In winter the setting rate of screeds, concrete, cement tile adhesives and levelling compounds slows down.  So does the drying rate of paints, coatings and waterproofing membranes. Planning with trades can help manage the job site through the cold months.  Wet-seal Franchisees have practical tips to stop your jobs from freezing; plan for cold and talk to your trades, extend scheduling times, increase air flow and heat indoor rooms.

Scheduling for the cold
Plan for concrete, cement, and coatings to take longer to dry and set than is listed on the technical data sheets (TDS).  TDS specify the expected dry time for ambient conditions found in the laboratory being 23˚C and 50% relative humidity (RH).  In winter (colder temperatures) or on rainy days (higher RH) builders should allow for extended dry times between trades. Wet-seal™ Waterproofing Systems are tile ready at 48 hours at ambient conditions of 23˚C and 50% RH.

Heating the room
Liquid applied waterproofing including acrylic, latex and cement membranes and epoxies are typically specified on the TDS to be applied between 10˚C to 30˚C.  Wet-seal™ Enviro-coat membranes can be applied between 5˚C and 30˚C.  Temperatures below these ranges can be managed by heating.  It is important to check the substrate temperature too, as this is often colder than the ambient temperature.  Freezing temperatures need to be avoided as they can cause efflorescence in concrete, or paints and membranes to crack.  Heaters can be used to warm a room and substrate to within range before application.

Get the air moving
In cold weather, water tends to sit for longer periods.  Using fans over a membrane creates a dry layer of air that helps to move water out so membranes can dry.  Bathrooms and showers often have low natural air flow so improving ventilation always helps.  It is important to use cold air fans because heated air can skin the surface and trap moisture in the membrane.  There are many industrial fans and air movers available and are good to have on site.

Battery fan being used to dry tanking in bathroom doorway.

Toilet substrate being dried with fan before waterproofing.

Electric fan being used to dry shower after Wet-seal™ waterproofing.

Wet-seal™ have almost 40 years’ experience of waterproofing across New Zealand and Australia.  Wet-seal™ Franchisees have practical recommendations that will assist your build to continue smoothly through the cold.  Get in touch with your local Wet-seal™ Franchisee by clicking on the following link to find out how to get the job done in the most efficient way this winter – Find Your Local Franchisee

Or for further information regarding winter drying times, please contact Wet-seal’s Technical Team on 0800 436 000 or via email at technical@wet-seal.co.nz