When should painter's tape be used in the context of air sealing?

Painter's tape is commonly utilized in air sealing applications to help prevent damage to surfaces while applying sealants. It serves as a protective barrier, especially in areas where precise detailing is needed, such as around doors, windows, or trim. By adhering painter's tape to the adjacent surfaces, you can ensure that the sealant is applied neatly without creating a mess or unwanted smudges, allowing for clean edges and a professional appearance once the tape is removed.

Using painter's tape only where necessary prevents excess use of materials and minimizes waste. It is not intended for use on every sealant joint, as not all joints may require the added protection, and excessive taping could be unnecessary and time-consuming. It also does not act as a primary adhesive; sealants themselves are designed for adhesion and sealing rather than painter's tape. Furthermore, while there might be scenarios where painter's tape could be avoided, completely disregarding its use in appropriate contexts would diminish the quality of the air sealing process.

Thus, reserving the use of painter's tape for areas where it effectively prevents damage and enhances the quality of the sealant application is the best approach.