The Role of a Tape Installer

The role of a Tape Installer at ICG is to seal a house’s exterior and resist air and water penetrating the OSB, specifically in accordance to Zip System ® standards. At ICG we use Zip System ® Tape to seal the structural wall assemblies. This building enclosure system allows more efficiency in a finished envelope over traditional housewrap.

In addition to the general safety practices there are three basic, application-specific considerations you will need to focus on while installing tape. Those are the surface dryness, surface cleanliness, and proper placement and rolling of the tape. Tape is placed on every seam of the house as a means of moisture management and to aid in a tighter air barrier for the structure. In order for it to be effective, the tape must be applied in a way that wicks water away from the house. One aspect of this is overlaying tape to allow water to be shed over the tape, and not become trapped behind the tape. Zip System ® tape is to be applied only in dry conditions and on dry, surfaces. It should not be installed in the rain, or other weather-induced moist conditions. One must also ensure that the surface is free from oil, chemicals, sawdust, and dirt to ensure proper adhesion. Rolling the tape is just as important as placing it properly. When you roll the tape, this application of pressure will engage the acrylic adhesive to bond the tape to the Zip System ®. This is achieved when the tape is rolled using a minimum of 5 lbs. of pressure. At ICG Tape Installers play a critical part in the completion of structures using the Zip System ®.