Cold Weather Canister Care: All You Need to Know
It’s no secret that roofing is affected by the weather. As roofers are working up high, exposed to the elements, all weather conditions make an impact on their work. With colder temperatures creeping in, working with adhesives can be a bit daunting if you don’t have the know-how. That’s where good canister care and solid knowledge of adhesive performance can really make all the difference. Don’t get caught out in the cold this autumn, just follow these simple steps for guaranteed adhesive performance.
Why does cold weather present bonding problems?
When adhesives are stored in low temperatures, they thicken, causing their integrity to impair over time. If you’re using a spray adhesive, you might notice inconsistencies with the spray patterns and adhesives ‘spitting out’.
What’s the best way to store my adhesive in cold weather?
Your adhesive should be stored at around 10°C, so if they’re left outside in the van when the weather becomes colder, you’ll probably notice problems starting to occur. As temperatures are dropping, avoid storing your adhesives outdoors and they’ll perform as normal when you’re back out on site.
A top tip is to keep your adhesives on top of a pallet, piece of foam or an MDF box with caster wheels. This prevents the cold temperatures from the floor transferring to the canister, meaning your adhesive will be in optimal condition for use.
How do I know if my adhesive is underperforming?
If your canisters have been kept in cold conditions, you’ll notice some changes in your adhesive. Here are some of the most common signs that your adhesive hasn’t been stored in optimal conditions:
- Inconsistent spray pattern
- Unusually wet adhesive
- Adhesive ‘spits out’ as opposed to even spray
- Flash-off times increasing
- The adhesive is foamy or appears different
- Materials are leaking from the solution
Is there anything I can do to loosen my adhesive?
If you’ve left a canister in cold conditions and started to experience issues, we advise taking steps to gently warm the formula. Simply place the canister inside a bucket of warm water for 15 minutes. Before you get to work, gently agitate the canister by rocking it back and forth on its base shoulder.
If you want to find out more about canister care, check out this video from Quin Global on how to keep your canister in prime condition all year round.
Choose QDEK for Unrivalled Bonding Performance
We’re serious about bringing the very best in bonding to roofing. That’s why we’ve developed high-performing adhesives to get the job done faster, easier and safer. If you want to learn more about how to store adhesives the right way, get in touch. The QDEK team is always on hand to give sound advice and tips for getting the most out of our products.
