ISO-Chemie’s sealing tape checks-out at new hotel project

The ISO-BLOCO One tape was used to seal dozens of heritage-style aluminium windows to a 0.8W / m2 · K rating with added 63dB of sound reduction at the striking Whitechapel Hotel, which stands on the site of a former textile factory close to Brick Lane’s galleries and Asian restaurants.

The quick and easy-to-use self-adhesive tape accommodated external frame apertures, which varied in size from 2mm to 8mm, ensuring that the hotel’s industrial appearance is retained.

Installation of the new windows, which featured small profiles specifically designed to replicate the appearance of the previous Crittall steel framed ones, was undertaken by Suffolk-based GS Installations as part of a multimillion-pound overhaul of the site.

As well as providing a high performance and long lasting airtight solution, the tape ensures that the windows will remain weather proof to 1.000 Pa – the equivalent to 130mph of constant driving rain.

Liam Scopes, joint director of GS Installations Ltd, said: “ISO-Chemie’s tape is an excellent product, meeting the requirements for effective sealing of small tolerances.

“It also enables us to stay ahead of the competition and undoubtedly enhances the overall look of this eye-catching hotel.”

Construction work was undertaken by CMT Construction, while Salisbury-based Synthesis Architecture oversaw design and project management.

Up to 70% cost savings can be achieved using the ISO-BLOCO ONE foam tape because it enables installers to seal windows from inside the building, avoiding the need to use time consuming and costly external access systems like scaffolding and ladders, in any weather.

The tape offers a single product ‘fit and forget’ solution for fast and effective sealing based around the European RAL principles of three level sealing - the inside seal area is more airtight than the external one, allowing any trapped moisture inside the joint, or within the wall, to escape outwards rather than into the building.

The external seal area provides weather resistance and breathability, while the intermediate seal area provides extra thermal and acoustic properties and the internal one air tightness and humidity regulation. All three levels are designed to accommodate movement between the adjacent materials.

The internal air tight seal has been tested at 1.000 Pa pressure difference (20 times more than UK Building Regulations) and tested to achieve 0.00 m³ of air loss.

At the same time, depending on tape width, it will also supply a U-Value as low as 0.55 W / m2 · K and reduce sound by up to 63 dB, straight from the box.

Product complies with energy saving regulations (EnEV) on windows and doors as well as the RAL quality assurance association and can accommodate extremes of temperature changes – from -30°C to + 80°C.