As the winter season approaches, it’s crucial to prepare your epoxy flooring projects for the challenges brought by cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Learning from our experiences and adapting to the changing weather is essential to prevent material losses and ensure the success of your installations. In this blog, we’ll provide valuable insights and tips to help you conquer the cold and keep your epoxy projects on track.
Choose Epoxy Designed for Cold Weather
Opt for epoxy products specifically designed to cure in cold conditions. While some products might eventually cure out in lower temperatures, it’s crucial to use materials that will bind and hold reliably in cold weather. Not all resins are created equal, so be selective in your choice.
Adjust Your Timing
Plan your projects with the understanding that colder temperatures will significantly extend curing times. For every 10 degrees below 60°F, you can expect your curing time to approximately double. Ensure you have enough time to complete the job properly
Store Epoxy Materials Properly
Avoid leaving your epoxy products in trailers or storage units where they can be exposed to extreme temperatures. Ideally, materials should be stored and acclimated in a controlled environment, such as a mudroom. A designated mixing station with indirect heating can also be beneficial.
Protect Epoxy From Moisture
Even when stored on pallets, it’s important to keep your buckets and containers off the concrete floor and use a barrier to prevent moisture from affecting your epoxy materials.
Revive Crystallized Epoxy
If your epoxy resin becomes crystallized or chunky due to cold temperatures, don’t discard it. A warm water bath or exposure to sunlight can often restore the resin to a usable state.
Epoxy can be gently heated, but avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
Consider Heaters with Caution
While heaters can be helpful, be aware of emissions and potential issues with direct heat exposure. Propane and natural gas heaters can release moisture into your space, affecting your coatings. Operate heating devices with proper safety measures and avoid placing them directly over your epoxy surfaces.
Protect Against De-icing Chemicals
Be honest about the impact of calcium chloride and salt on epoxy coatings. Consider chemical protection options for added durability.
Monitor Temperature Variations
Remember that ambient room temperatures and slab temperatures can differ significantly, especially in on-grade or below-grade systems. Check the temperatures throughout your project to ensure consistent results.