Roofing Adhesive - Summer Tips

With warmer weather in summer months, it is essential that contractors know how temperature can influence the performance of roofing adhesive products. Here we give our summer tips to ensure you can continue to get the most out of your products.

How to Store Adhesives in Hot Weather

Apollo recommends taking the time to properly store adhesive products when not in use, especially overnight. Products should be stored between 5-25°C in a well-ventilated, covered area. Do not leave the products outside exposed to the elements or in direct sunlight. This will ensure the adhesive is ready to use and will produce expected coverage rates, even on warmer summer days.

If products are stored on the roof, they should be stored on insulation rather than directly on the roof deck, which can get very hot. Keep only the materials that are planned to be used on that day on the roof.

Canister products will also need to be kept in a designated cage, and any flammable products will be required to be kept in a designated area away from any combustible materials.

Temperatures effect on Adhesive Usability

In warmer temperatures, you will see a noticeable change in the flow properties of adhesives. The product’s viscosity (its ability to resist flow) can decrease, with the adhesive becoming thinner than usual. This can impact the application of the product. To reduce this issue, products should be kept out of direct sunlight, with only the materials that are planned to be used on that day kept on the roof.

Adhesives should only be applied when the outside temperature is between 5-30°C, otherwise the desired coverage rates may not be achieved.

Temperatures Effect on Adhesive Cure and Open-Times

The outside air temperature when applying the adhesive will also affect its cure-time – the amount of time for the product to achieve its full bond. Heat accelerates the chemical reaction rate, meaning the product will cure quicker. Apollo Roofing quotes information on data sheets at 20°C.

Higher temperatures can also decrease the open-time of adhesives, meaning there will be less working time. Please be mindful to adjust working times accordingly.

The table below shows the differences in the open- and cure-times of Apollo Solvent-Free Insulation Adhesive at different temperatures. As a general rule, every 10°C increase in temperature reduces the reaction time by 50%.

Surface Preparation

With rain still expected over summer months, products should only be applied in dry conditions. Substrates need to be dry and free from any contamination before work can be commenced.

Please contact Apollo’s Technical department if you require any further information.

Our infographic below sums up the key points: