3M Extreme Sealing Tape

[kdot]

Help! It seems that 3M's extreme sealing tape #4412N, 2" wide, is the preferred method of sealing leaks in the A-frame's bubble window seams. It is expensive (about $28 - 35) a roll, but I can't find a source that will sell one roll of it. Every source I've found sells it by the case (as much as 9 rolls per case). Does anyone know a source for buying a single roll of this tape?
Kent

[bob caldwell]

OC took a wide roll and used a bandsaw to narrow it down.... have you tried Amazon for single roll? Home Depoe or Lowes?

[kdot]

Thanks Bob, for the response. I have tried Amazon; no luck there. You can only get a reduced piece of a roll, for an exorbitant amount of money. I'll try Lowe's and Menard's later today.
Kent

[OutAndAbout]

it can be hard to find, try this - 3m tape

[kdot]

Out and About, thanks, that's a big help!
Kent

[mlsa3]

Here's where I bought mine:


Amazon.com: 3M 4412N Acrylic Extreme Sealing Adhesive Tape, 80 mil Thick, 18 yds Length x 2" Width, Translucent: Industrial & Scientific


David

[kdot]

Thanks David!
Kent

[Big Vic]

If you Google "3M 4412N" you will find several sources for a single roll as well as videos of how to apply it correctly.

[vinmaker]

So 3M is trying to compete with Eternabond? Or is it a different product?

[mlsa3]

Originally Posted by vinmaker

So 3M is trying to compete with Eternabond? Or is it a different product?

It's not the same product. Never used Externabond but from my research when I did my windows the 3M is easier to put on. I know the 3M was easy to install on mine.

David

[kdot]

A huge "Thanks" to all who offered advice/answers to my question about this product and where to get it. I ordered a single roll of it from Amazon.com.
Kent

[Pooneil]

3M 4412N tape is also available by the roll from Grainger

[kdot]

Thanks Poneil; that's a lower price for a smaller amount.
Kent

[Pooneil]

Also try this Amazon supplier link. Currently $30.27 per 2" roll.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Y7CLHM/ref=biss_dp_t_asn

[kdot]

Once again, thanks!
Kent

[mickrock]

and, even though I do not believe it is leaking yet, I noticed 2 places where a leak could develop.

Where the long top horizontal strip overlaps onto the vertical side strip, some of the "caulking" at that lap joint has eroded away.

I happen to have some Proflex caulk, and will work that into those joints, and put a small bead around the rest. If a leak develops, I'll go to the special tape.

Thanks for bringing this issue to light.

[kdot]

Mickrock, you're welcome, although I don't deserve the credit for bringing the issue to light. There are a ton of posts in the forum that predate me by years. But what helps one person also helps another!

Kent

[mickrock]

problem, and I can offer a solution for it.

The horizontal strip of tape is raised over the vertical side strip at the corner, and that raising, especially if done under tension, results in an angled gap that the tape caulk needs to fill. The rain water pressure eventually erodes the weakened caulk at that overlap, causing a leak.

My recommendation is to use a "butt joint" instead of the "overlapping joint". The horizontal strips should cover the top and bottom sides entirely, with the 2 vertical side strips butted against them at the corners.

The only disadvantage is that the butt joints will take more craftsmanship and detail work to complete. Maybe a couple more minutes of time would be needed. This should not be a problem for experienced trades people.