Tips for Tiling & Grouting in Cold Weather

Winter has well and truly settled in Australia and projects need to go ahead even if it's cold outside. We've put together some helpful tips and hints for tiling and grouting in cold weather to ensure your tiling projects look great for many years to come.

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:

1. Work during warm periods of the day.
2. 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.
3. Tent and heat areas that will be subjected to the elements or freezing temperatures during installation and cure periods.

Continue reading our helpful hints for Cold Weather Tiling and Grouting here.

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