Tiling in Hot Weather
Things are heating up here in Australia, so make sure you are ready by reading these helpful hints and tips for tiling in hot weather!
You want to ensure the best installation of your projects over the hotter months, and there is a simple rule to follow when an installation is subjected to high temperatures: The 8ºC Rule – for every 8ºC above 21ºC, Portland cement and epoxy based materials take half as long to cure.
General tips for working in hot temperatures:
1. For best results,
always ship and store installation materials at 5ºC – 32ºC to extend the shelf
life and working time. Do not store products in direct sunlight. If
installation materials are too warm, they should be cooled to the specified
temperature range for that specific product.
2. Dampen or wet down
substrate surfaces to not only clean the area, but to lower the temperature and
lower the absorption rate of the substrate. Sweep off excess water just before
mortar is applied. This step will extend the working time of the installation
materials.
3. Stir latex
additives thoroughly before mixing with thin-sets, grouts, plasters, stuccos
and other Portland cement mortars.
4. Due to the rapid
rate of moisture loss and Portland cement dehydration at temperatures >32ºC,
cover installations with polyethylene sheeting for 1-2 days to allow curing at
a more normal rate.
5. Low humidity also
accelerates the curing process.
6. Tent off or provide
shade when working in direct sunlight.
7. Work during cooler
periods of the day (e.g. early morning).
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