Tapes and Barriers to have on hand in emergencies

The wonders of modern chemistry make it possible to stick, seal or glue pretty much anything together, and sticky products are quite useful in emergencies.  Let’s look at some emergency situations and how to be prepared for them.

Water Leaks

If a pipe bursts in your home, sadly a certain amount of damage usually ensues. However, you can minimize the damage if you’re there, have the right supplies, and act quickly.  In each one, you’re going to want to try to shut off the water supply as quickly as possible (check out our article on locating the supply valves ahead of time).   Here’s a couple of products that can also help patch pipes, water heaters, sinks, windows, etc. until you can get someone to repair it properly.

• Waterproof tapes: 

• Butyl waterproof sealing tape, 2” x 16’, $10

• Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape 4" x 10', $15

• Flex Tape, 4 in x 5 ft, Gray, Thick Flexible Rubberized Waterproof Tape, $15

Smoke or Chemical Fumes

If you have a  neighbor who smokes or barbeques, take the opportunity to use the smoke to your advantage and seal up all the cracks in your home.  That way, when wildfire smoke, smoke from a burning building or a nearby chemical disaster comes your way, having to breathe that smoke will be much less of a worry.  If you have a fireplace, don’t forget to seal it too, even if you have doors covering it (it’s likely the doors are not airtight).  Here are some products that are really helpful to have on hand: 

• Great Stuff Smart Dispenser Gaps & Cracks, $8 (smart dispenser means you can reuse the can up to 30 days later–the regular dispenser hardens a few hours after you open it).  (check out our article on sealing ceiling penetrations)

• Fast Dry All Purpose Acrylic Latex Caulk, $6, PLUS Caulk Gun, $9

• Indoor & Outdoor Mortite Caulking Cord, $11, press it into masonry (brick walls and fireplaces) to seal cracks

• Sticky Tack Putty, 4 pack, $15, for attaching a plastic covering to masonry/fireplace opening

• Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape, $20 

• Painters Tape, $5 for 4 rolls; you can use this on rental homes or sensitive surfaces so that “shrink wrapping” windows does not leave marks. 

• Window Shrink Wrap Kit, $17, make sure to measure your windows to make sure you have enough and note that a hair dryer or heat source is needed to “shrink” the wrap tightly to the window opening.  You could also use this to cover a door or fireplace that has a smooth facade.

• 3 mil plastic sheeting, $15: Use it with Painters Tape to seal windows, doors

• Plastic zipper door (2-pack), $28