Many tiling projects take place outdoors, in conservatories, garages, balconies or internally in new-build properties and those subject to renovation where environmental conditions can be the primary influence on temperatures. Extreme heat and cold can have a significant impact on the performance of tile adhesives and grouts, as well as the substrate, making it essential that tile fixers understand the technical characteristics of the products they are using.
Hot weather presents a number of challenges, since high temperatures can accelerate the drying and curing of cementitious adhesives. This shortens the open time, causing the adhesive to skin over before the tile is bedded. The result can be inadequate wet contact and coverage beneath the tile along with loss of grab to the tile itself.
Direct sunlight can make matters worse and wind can accelerate moisture loss. A useful tip in these sorts of conditions therefore is to avoid spreading excessive areas of adhesive and to check that the adhesive remains fresh before fixing each tile. Shade, protection from strong winds and working during cooler times of day can all help.
Water evaporation from cement-based products can affect the curing process. Where recommended by the manufacturer, lightly dampening or priming notably porous substrates beforehand may help minimise evaporation. However, substrates should never be saturated or left with standing water.
Cold ambient conditions create problems as well. Cementitious adhesives and grouts rely on hydration to develop their strength, and low temperatures slow this process considerably. If temperatures fall too low, curing can become extremely slow or, in freezing conditions, may stop altogether. Water within the adhesive or grout can freeze and expand, potentially causing permanent damage.
It is therefore important for tile fixers to consult manufacturers’ minimum and maximum application temperatures. This means not just taking into account the air temperature, but the temperature of the substrate, tiles and surrounding materials. This is not only important whilst fixing, but also for the whole curing time of the product.
Ultimately, successful tiling in extreme weather is about controlling the environment wherever possible and selecting products appropriate for the conditions. Product data sheets should always be checked for maximum and minimum application temperatures, open times and curing requirements.
By Jim Percival, technical director at Palace Chemicals
