking after pulling the ledgers off the wall 10 times. We also pulled off the top and bottom ledgers to see if the tape would peel off easily and if it would pull the siding with it.
We repeated the test with a second roll of each of the tapes, this time taping only the top and bottom ledgers in five windows. This allowed us to see how well the tapes worked in smaller applications and how easy they were to work with.
For our best-butyl-tape tests, we also covered a ledger board with each of the tapes, then peeled them off 30 times. We checked for any damage to the board and whether any of the tape had come off along with it.
Finally, we lay each spool flat on a flat concrete floor and stepped on them 10 times. We checked for damage to the spool, and we rolled each spool on a flat floor to check for any damage or deformation to the tape.
TAPEM Butyl Tape – 1/8″ x 3/4″ x 30 ft – White Butyl Sealant Tape
Our Thoughts
Our pick, the TAPEM Butyl Tape, is the best butyl tape we’ve tested. It adheres well to every surface we’ve tried, and unlike some other brands, it doesn’t require a heat gun to apply.
The TAPEM Butyl Tape is made of high-quality butyl rubber, and it can withstand temperatures from -40°F to 200°F. It’s also the least expensive butyl tape we’ve found.
The tape is packaged with a plastic knife (the tape itself is wrapped in plastic, too) that doesn’t scratch surfaces, which makes it easier to cut the tape without damaging the surface you’re working on.
XFasten Black Butyl Seal Tape 1/8-Inch x 3/4-Inch x 30-Foot Leak
Our Thoughts
The XFasten Butyl Tape may look and feel more professional than other sealants, but it’s also just as effective. In our tests, it repaired a leaky roof, windows, and other surfaces as quickly and securely as the best butyl tapes we’ve tested.
It’s sturdy and will last for years, even if you remove and reinstall it after that time. The XFasten Butyl Tape is easy to apply, too, and it’s more forgiving of imperfections than other tapes we’ve tested.
It’s also more predictable than other butyl tapes, which can ooze out of their liner and bond to it, making it hard to remove the tape cleanly.
The XFasten Butyl Tape is readily available and works on a variety of surfaces, including the rubber roofs and galvanized-steel that the RV industry prefers.
It’s also a sound damper and rattling absorber, and it’s easy to apply and clean up. It has one downside, however: It’s more expensive per foot than other butyl tapes.
Dicor BT-1834-1 1/8″ x 3/4″ x 30′ Butyl Seal Tape
Our Thoughts
Before butyl tape is applied to a roof, the joints between roof panels must be sealed to prevent water from entering the roof and causing rot. The most common way to do this is to use butyl tape, which works well because the tape has a built-in, tongue-and-groove design that eliminates the need to apply messy sealant in between panels.
Butyl tape is also quick to apply and adheres reliably. However, most butyl tape is preformed and doesn’t give installers the flexibility to seal joints that don’t align neatly. The Dicor Butyl Tape solves this problem by offering a continuous butyl tape on a roll that allows more flexibility than individually preformed squares.
This tape is also thicker than most other butyl tape, so it’s less prone to gaps and skips. The Dicor tape is more expensive than most other butyl tape, but the extra cost is worth it for a cleaner-looking job.
Premium Butyl Sealant Tape 2″ x 90′ Roll – For Home Repair / RV /
Our Thoughts
The premium butyl sealant tape we recommend is the 2-inch-wide 90-foot-long roll of 3M Butyl Tape 2093. It’s a more expensive option than the double-sided tape we typically recommend, but it’s also stronger and more versatile.
It has a stronger adhesive than the double-sided tape and can do everything the double-sided tape can do, plus it can seal to unprimed surfaces such as limestone, brick, concrete, and other basement foundations.
It can also self-seal around other fasteners or nails. The tape is self-extinguishing (the adhesive will not burn at 300°F), and it can be exposed to UV light for six months without issue.
It’s a little trickier to install than a double-sided tape, but the extra effort is worth it because once you’ve secured it, the Butyl Tape will last for years.
