CAV-GRIP III in Cold Weather: Best Practices

As mother nature's cold hands grip much of the continent, many roofing contractors are forced close up shop until winter surrenders to spring. For many contractors, the onset of cold weather means delayed progress, but that mentality is changing. Carlisle's focus on innovation has resulted in new products that make cold weather installations more manageable. One product leading the pack is CAV-GRIP® III Low-VOC Adhesive, which can be installed in temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C)! Like other adhesives, there are guidelines to follow when using CAV-GRIP III in cold weather. Here is some advice to live by:

STORAGE: Whether at a distributor's shop or on the jobsite, CAV-GRIP III should ALWAYS be stored in protected, heated spaces with the temperature maintained above 70°F (21°C). Adhesive can thicken or gel when exposed to colder temperatures for an extended period. When reheating with a heated blanket or hot box, it can take hours to thoroughly heat the contents and re-liquify. It is recommended to reheat for 12-24 hours prior to use. If the spray gun is spitting, sputtering, or clogging, it is a good indication you've got cold material.

GUARD AGAINST HEAT SINKS: A "heat sink" is a material or surface that absorbs heat from surrounding objects. Place cylinders on insulation to avoid direct contact with a cold steel or concrete decks. These surfaces will act as a heat sink, rapidly cooling the cylinders.

HOT BOXES AND HEAT BLANKETS: Shop-fabricated or manufactured hot boxes and heated blankets are required to keep CAV-GRIP III above 70°F (21°C) when working in colder temperatures. Do not use band heaters due to risks associated with overheating a pressurized cylinder. Devising a way to insulate and heat the hoses also aids in keeping the adhesive warm and spraying properly. Removing cylinders from the cardboard box will aid in heat transfer.

ROTATION: It's a good idea to preheat cylinders to 90°F (32°C) as a safety factor against wind chill. Rotate cold tanks into a hot box and replace with heated cylinders.

SHAKE CYLINDERS TO AGITATE CONTENTS: Shaking cylinders is a good way to avoid settling of contents and to maintain spray pressure.

SPRAYING ISSUES OR GUN CLOGGING: If the spray tip begins to spit, sputter, or clog entirely, there are two main culprits:

1. COLD MATERIAL - Clean the gun and hose from the problem cylinder with Low-VOC UN-TACK prior to attaching to a new, warm cylinder after it has been shaken.
2. CLOGGED SPRAY TIP - If spraying stops, remove the brass spray tip and spray the adhesive into a garbage bag. If the adhesive flows through the wand in a straight stream with no hesitation, then the tank is still functional (assuming it's warm). Simply clean or replace the brass tip and begin spraying again.

For more information, please contact your regional manager.