Don’t let the cold bring you down

By Versico Roofing Systems.  

Versico’s recommendations for protecting adhesives, primers and QA accessories through the winter months. 

As most of the Northern Hemisphere transitions into wintertime, it is important to be aware of how colder weather can impact your roofing products. Many materials need to be installed and/or stored at specific temperatures, otherwise you run into issues like adhesives solidifying in their cans and spray products spitting rather than spraying. The best way to avoid these issues is to be proactive in how you store them and plan ahead when it comes to wintertime installations. In this article, we share valuable tips for storing and installing Versico’s adhesives, primers and quick-applied (QA) accessories in the cold. 

Storage suggestions  

Low-VOC adhesives, primers and QA accessories 

• Store between 60°F-90°F. If stored below 60°F, restore to between 60°F-90°F before application. Visit powerblanket.com for more information on jobsite heating equipment. 
• 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 use. 
• The exposure of water-based adhesives (HydroBond™, Aqua Base 120) to temperatures below 32°F will cause the adhesive to freeze, rendering the material unusable even when it has returned to room temperature. 

Flexible DASH™ adhesive 

• Keep your materials warm using hot boxes or heated blankets. Flexible DASH must be a minimum of 70°F for the material to flow and mix properly. 

Flexible DASH Dual Tank adhesive 

• Whether at a distributor’s shop or on the jobsite, always store the adhesive in a heated space with temperatures maintained between 70-90°F. The adhesive thickens, causing spray/pressure to weaken when tanks are below 70°F. 
• Place the tanks on a pallet or piece of insulation to avoid contact with a cold steel or concrete deck that will act as a “heat sink.” 
• Do not store or heat tanks in areas where temperatures reach 120°F or higher. 

CAV-GRIP® 3V and CAV-GRIP PVC 

• Always store the adhesive in heated spaces with temperatures maintained between 70-90°F. The adhesive will thicken, causing spray/pressure to weaken when cylinders are below 70°F. 
• Place cylinders on a pallet or insulation to avoid contact with a cold steel or concrete deck. 
• Do not store or heat cylinders where temperatures reach 110°F or higher. 

Installation tips 

Low-VOC bonding adhesives 

• Stir thoroughly once per day until all settled polymers are dispersed, and the adhesive is a uniform yellow color. During mixing, scrape the sides and bottom of the pail until the adhesive is a uniform yellow color with no dark streaks. Keeping the adhesive warm, as well as using an air-operated mixing paddle, will aid in the mixing process. 
• 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. 

Water-based adhesives 

• Water-based adhesives can only be used when the outside temperature is 40°F and rising. Do not use water-based adhesives if the ambient temperature is expected to drop below 32°F. 

Flexible DASH Dual Tanks 

• Flexible DASH Dual Tank Adhesive can be installed in ambient temperatures down to 25°F. Plan your work day to allow spraying above these temperatures. 

CAV-GRIP 3V and CAV-GRIP PVC 

• CAV-GRIP 3V can be installed down to 25°F when bonding TPO or EPDM and 15°F when used as a primer; 35°F for CAV-GRIP PVC. Plan your work day to allow spraying above these temperatures. 
• Dispense product from the cylinder while it is still warm. 
• When the product in the cylinder becomes too cold, it will begin to spit rather than spray. If this occurs, swap the cold cylinder for a warmer one and return the cold cylinder to a heated area. 

Original article source: Versico Roofing Systems