Rating of the best damper tapes for 2022

Construction technologies are improving every day, being thought out in detail and repeatedly tested by specialists in their field. The rich practical experience of professionals, numerous developments and observations create new details and elements designed to optimize, facilitate the work of builders or improve the quality of work.

Thus, a damper tape appeared - polyethylene foam, designed to strengthen the concrete floor screed. The screed, despite its strength, is sensitive to temperature fluctuations or changes in humidity. Under the influence of environmental factors, the coating can expand, deform, which causes pressure on adjacent building structures. Such negative processes run the risk of violating the integrity of concrete. To avoid such problems, it is necessary to use a damper tape.

Characteristics and application of damper tape

Previously, when constructing a screed, builders used improvised material, adjusting to all its shortcomings, later it was replaced by a damper tape. The performance characteristics of this device allow you to maintain the integrity of the building coating for a long time, protecting it from the occurrence of deformations or cracks.

The damper, produced in the form of a tape, is a canvas installed around the entire perimeter of the room, on the lower part of the wall and partially on the floor. This building product compensates for the expansion of concrete, which occurs from temperature changes, and also prevents the occurrence of stress and pressure.

Release form - rolls from 10 to 100 meters long. The width of the canvas varies from 5 to 15 cm, and the thickness is 3-10 mm. On factory-type products, there are cuts made at a distance of 8 to 10 cm, necessary for accurate and even cutting of excess.

The importance of the role of the damper tape increases during the installation of a warm floor.When installing a floor heating system (water or electric), a screed is usually installed above the coating, the integrity of which must be maintained as long as possible. So that it does not suffer from the influence of external factors and does not destroy the warm floor, a damper tape is installed.

Production material

The damper tape is also called buffer, edge or compensatory. It owes its effectiveness to the material from which it is made - foamed polyethylene, which has the ability to shrink and give concrete free space for expansion.

The product has a dense foam texture that can withstand long-term uneven loads. PE foam is neutral and demonstrates chemical independence when interacting with other types of building materials, as well as during sudden changes in temperature. Due to the absence of pores in the texture, the tape completely lacks the ability to absorb and release moisture - this property eliminates the risk of moisture accumulation and mold formation.

Sound-absorbing properties allow you to effectively muffle strong vibration, and flexibility and elasticity are designed for repeated expansion and contraction of the screed, thereby increasing the integrity and durability of the concrete pavement.

The product has a rich set of useful properties and important technical characteristics, such as:

• low thermal conductivity;
• soundproof properties;
• high level of waterproofing;
• resistance to frequent or sudden changes in temperature;
• long-term preservation of efficiency;
• high level of environmental safety;
• low cost.

Due to their useful properties, damper tapes are used as a sealant to fill gaps and crevices that form during construction work. In addition, polyethylene foam tapes are used as separators between the screed and the adjoining structure.

Varieties

The correct selection of one or another type will compensate for the expansion or contraction of the screed, minimize vibration and noise, keep the heat inside the room and improve its sound insulation.

The product is produced in three main versions - standard type, self-adhesive and with a "skirt" (or with an "apron")

Standard. It is a flat strip of material, without an adhesive layer on the reverse side. The product is mounted along the walls around the entire perimeter of the room. It is fixed to the surface with a special adhesive or double-sided tape. When using a standard edge tape, it is imperative to pre-prepare all surfaces that will be involved during work: thoroughly clean the walls and floor, removing the smallest particles of construction debris and dust.

Self-adhesive. It differs from the standard one by the presence of an adhesive layer on the reverse side, as well as a protective substrate on its upper part. The substrate is gradually removed as the canvas is fixed on the wall. Self-adhesive tape is convenient in the process of fastening, it fits snugly to the surface and does not change its position during the screed.

With a "skirt". It differs from the previous versions by the presence of a "skirt" in its lower part - an additional part made of oilcloth material, thin and durable. This part has a width of 3-10 cm and is necessary for sealing the junction of the wall and floor. Such a “skirt” must be carefully spread over the floor surface during fixation.

