ColderWeatherandUsing LiquidRoofing Systems

Watch out for temperatures below 5C (41F)!

Liquids are becoming moreandmorepopular in theflat roofingsectorandthere is anincreasing number of different options available.

How Do ColdTemperatures Affect Liquid Roofing Systems?

Cold temperatures affect liquid roofing systemseither requiringadditivesto enable use or even thickening the liquids themselves making them difficult to install economically.Someroofingliquids have optimum viscosity temperatures which enable them to be installed more easily.Lower temperatures can also bring with them deck surface water vapour or in some extreme conditions, ice build-up.Damp surfaces and glass reinforced resins do not mix as GRP''S (glass reinforced polyesters) need to be laid onto dry surfaces.

Cold weather applicationwith GRP''s are possible but you need to pay attention to the relevant manufacturer''s guidelines and instructions.

What do the Manufacturers Recommend?

ThemajorityofGRP manufacturer''s produce either cold weather resins, resinaccelerators and/or cold weather catalysts.

Res-Tec |Flexitec2020
Res-Tecproducesacceleratorsfor bothitsFlexitec2020primer and resin.Theacceleratorsare used in addition to the primer and resinanddo not replace the catalyst which is still added in the normal manner and temperature dependent quantity.Accelerators are needed below 5C. These will only work down to1Cbut not below.

CureIt | Cure It GRPWaterproofingSystem
Cure Itproduce winter hardeners and a version of their resins and top coat called extra cold''for its waterproofingsystem.Theseproducts enable the system to also beusedbelow 5Cand down as far as0C.

Cromar|ProGRP
Cromarrecommend laying their product only at5Cand above.

Deck Temperatures

The critical temperature measurementused is deck temperature and this should bemeasured using a specificinfrared deck temperature gauge. All too often air temperature is wrongly used as an indicator whichwill cause problems when laying product.

Paying close attention to manufacturers guidelines is as always, the best policy.