What advice can you offer for using ARDEX products during the winter months?

Cold weather impacts the feel and performance of all construction materials, in particular, setting and drying times which are likely to be extended.

All ARDEX products perform best at 20°C but have been engineered to work in real UK site conditions. The storage and installation temperatures are detailed in the Technical Datasheet of each product but generally, a minimum substrate temperature of 10°C, and an air temperature of 5°C and rising is required. For flooring applications, greater than 18°C is specified by BS 8203 and this temperature should be maintained for at least 48 hours before, during and after installation.

All ARDEX products must be protected from sub-zero temperatures and must not be allowed to freeze, so it’s important to take steps to protect materials.

Storing materials outside or in vehicles during the colder months will chill them, in which case pre-conditioning inside is recommended for 24-48 hours before use.

Ensure that after installation, ARDEX products are dried or fully cured prior to proceeding with subsequent installations and/or opening to traffic. Drying can be facilitated by using electric heaters or fans to circulate the air, but gas heaters should generally not be used as these contribute to raising the RH of the room. Do not blow air directly onto the substrate.