July 30, 2025

Zero-Reveal Taping

This post is one part in a series about high-performance window installation:

Part 1: How to Prep the Rough Opening

Part 2: Positioning the Window in the Rough Opening

Part 3: Exterior Window Taping

Part 4: Interior Window Airsealing

Part 5: Zero-Reveal Taping - YOU ARE HERE

Part 6: Window Installation Quality Control

475 offers the CONTEGA SOLIDO IQ-D tape as a double-sided window tape option. This double-sided tape can be used for “zero-reveal” taping. This approach can be used on the interior and/or the exterior. Zero-reveal-taping is the simplest and most robust way to air and waterproof the window. Pro Clima has put a lot of thought into airtight window installation methods, and offers additional adhesive strips integrated into their tapes to simplify Zero-Reveal-Taping. They figured out that you can save an incredible amount of time by doing much of the airsealing BEFORE the windows are installed into the rough opening.

CONTEGA SOLIDO IQ-D

Vapor Permeance: Vapor variable material < 0.13 - 8 US perms
Interior / Exterior: Both
Method of Connection: Zero reveal tape
Adhesive Surface: Full-surface with additional strip for double-sided option
When to use: CONTEGA SOLIDO IQ-D® is a humidity-dependent window tape for interior OR exterior airtightness with smart vapor control with enhanced full-surface adhesive that negates the need for a primer in most situations

Whether by necessity or choice, Zero-Reveal-Taping allows you to leave the window jambs free of tape. First, the back-side adhesive strip is attached to the outside of the frame. Then, after window installation into the rough opening, the full-surface adhesive connects to the air barrier.

This diagram shows how to do the pre-install taping:

Set the windows on saw horses.
Remove one adhesive strip and bond all the way around the outside of the frame, ending back where you started. Leave extra material (“rabbit ears” 1 ¾” long) at corners as shown.
Flip it over and do the other side. You can leave the remaining release strips on the tape - they'll be ready to attach to your air barrier at a later time.