By Jack Killick, training and technical support manager, ARDEX Group UK
As temperatures drop, tilers face a range of challenges that can affect installation quality, curing times, and final appearance. Whether you’re working on a domestic or commercial project, understanding how cold weather impacts tiling materials is essential to avoid costly callbacks and delays.
One of the most effective ways to maintain productivity during colder months is to switch to rapid-setting products – such as rapid-setting smoothing and levelling compounds, adhesives and grouts.
Lower temperatures can significantly slow the curing process of standard cement-based and epoxy products, extending working and open times, lengthening drying and curing times and slowing the setting process. Rapid-setting products help combat these issues or an understanding of the performance of the intended tiling solution, before beginning.
Understanding and choosing your product with the installation conditions in mind, may allow areas to be grouted and brought back into service much sooner.
Before you commence work, it’s important to ensure materials are stored correctly. All materials should be kept in a dry environment and protected from freezing temperatures, as cold storage can adversely affect performance and workability.
Heating within the property should also be considered before installation begins. Tiling should only begin when both the air temperature and the floor or wall background temperature is at least 5°C and rising. The phrase “and rising” is vital — beginning work at 5°C is not advised if the temperature is expected to fall later in the day or overnight.
New-build and refurbishment projects are often only partially heated during winter, creating challenging working conditions. Ideally, ambient temperatures should be maintained throughout installation and curing periods to support proper hydration and strength development of cementitious products.
When working over underfloor heating (UFH) systems, pre-heating the floor can provide significant benefits. Bringing the screed surface temperature up to a maximum of 15°C before installation creates a more stable working environment and helps materials cure more consistently.
Contrary to common misconceptions, installers can work on a heated screed providing the screed has been heat commissioned and the temperature remains moderate and controlled. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided, and manufacturer guidance should always be followed.
Another important consideration is the “dew point”. As temperatures drop overnight, condensation can form on floors, walls and tiled surfaces. This moisture can affect the smoothing compounds, adhesives and newly installed grout – leading to inconsistent curing, surface defects and colour variation.
To minimise the risk, maintain heating overnight where possible or aid the removal of damp air, by simply opening windows or use ventilation or dehumidifying equipment. The movement of this damp air is key.
Jack Killick
Training and technical support manager, ARDEX Group UK
03330 030160 | info@ardex.co.uk