Additional functions of the buffer tape

Usually, a compensation tape is used when installing a screed, mounting the product around the perimeter of the room. But besides fulfilling its main task, it can be used for other purposes, for example:

• as a restrictive barrier preventing the spreading of solutions;
• instead of a separator with a large screed area;
• for outdoor work, for example, it fits into the seam between the wall and the blind area.

Styling features

As mentioned above, the tape is laid around the entire perimeter of the room and around columns, partitions, half-walls and other architectural elements.

If the area on which the screed will be arranged is too large, additional expansion joints are needed. One layer is enough for 10 m of screed, taking into account the expansion of concrete. After it hardens, the excess is cut off or cut off according to the notches provided by the manufacturer. The tape is not cut off only if a decorative coating is laid on the screed, and a plinth is mounted to the walls.

In the case of an electric or water heated floor, a damper tape is laid between the warm floor and the vapor barrier or under the vapor barrier. "Skirt" should be placed under the screed or self-leveling floor.

Do-it-yourself installation

The laying of the product begins before the concrete screed is poured. You need to start laying from the corner of the room, gradually unwinding the roll as you install it. Usually the product is attached with adhesive solutions or self-tapping screws. When laying a self-adhesive tape, it is necessary to gradually remove the protective layer from the back of the product, as it is glued to the wall.

It is necessary to lay the canvas in a continuous strip.In the case of a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, one roll may not be enough for the entire perimeter, then the edges can be overlapped.

Especially carefully you need to glue the corners of the rooms, pressing the canvas tightly against the wall so that there are no outflows or bends.

Upon completion of the installation, the edges of the strips are overlapped with each other and cut off. In order for the material to adhere more closely to the surface of the wall, you can walk along it with a construction roller.

Rating of the best inexpensive models from popular manufacturers

The most reliable product is produced by well-known companies engaged in the production of other products for repair and construction. Such firms are very popular with customers, having won their trust due to the proven quality of their products. Such companies include Valtec, Uponor, Soundguard, Knauff and a number of Russian manufacturers (Energoflex, Tilit-Super, Teploflex, Stop Sound and others). The rating includes models with the highest number of positive user reviews.

VALTEC (100×8, 25 m)

Self-adhesive edging tape from an Italian brand, made of modern material - polyethylene foam. It is intended for internal construction and repair work, for fastening along the perimeter of the room (along the walls). It is applied as a thermal seam, protecting from thermal losses. Shows good resistance to moisture, high temperature and direct sunlight. The thickness of the canvas is 8 mm, the width is 100 mm, the length in a roll is 25 m. The average cost is 264 rubles.

• good and easy to unwind;
• does not break during operation;
• adheres tightly to the surface of the wall;
• high resistance to external factors;
• affordable cost.

• not found.

SoundGuard Band Rubber (27x4, 12m)

Self-adhesive anti-vibration tape of universal type, made of rubber. Designed to perform the function of vibration isolation in floors of any kind, suitable for such types of building materials as:

• wood;
• concrete, reinforced concrete;
• metal, steel;
• cardboard and drywall;
• tiles and marble;
• glass;
• granite and porcelain stoneware;
• brick or stone.

It is necessary to fill the seams between the floor and partitions, half-walls, columns and other architectural elements. In addition, the material can be used as an edge tape when installing a floor heating system, as well as to compensate for the displacement of a "floating" screed. The product demonstrates high soundproofing ability. Strip width - 27 mm, thickness - 4 mm, length in a roll - 12 m. The product is produced in gray color. Weight - 990 g. The average cost is - 451 rubles.

• heavy dense material;
• good noise and vibration absorption;
• high tenacity;
• comfortable width;
• good adhesion to metal;
• high elasticity;
• easily cut with a clerical knife;
• does not tear.

• The length of the roll is not enough for the entire perimeter.

