Cold Weather Application

by Chuck Brewer

When temperatures dip and you’re trying to get the last few exterior jobs done, there are some tricks you can use to get the jobs to dry faster. Starting off with the obvious, use quick set modifier. Since products dry best when they’re warm and the surface is warm here’s a few ways you can accomplish both.

First, get your modifier warm, you do this with bucket belts that you can buy. Bucket belts are made to strap around a 5 gallon bucket, (normally used for thick roof coatings). These belts have a heating strap in them that once plugged in will heat the modifier up to 80 degrees.

You will want to put a heating blanket over your grout bags to get them warm. You might want to start both of these the night before to insure the product has ample time to get warm. Its important to heat the grout as well as the modifier; if not the grout will just cool down the modifier.

Third step, torch the concrete just in front of the guys skimming down the warm mix, this will insure fast dry time (Note torch a way from the guys skimming).

Working with patience

by Ethan Schneider

This article isn’t aimed at any specific CTI product or procedure, it is just a general discussion about the importance of time and patience on the job. Here in the tech department at CTI we receive calls on a daily basis in reference to cure and dry times.

We realize that time equates to money and that efficiency on the job is important. Obviously, the faster you can complete a job, the sooner you can get paid and move on to the next one. This idea sounds great in theory when your adding up your potential profits but, things don’t always go the way you think they are going to, especially when it comes to cure times and cooler temperatures. We are not suggesting that you change your work ethic and work more slowly. We are suggesting that you take into account the fact that cure times are going to be extended due to lower temperatures.

Cooler temperatures effect dry times for almost all CTI products. This is why it is essential to allow products to fully cure before moving on to the next step in the process. This is especially important when doing Acrylistains and Epoxy systems. Trying to rush through the process will most likely end up causing the job to take even longer than it should have, especially if you have to go back and re-do something. There are various techniques that can be utilized to help improve cure times in cooler temperatures depending on the nature of the job. Before starting jobs involving cooler temperatures consult the product spec sheets located on the dealer website, and call the tech department at CTI to discuss your particular application.