TecTopics: Cold Weather Storage and Installation
Cold weather installations can be challenging and may require extra time and labor. Check out these storage and installation tips to help your winter projects run more smoothly.
Low-VOC Adhesives and Primers and Pressure-Sensitive (PS) Accessories
Store between 60°F-80°F. If stored below 60°F, restore to between 60°F-80°F before application. If adhesive is stored in below-freezing temperatures, it may solidify in the can. If this occurs, restore to room temperature for at least 24 hours before using.
Water-based adhesives (HydroBond™, Aqua Base 120) will freeze in temperatures below 32°F and will be unusable thereafter.
On winter jobsites, a heated enclosure or hot box is essential to ensure that adhesives and PS products maintain their intended properties and ease of application. Visit powerblanket.com for more information on jobsite heating equipment.
Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive and EPDM x-23 Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive
Allow membranes to relax for at least 30 minutes before installing.
Avoid puddles and globs and re-roll any wet areas to break the skin and allow solvents to flash off.
Shaded roof areas take longer to flash off than sunny areas.
Use the “tack test” to ensure that solvents have flashed off and the adhesive is still tacky.
If the adhesive is not tacky, it has over-dried and must be re-applied at the published coverage rate.
Install the membrane shortly after adhesive passes the tack test, then immediately broom or roll the membrane after setting the sheet.
PS EPDM Flashings
In cold temperatures, a heat gun must be used to warm PS flashings until warm to the touch prior to installation. This will make application much quicker and easier.
TPO Membranes
Test weld in the morning and then again after lunch when the temperature has likely increased.
The speed of the Automatic Heat Welder may need to be adjusted to produce proper seams.
Flexible FAST
Flexible FAST reaches its maximum performance when the material temperature at the time of installation is 70°F or rising. When temperatures fall below 70°F, urethane adhesives can experience mixture ratio issues that could create application issues. To help address material temperatures during winter applications, the use of hot boxes and power blankets are recommended to ensure the adhesive remains at 70°F or above at the time of application.
CAV-GRIP III and CAV-GRIP PVC
Whether at a distributor's shop or on the jobsite, CAV-GRIP III and CAV-GRIP PVC should ALWAYS be stored in protected, heated spaces with the temperature maintained above 70°F (21°C). Adhesive can thicken or gel when exposed to colder temperatures for an extended period. When reheating with a heated blanket or hot box, it can take hours to thoroughly heat the contents and re-liquify. It is recommended to reheat for 12-24 hours prior to use. If the spray gun is spitting, sputtering, or clogging, it is a good indication you've got cold material.
Low-VOC Adhesives and Primers and Pressure-Sensitive (PS) Accessories
Store between 60°F-80°F. If stored below 60°F, restore to between 60°F-80°F before application. If adhesive is stored in below-freezing temperatures, it may solidify in the can. If this occurs, restore to room temperature for at least 24 hours before using.
Water-based adhesives (HydroBond™, Aqua Base 120) will freeze in temperatures below 32°F and will be unusable thereafter.
On winter jobsites, a heated enclosure or hot box is essential to ensure that adhesives and PS products maintain their intended properties and ease of application. Visit powerblanket.com for more information on jobsite heating equipment.
Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive and EPDM x-23 Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive
Allow membranes to relax for at least 30 minutes before installing.
Avoid puddles and globs and re-roll any wet areas to break the skin and allow solvents to flash off.
Shaded roof areas take longer to flash off than sunny areas.
Use the “tack test” to ensure that solvents have flashed off and the adhesive is still tacky.
If the adhesive is not tacky, it has over-dried and must be re-applied at the published coverage rate.
Install the membrane shortly after adhesive passes the tack test, then immediately broom or roll the membrane after setting the sheet.
PS EPDM Flashings
In cold temperatures, a heat gun must be used to warm PS flashings until warm to the touch prior to installation. This will make application much quicker and easier.
TPO Membranes
Test weld in the morning and then again after lunch when the temperature has likely increased.
The speed of the Automatic Heat Welder may need to be adjusted to produce proper seams.
Flexible FAST
Flexible FAST reaches its maximum performance when the material temperature at the time of installation is 70°F or rising. When temperatures fall below 70°F, urethane adhesives can experience mixture ratio issues that could create application issues. To help address material temperatures during winter applications, the use of hot boxes and power blankets are recommended to ensure the adhesive remains at 70°F or above at the time of application.
CAV-GRIP III and CAV-GRIP PVC
Whether at a distributor's shop or on the jobsite, CAV-GRIP III and CAV-GRIP PVC should ALWAYS be stored in protected, heated spaces with the temperature maintained above 70°F (21°C). Adhesive can thicken or gel when exposed to colder temperatures for an extended period. When reheating with a heated blanket or hot box, it can take hours to thoroughly heat the contents and re-liquify. It is recommended to reheat for 12-24 hours prior to use. If the spray gun is spitting, sputtering, or clogging, it is a good indication you've got cold material.
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