Winter is approaching and to help ensure your tiling projects look great
for many years to come we have provided some tips for tiling and grouting in
cold weather.
Conventional Portland cement tile setting beds, thin-set mortars, grouts
and cement plasters are often permanently damaged when subject to below
freezing temperatures immediately after installation. The water content of a
mortar turning into ice often results in Portland cement gel structure
rupturing with significant loss in strength, flexibility and durability.
Subsequent repairs to the damaged work and resulting site delays are extremely
costly.
There is a simple rule to follow when the temperature is low during
installation: The 8ºC Rule – for every 8ºC below 21ºC, Portland cement and
epoxy based materials take twice as long to cure.
Helpful Hints:
- Work
during warm periods of the day.
- Ensure
that the surface temperature is within the suggested temperature range for
the LATICRETE product being used during the installation and cure period.
Consult the individual LATICRETE product data sheet and 'How to Install'
guide for more information.
- Tent
and heat areas that will be subjected to the elements or freezing
temperatures during installation and cure periods.
- For
multiple story buildings – areas to receive tile and stonework may be
heated from below to aid in "warming up" cold concrete slabs and
rooms. Simply placing temporary heating units in areas under rooms
scheduled to receive tile and stone finishes in multiple story buildings
will allow the natural rise of heat to warm up these areas.
- Vent
all temporary heating equipment in accord with Worksafe Practices and
within Occupational Exposure Limits and local building code regulations.
Continue reading the Cold Weather Tiling and Grouting TDS-1175 here.
Contact us on 1800 331 012 to discuss your next
project, arrange a demo, request FREE samples or for technical support or
contact us here.
No comments:
Post a Comment