Energoflex (100x10, 11m)

Tape with an "apron" from a Russian manufacturer. Designed to compensate for the thermal expansion of the concrete screed, suitable for use when installing a floor heating system. The polyethylene "skirt" keeps the casting solution from penetrating under the edge of the strip. Mounted around the perimeter of the room, while one package is enough for an area of ​​10 square meters.Thickness 10 mm, strip width - 100 mm, roll length 11 m. If the concrete screed has an area of ​​more than 10 square meters, it is recommended to make expansion joints. The average cost is - 493 rubles.

• good quality;
• affordable cost;
• elasticity;
• tightness;
• standard features.

• inconvenient to use on a large area of ​​the screed.

Tilit Super (100×10, 25m)

Product based on foamed polyethylene, equipped with a protective "apron" on one side. Polyethylene foam is an environmentally friendly, low-combustible material. The product is distinguished by simple installation, it is laid around the perimeter of the room in which the floor heating system is installed. Tilit Super is used to protect against heat loss through the walls of a building. The "apron" of the product is designed for improved sealing of the space between the tape and adjacent building structures. The operating temperature range is from -40 to +95 degrees. Available in blue. The length of the strip in a roll is 25 m. The width of the web is 100 mm, the thickness is 10 mm. The average cost is - 598 rubles.

• excellent heat and sound insulation properties;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to direct sunlight;
• equipped with a protective "apron".

• not detected.

The Best Mid-Range Damper Tapes

SoundGuard 211222

Damper tape made of environmentally friendly material - 70% jute and 30% polyester. The width of the polyester fibers is 100 mm. Suitable for metal frame structures of partitions and claddings, performing the functions of a compensation and vibration damping coating.It can be used as a lining for flooring, logs and beams made of wood, as well as wooden load-bearing bases. It is a non-woven fabric of interwoven fibers, with a dense and elastic texture. Fastened with nails, a construction stapler or an adhesive solution. Roll length - 30 m, package weight - 1 kg. The average cost is 941 rubles.

• durable and environmentally friendly;
• convenient length in the package;
• high soundproof properties.

• high price.

Knauff FE (100x8, 40m)

Standard type model from a well-known German manufacturer. Made of foamed polyethylene, as well as polyethylene film for the "skirt". It is used as a compensation material between the wall and the screed. Suitable for contact screed that does not provide for bending the “skirt”, as well as for screeding with a separating film layer, floating screed, underfloor heating systems. Knauff FE reduces the risk of cracks in the screed when it dries and shrinks, compensates for coating deformations that occur under the influence of temperature changes, reduces noise and vibrations in the room. The thickness is 8 mm, which allows you to compensate for changes in the screed over a large area. The length of the strip in a roll is 40 m, 8 rolls in one package. Package weight - 1.04 kg. The average cost is - 1,049 rubles.

• sound absorbing properties;
• the presence of a protective "apron";
• high quality product.

• high price.

WellDone (100x8, 30m)

Products from a Russian company.Self-adhesive damper tape made of foamed polymer is designed to participate in the installation of soundproofing systems. Suitable for metal structures - the canvas is glued around the perimeter, and prevents the pressure of the structures on each other. It is recommended to stick the strips continuously, avoiding breaks, in order to reliably protect the soundproofing layer. The WellDone model is characterized by high sound and heat insulation properties, increased moisture resistance, resistance to direct sunlight. The operating temperature range varies from -40 to +95 degrees. Material thickness - 8 mm, strip width - 100 mm. The color of the canvas is black-gray. If the web needs to be transported at low temperatures, it is recommended to keep the roll in a warm room for two days to restore the function of the adhesive layer. The average cost is 1,050 rubles.

• good quality;
• increased thermal insulation qualities;
• high strength.

• overpriced.

