Tiling in hot weather

Handy Tips for Tiling in Hot Weather

With the temperature dramatically rising in Australia, causing the current heat wave, Summer is well and truly knocking on our door. To ensure your tiling projects look great for years to come we have provided some helpful tips and hints.

Conventional Portland cement tile-setting beds, thin-set mortars, cement plasters and stuccos are often permanently damaged when subject to hot, dry temperatures or desert climates immediately after installation. High temperatures remove the water content of the mortar required for Portland cement hydration, curing and strength development. In addition, rapid drying often causes mortar to crack, crumble or lose bond. 

 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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