Cold weather can affect the performance of adhesive products

Storage of roofing adhesives

Keep your products in a well-ventilated, but covered store with temperatures between 5-25 degrees celcius. This will ensure the adhesive is ready to use and will produce the expected coverage rates. If the products have not been kept in this temperature bracket, we advise that you try to raise the adhesieve to an ambient temperature before you start applying. Do not leave adhesive products exposed to the elements and be mindful that temperatures can drop significantly overnight.

Product properties

When adhesive products are cold, their viscosity can increase, essentially making the product thicker and more difficult to apply. To prevent this, keep your adhesives in a conditioned room of ideally 10 degree celcuis.Canisters stored at low temperatures for long periods of time can be subject to lowered pressure within the can making it more difficult to push out the thickened liquid. That being said, coverage rates of canisters will be more consistent than roller applied products at lower temperatures.

Allowing for extended cure times

Cold air temperature on site can lead to longer cure times for adhesives. Adjust project schedules to allow for the product to achieve its full bond as the chemical reation will be slowed. A general rule of thumb is that every 10 degrees celcius decrease in temperature will double the reaction time. Be aware that below 5 degrees celcius, adhesives may not cure and should not be applied.

Prepare your substrates

Adhesive products should only be applied to clean, dry surfaces. With the increased likelihood of rain and frost in the winter months, take special care to ensure your substrate is free from moisture or contamination before you start work.