Things are about to heat up here in Australia, so make sure you are prepared by reading these helpful hints and tips for tiling in hot weather.
You want to ensure the best installation of your projects over the hotter months, and there is a simple rule to follow when an installation is subjected to high temperatures: The 8ºC Rule – for every 8ºC above 21ºC, Portland cement and epoxy based materials take half as long to cure.
General tips for working in Hot Temperatures:
- For best results, always ship and store installation materials at 5ºC - 32ºC to extend the shelf life and working time. Do not store products in direct sunlight. If installation materials are too warm, they should be cooled to the specified temperature range for that specific product.
- Dampen or wet down substrate surfaces to not only clean the area, but to lower the temperature and lower the absorption rate of the substrate. Sweep off excess water just before mortar is applied. This step will extend the working time of the installation materials.
- Stir latex additives thoroughly before mixing with thin-sets, grouts, plasters, stuccos and other Portland cement mortars.
- Due to the rapid rate of moisture loss and Portland cement dehydration at temperatures >32ºC, cover installations with polyethylene sheeting for 1-2 days to allow curing at a more normal rate.
- Low humidity also accelerates the curing process.
- Tent off or provide shade when working in direct sunlight.
- Work during cooler periods of the day (e.g. early morning)
Tips for Grouting in Hot Temperatures:
- Store grouting materials at 5ºC - 32ºC to extend the shelf life, pot life and working time. Do not store products in direct sunlight. If installation materials are too warm, they should be cooled to the specified temperature range for that specific product 24 hours prior to the start of grouting.
- Dampen or wet down substrate surfaces to not only clean the area, but to lower the temperature and lower the absorption rate of the substrate.
- Always clean the mixing pail before mixing a fresh batch of grout. Left over grout in the pail (on bottom and sides) can accelerate the setting of freshly mixed grout.
- Mix cement grouts with clean cool water. This step will extend the pot life and open time of cement grouts.
- Remix cement grouts after ~15 to 20 minutes (after initial mixing, 5 minutes of slaking / remix and use) to an even consistency to prolong pot life.
- Tent off areas of work to provide shade when working in direct sunlight.
- Work during cooler periods of the day (e.g. early morning).