Cold Weather Installation Tips for CAV-GRIP® III and CAV-GRIP PVC

As temperatures drop, it is important to consider temperature restrictions and best practices for cold weather applications of Carlisle’s popular CAV-GRIP^® III and CAV-GRIP PVC adhesives to ensure best results.

Follow Ambient Temperature Restrictions

For proper adhesion and optimal installation, be sure to plan your workday to allow spraying above these temperatures:

• CAV-GRIP III - Bottom end temperature of 25°F (-4°C) when bonding TPO or EPDM and 15°F (9°C) when used as a primer.
• CAV-GRIP PVC – Bottom end temperature of 35°F (2°C).

Ensure Proper Tank Temperature

Although the ambient temperature may not feel that cold, it does not mean ensuring proper cylinder temperatures is not important. In “shoulder seasons” where ambient temperatures dip below 70°F (21°C), adhesives may thicken causing spray pattern issues or low yields due to cylinder temperatures being too low. To ensure optimal installation, follow these tips:

• Store adhesives in heated spaces with temperature maintained between 70-90°F (21-32°C). Jobsite hot boxes that maintain cylinder temperatures around 90°F (32°C) are ideal. Tip: Remove the cardboard packaging to enhance the cylinders’ ability to warm in the hot box.
• Utilize heated blankets with temperature controls, such as PowerBlankets, to maintain the temperature of a pre-warmed cylinder during application. Heated blankets should not be used in place of storing adhesive in a heated space, as they are not intended to bring cold cylinders up to a usable temperature.
• Place cylinders on a pallet or a piece of insulation to avoid contact with a cold steel or concrete deck that will act as a “heat sink” while in use.
• Swap out cylinders that become cold. If the spray gun begins to spit, sputter, or lose the spray pattern, it is an indication you could have cold material. Rotate a cold cylinder back into the hot box and swap out with a pre-heated cylinder.

Check for Blushing

On cooler days, as the adhesive flashes off it can lower the surface temperature below the dew point causing moisture to form on the surface of the adhesive. After adhesive flash-off, slide a dry hand across the surface of the adhesive to ensure the adhesive surface is free from condensation prior to installing the membrane.

For more information about proper adhesive storage, please contact your manufacturer’s representative.