Choosing the right flashing material for penetrations, joints, and transitions is key to the durability of the building envelope. This article compares liquid-applied flashing and self-adhered flashing tapes across application methods, performance, and best-use scenarios.
Overview of Each Product Type
- Liquid Flashing: Fluid-applied, flexible coating used to seal gaps, penetrations, and corners with complex geometries
- Flashing Tape: Self-adhered membrane used to seal seams, joints, and planar surfaces with rapid application
Advantages of Liquid Flashing
- Ideal for irregular surfaces, pipe penetrations, window corners, and recessed openings
- Continuous membrane with no mechanical joints or lap seams
- Excellent adhesion to wood, concrete, and sheathing
- Compatible with many WRBs, including peel-and-stick membranes
Advantages of Flashing Tape
- Fast installation on flat seams, panel joints, and corners
- Clean application with less labor and equipment required
- Pre-cut sizes available for sills, jambs, and wide transitions
- Effective when surface is clean, dry, and flat
Limitations and Considerations
- Liquid flash requires cure time and can be weather-sensitive during application
- Tape must be rolled for full adhesion and may lift on textured or cold surfaces
- Both systems require compatible primers in some cases
- Check for manufacturer compatibility when mixing WRBs, sealants, and membranes
Installation and QA Best Practices
- Roll flashing tape firmly with pressure to activate adhesive
- Tool liquid flashing smooth with proper thickness (typically 20–40 mils)
- Overlap flashing tape at least 2” at seams; extend liquid flash beyond edges of gap
- Conduct adhesion tests on both materials if conditions vary (cold, damp, dusty)
Both systems can be used together—use tape for long seams and liquid for irregular penetrations to optimize cost and coverage.
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