What kind of foil tape for bath fan install?

Submitted by canadave_nyc t3_yaw96h in DIY

Just going to be installing a new bathroom fan, and the instructions say to use "approved foil tape" to seal the fan to the ventilation duct. There's a "bath fan installation tape" at my local Home Depot, but it's out of stock everywhere. It's also my understanding that regular duct tape is not supposed to be used for this. What kind of other tape can I use?

5

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

wryno14 t1_itd9ou5 wrote

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-1-89-in-x-50-yd-322-Multi-Purpose-HVAC-Foil-Duct-Tape-1541239/100030120

3

canadave_nyc OP t1_itddk6t wrote

Oh okay, thanks. So basically any general HVAC foil tape will work? It's interesting, because Nashua also makes that specific "bath fan installation tape", so that's why I thought that it was some special specific tape that had to be used :)

5

more_than_just_ok t1_itdovje wrote

Pay the money for this tape, that has the consistency of aluminum foil and has the wax paper backing that you peel off. There is another cheaper tape that is more like metal coloured packing tape that doesn't stick as well and doesn't compress as well.

4

canadave_nyc OP t1_ite0osi wrote

When you say to pay the money for "this tape", do you mean the HVAC multipurpose foil duct tape, or the "bath fan installation tape" I mentioned? If it's the latter, I have no idea where to buy it...Home Depots everywhere in my area are out of it, and I can't find it anywhere else online (I'm in Canada).

1

more_than_just_ok t1_itegw79 wrote

I just meant any HVAC foil tape that has that has the removable backing. I've seen it at Cdn Tire and Rona. But beside it will be a cheaper tape without the removable backing that is basically metal coloured packing tape, avoid that. I don't think the brand really matters.

2

wryno14 t1_itex3rl wrote

It's likely all the same. Anything labelled specifically for bath fans is just a marketing measure. Honestly, regular old duct tape would probably work.

−1

CountOk5453 t1_itdd9ug wrote

Same aluminum tape as for ac ducts. Little pricey for the whole roll but this is what it is.

3

Stiggalicious t1_itfo1n4 wrote

Well you’re already miles ahead of most people in the fact that you’re intending to use foil tape instead of duct tape. Any foil tape will work, but the ones with the removable backing are 10,000 times easier to work with and are absolutely with the extra few bucks.

2