Even though the temperature is dropping and winter has arrived, this does not mean that outdoor grouting tasks should be postponed – according to Dana Lim, it is important to take precautions so that you can still solve grouting tasks on cold days.
Winter has arrived and it should not be an obstacle in the Norwegian construction industry. Not even when it comes to grouting tasks outdoors. This is explained by educational consultant, Bjarne Holm from Dana Lim, who, among other things, holds jointing technical courses at craftsmen’s premises:
– Developments in sealants mean that today you can work in cold conditions, which was almost impossible in the past. If you have tried grouting in cold weather, you have probably also experienced delays due to the grout losing its working properties. Fortunately, it’s not a risk you need to take if you take your precautions.
Effective working days despite low temperatures
For outdoor tasks such as grouting around windows and doors, or movement joints in cold weather, Dana Lim recommends that you use Danaseal Construction 515. It is a highly elastic silicone sealant that can withstand movements of up to +/- 25 percent. And even at low temperatures, the sealant is still easy to work with.
Therefore, you can work efficiently without worrying about special storage of the sealant. Bjarne Holm continues:
– It is often difficult to temper the grout on a construction site. And it is also not always possible to plan the job so that you have tempered the grout in advance. Therefore, Danaseal Construction 515 is a good choice that still preserves its properties when the temperature drops.- If you prefer MS polymer sealant, both Danaseal Sealflex Hybrid 522 or Danaseal Contractor 550 are good alternatives. Both are highly elastic and perfect for movement joints +/- 25 percent. But they differ from silicone in that they can be painted over. These can be used in low temperatures, but become firmer in consistency, and it should be at least +15 degrees before you start the grouting work.
Preparation improves joint quality
In addition to choosing a sealant that is suitable for the job, it is always a good idea to spend a little extra time preparing the joint work, and subsequently protecting the finished joint. In that case, the finished result can be just as beautiful and durable as if the work had been carried out in warmer conditions:
– If you are going to grout at temperatures below 5 degrees, there may be a risk of condensation, frost and ice forming on the joint surfaces. If that is the case, adhesion will not be optimal. Therefore, you should warm up the surfaces before the grouting work itself begins. When grouts are used at lower temperatures, the cold will delay film formation and hardening. Bjarne Holm therefore recommends that you cover the finished joints, so that dirt and grime do not get into the unhardened joint compound.
