Installation at temperatures below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) can be done when the following procedures are followed by the installer. At these temperatures frost and ice become the biggest concern and have to be addressed. It is the installer’s responsibility to assure a clean, frost and ice free substrate. This can be accomplished by using IPA (isopropyl alcohol) to remove frost or ice. A 90% IPA is the most recommended, due to having lower water content. Apply the IPA in one motion with a rag, let it sit for a minute, then wipe off in the opposite direction it was applied. Do not use a circle motion. To test for ice after the IPA cleaning simply use your hand pressed onto substrate, if water is left behind after lifting it, it will need to be cleaned again. Once the substrate is clean of frost and ice the adhesive or sealant can be applied. Note if the substrate can be heated prior to installation, this will also ensure frost and ice is removed.
Cure times at lower temperatures will be delayed the lower the temperature gets. It can take several days for the product to cure (depending on humidity and temperature).
Extrusion rate at lower temperatures can be affected, our product does not freeze, but can be harder to extrude. This problem can be resolved by warming the product before installation for ease of use.
Cleaners to avoid include MEK, Toluene, Xylene, Mineral Spirits and any other petroleum based cleaners. These cleaners will prohibit our product from bonding to the substrate in cold or normal environments.
Optimal temperature of 40F (4C) to 80F (27C) is where most ASTM testing is done. If the guidelines above are followed, our high-performance moisture-curing polyether adhesives and sealants can be applied in most cold environments.
For more information on application guidelines, please refer to ASTM C1193 Standard for use of joint sealants and adhesives.
For further questions or information, please contact us at 800-826-1681.