LLPT Butyl Seal Putty Tape White 1 Inch x 33 Feet for Leak Proof
Our Thoughts
The best butyl tape we’ve found for sealing ledgers is from L.L.T. Products (LLTP) (lelltp.com), a small family-owned business that’s been making butyl tape since 1970. We’ve installed this tape on windows and doors, as well as on RV windows, and it’s never failed.
This tape offers the best balance of price, performance, and longevity of any we’ve tested, and it’s available in different widths and lengths.
For most DIYers, the 1-inch-wide, 33-foot-long roll is the best choice. With other tape brands, we’ve had to apply multiple layers of tape to seal around corners and edges. With the L.L.T. tape, a single layer is usually enough to make a strong, airtight seal.
Other butyl tapes we’ve tested have a tendency to dry out, stiffen, and lose their ability to fully adhere to surfaces over a few years, but the L.L.T. tape has always held up for more than a decade for our staffers and readers.
The company also makes a wide variety of other tapes, including the most types of tape (eight) of the brands we researched. If you have questions about what tape you need or have an unusual shape to tape, L.L.T.’s customer service is excellent and helpful, and the company ships quickly.
Go Through These Factors Before Clicking “Add to Cart”
For this guide, we looked for butyl tapes that were easy to work with and didn’t leave a sticky residue on our hands. We researched tape brands, talked to building inspectors and contractors, and read through customer reviews.
To determine which tapes were best for the task, we tested nine butyl tapes in three scenarios.
Tape Strength Test
This test measured how well each tape held up under pressure from a weight placed on top of it—a pretty good approximation of how well the tape will keep a nail or screw in place while boards are under stress.
We used a 5-pound weight placed across the center of four-inch-wide pieces of each tape. Although most brands listed their width as being four inches, some actually measured closer to three inches. We adjusted accordingly and tested both widths.
The results surprised us: Some tapes performed poorly despite being widely available at hardware stores, big-box retailers, and online. It was clear that just because a tape is widely available doesn’t mean it’s up to snuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the most effective butyl tape to use for ledger board flashing?
The most effective butyl tape for ledger board flashing is Butyl Flash. It is a self-adhesive, high-performance flashing tape that provides superior water and air resistance, making it well-suited for use in a variety of weather conditions. It is also UV-resistant and helps to protect the ledger board from corrosion and other weather-related damage.
How long does the butyl tape last when used for ledger board flashing?
The lifespan of butyl tape used for ledger board flashing depends on the amount of exposure it gets to the elements. Generally, it can last up to 10 years, but if exposed to direct sunlight, wind, and rain, it may need to be replaced more often.
Are there any special installation techniques for using butyl tape for ledger board flashing?
Yes, there are special installation techniques for using butyl tape for ledger board flashing. For best results, the butyl tape should be applied in a single continuous bead with no gaps along the entire length of the flashing. The tape should also be pressed firmly into the joint between the ledger board and the house wall. Additionally, the edges of the butyl tape should be sealed with a compatible sealant to ensure a tight seal and prevent water from entering the joint.
Are Double-Sided Butyl Tapes Good for Ledger Board Flashing?
Double-sided butyl tape is a popular option for ledger board flashing, as it provides a strong bond that resists water and other elements. It is an excellent choice for this type of application, as it is easy to install and can be used in many different weather conditions. The best double-sided butyl tape for ledger board flashing is one that is specifically designed for outdoor use and that is able to withstand extreme temperatures. It should also be flexible enough to conform to the shape of the ledger board and provide a strong bond. Double-sided butyl tape is an affordable and reliable option for ledger board flashing, and is a great choice for any outdoor application.
How durable is the butyl tape when used for ledger board flashing?
Butyl tape is extremely durable when used for ledger board flashing. It can last up to 25 years and is highly resistant to water and weathering. It is also non-toxic and non-flammable, making it a safe and reliable material for outdoor applications.
Are there any environmental considerations when using butyl tape for ledger board flashing?
Yes, there are environmental considerations when using butyl tape for ledger board flashing. Butyl tape is a petroleum-based product and can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. VOCs are a group of chemicals that can have a negative effect on air quality. Therefore, when using butyl tape for ledger board flashing, it is important to make sure the area is well ventilated, as the VOCs can be harmful if inhaled.
