Buyer's Guide: Weatherstripping Tape

Property	Ether Weatherstrip	Ester Weatherstrip	Vinyl Weatherseal	Rubber Sponge Weatherseal
Material Description	Low cost, resilient, open cell polyether urethane foam tape.	Denser, self-extinguishing open cell polyester urethane foam tape.	Closed cell PVC weatherseal with excellent compression for repeat outdoor use.	Closed cell neoprene rubber weatherstrip ideal for high temperature single-use sealing.
Temperature Range	-40 to 150 F°	-40 to 250 F° * Rubber adhesive up to 150 F°	-40 to 180 F°	-40 to 200 F° * Rubber adhesive up to 150 F°
Compression Recovery	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Fair
Adhesive	Rubber	Rubber	Acrylic	Rubber
Flexibility	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Good
Density	1.12 PCF	2.0 PCF
UV Resistance	Poor	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Indoor Use	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Outdoor Use	Poor	Moderate	Excellent	Excellent
Flammability Rating	N/A not applicable	UL 94 HF-1 (foam only)	FMVSS 302	UL 94 HF-1 (foam only)
Available Colors	Light Grey	Dark Grey	Black / Grey	Black
Typical Applications	Weatherstripping, Dust prevention, Acoustical absorption, Thermal insulation, Air infiltration prevention	Mild UV resistance weatherstripping, Fire retardency, Dust and insect seal, Insulation, Acoustical Absorption, Hat Sizing	Automotive, Marine, HVAC, RV tape, Transportation. Seals out air and moisture as well as noise dampening.	Outdoor applications, Moisture seal, Dust and air sealing, High temperature weatherseal, Roof curbs.
Other Common Names	Polyether Tape, Open Cell Tape	Polyester Tape, Hat Resizing Tape, Open Cell Foam Tape	Vinyl foam tape, vinyl weatherstrip, vinyl weatherseal, RV tape, Automotive tape, PVC tape	Rubber tape, foam rubber, rubber weatherseal, sponge rubber foam
Additional Notes	Ether tape is shipped in compressed rolls and should be opened or "popped" upon receipt. Tape will reach desired thickness within 24 hours.	Ester tape is also used for hat resizing. Self extinguising weatherstripping option.	PVC contains acoustical and sound deadening properties. Not affected by temperature changes. Remains flexible.	Neoprene sponge tape is flame retardant, chemical and oil resistant. Made of elastomeric rubber.

* Pressure sensitive rubber adhesive is good up to 150 F°