MaxForte (150x4, 30m)

Self-adhesive damper tape made from chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam. Designed to dampen vibration and noise, seal and compensate for deformation and unevenness of the floor, wall surface, ceiling in those places where the guide profiles of the gypsum board structures are adjacent. MaxForte is used for the installation of partitions and cladding (laid between the frame profile and supporting structures, as well as at the junction of a partition or cladding to building structures).Also, the product is used as a soundproofing layer when installing a "floating" screed, the canvas is placed on the walls and architectural elements of the room (columns, partitions) above the level of the floor surface. Strip width - 150 mm, length in a roll - 30 m, web thickness - 4 m. Roll weight - 700 g. The average cost is 1,250 rubles.

• high efficiency, despite the small thickness of the web;
• high resistance to moisture (hydrophobicity);
• preservation of elastic properties in the temperature range from -80 to +100 degrees;
• does not lose its original properties during long-term storage;
• simple and easy installation.

• not found.

Best Expensive Buffer Tapes

StopSound (100, 30m)

Vibration damping tape made in Russia, made on the basis of fiberglass. It can be used when installing plank floors as a gasket, as well as when installing soundproof systems (frame and frameless) as an acoustic decoupling. The texture is porous-fibrous, with high vibroacoustic properties that do not decrease under the influence of constant or dynamic loads. The width of the strip is 100 mm, the length in a roll is 30 m. The average cost is 1,325 rubles.

• easily cut with a knife;
• does not wind on self-tapping screws;
• suitable for sealing joints at the junction between panel and foam block materials;
• copes well with damping vibration and noise;
• does not shrink;
• retains its effectiveness for a long time.
• damping properties.

• not detected.

Kermi (160x8, 25m)

A product from a German manufacturer used as a separator between a heating screed and adjacent structures. The product does not contain fluoride-chlorine compounds, in addition, its secondary processing is allowed. The model is made of foamed polyethylene, has a fabric base and an adhesive layer on the reverse side of the strip. Length in a roll is 25 m. Width - 160 mm, thickness - 8 mm. There are notches for a neat tear. The average cost is - 1,414 rubles.

• precise fit to internal and external corners;
• good fastening to walls with any type of primer;
• suitable for self-leveling or screed;
• high quality product.

• not detected.

Uponor Minitec (150x10mm, 50m)

Self-adhesive damping tape made of porous polyethylene, equipped with a "skirt" made of polyethylene film with an adhesive side. The product complies with the DIN 18560 standard. The manufacturer provides longitudinal notches applied to the material, which are necessary for accurate and even cutting of the blade. Uponor Minitec is installed around the perimeter of the room, between the floor and adjacent building structures. Suitable for underfloor heating or self-leveling floors, protecting the screed from deformation and cracking during thermal expansion. Country of origin Finland. Available in blue. Roll length - 50 m. Package weight - 1.91 kg. The average cost is - 3,164 rubles.

• improved waterproofing;
• sound absorption;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• long service life.

• high price.

How to choose the right damper tape

Construction stores offer a wide range of edging tapes from foreign and Russian manufacturers. Models differ in their technical characteristics, properties, appearance, size and cost. To make the right choice, which suits the price and quality, it is worth considering in more detail its main criteria. Therefore, when choosing and buying a product, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Release form. For ease of transportation and installation, the tape is usually produced in rolls. This option is compact, easy to use and store. In addition, the canvas in rolls is fully prepared for work, and it does not need to be cut. As for storage, manufacturers recommend keeping the rolls in a dry place at room temperature.
• Integrity. In appearance, the canvas should be even, neat, not deformed, clean, without stains. If it has damage, even minor, it is not recommended to buy the product, otherwise such a purchase threatens with a serious loss in the quality of the installation work performed.
• Density. The roll should be tightly rolled up, with no gaps between layers. In the presence of delaminations, the risk of damage to the adhesive side of the web is not excluded, which means that the product is unsuitable for use.
• Brand. As for the manufacturer, it is better to give preference to reliable and proven brands, whose products are guaranteed to be of high quality.

In conclusion, we can summarize: a damper or edge tape is one of the key components in the screed device and the installation of a self-leveling or underfloor heating system, being responsible for the durability of the concrete coating, damping, dampening sounds, noises, vibrations and reducing heat loss through the walls of the building.