Cold Weather Application and Storage Tips for Low-VOC Bonding Adhesives and Primers
Cold weather installations of low-VOC adhesives and primers can be challenging and may require extra steps. Check out these storage and installation tips to help your winter projects run more smoothly.
Application Tips for EPDM/TPO Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive and EPDM x-23 Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive
Thorough mixing once per day is essential. Dark streaks (unmixed solvent) in the adhesive should not be visible.
Allow membranes to relax for 30 minutes or longer before applying adhesive, especially when using folded sheets of EPDM. This technique results in less stress on the freshly formed bond.
Achieving the proper coverage rate of 300 square feet of finished area per 5-gallon pail is critical. Avoid puddles, globs, or heavy areas, as they may cause blisters to form beneath the membrane due to trapped solvents. Re-roll any heavy, “wet” areas to break the skin and allow solvents to flash off.
Use the “tack test” to ensure that solvents have flashed off and that adhesive is still tacky prior to installing the membrane. Adhesive applied to shaded roof areas will take longer to flash off than areas exposed to the sun. If the adhesive is not tacky, it must be re-applied at the published coverage rate.
Broom or roll the membrane immediately after setting the sheet. If blisters occur, allow the solvent to dissipate naturally for 4-5 days. Then, re-broom the membrane.
Storage Tips for EPDM/TPO Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive, EPDM x-23 Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive, and Low-VOC Primer
Keep these products between 60-80°F for best results and ease of application.
When ambient temperatures are expected to fall below 40°F for an extended period of time, a heated enclosure or a hot box is strongly recommended for jobsite storage.
Extended exposure to cold temperatures may cause adhesives/primers to thicken or solidify in the can. If adhesive or primer is stored in cold temperatures, restore to room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours prior to use. The material will perform as intended once it is returned to a liquid state.
Continuing Roofing Education & Workshops (C.R.E.W.) Training Spotlight
2026 Foreman's Workshops
Foreman’s Workshop is a 5-day class intended for individuals who already have the skills to install single-ply systems but need a better understanding of inspection guidelines, customer relations, and labor-saving techniques.
Agenda: C.R.E.W. Training - Foreman's Workshop Agenda
Register here: Contractor Training
Winter Warmer Promotion Is Back! Save money this winter by maintaining warm cylinder temperatures and improving adhesive yield with Powerblanket Lite. Benefit from this promotion now for CAV-GRIP® III, CAV-GRIP PVC, and Flexible FAST™ Dual Tanks. Contact your Manufacturer’s Representative today for more information or click on the link below.
Winter Warmer Promo Information
Application Tips for EPDM/TPO Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive and EPDM x-23 Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive
Thorough mixing once per day is essential. Dark streaks (unmixed solvent) in the adhesive should not be visible.
Allow membranes to relax for 30 minutes or longer before applying adhesive, especially when using folded sheets of EPDM. This technique results in less stress on the freshly formed bond.
Achieving the proper coverage rate of 300 square feet of finished area per 5-gallon pail is critical. Avoid puddles, globs, or heavy areas, as they may cause blisters to form beneath the membrane due to trapped solvents. Re-roll any heavy, “wet” areas to break the skin and allow solvents to flash off.
Use the “tack test” to ensure that solvents have flashed off and that adhesive is still tacky prior to installing the membrane. Adhesive applied to shaded roof areas will take longer to flash off than areas exposed to the sun. If the adhesive is not tacky, it must be re-applied at the published coverage rate.
Broom or roll the membrane immediately after setting the sheet. If blisters occur, allow the solvent to dissipate naturally for 4-5 days. Then, re-broom the membrane.
Storage Tips for EPDM/TPO Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive, EPDM x-23 Low-VOC Bonding Adhesive, and Low-VOC Primer
Keep these products between 60-80°F for best results and ease of application.
When ambient temperatures are expected to fall below 40°F for an extended period of time, a heated enclosure or a hot box is strongly recommended for jobsite storage.
Extended exposure to cold temperatures may cause adhesives/primers to thicken or solidify in the can. If adhesive or primer is stored in cold temperatures, restore to room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours prior to use. The material will perform as intended once it is returned to a liquid state.
Continuing Roofing Education & Workshops (C.R.E.W.) Training Spotlight
2026 Foreman's Workshops
Foreman’s Workshop is a 5-day class intended for individuals who already have the skills to install single-ply systems but need a better understanding of inspection guidelines, customer relations, and labor-saving techniques.
Agenda: C.R.E.W. Training - Foreman's Workshop Agenda
Register here: Contractor Training
Winter Warmer Promotion Is Back! Save money this winter by maintaining warm cylinder temperatures and improving adhesive yield with Powerblanket Lite. Benefit from this promotion now for CAV-GRIP® III, CAV-GRIP PVC, and Flexible FAST™ Dual Tanks. Contact your Manufacturer’s Representative today for more information or click on the link below.
Winter Warmer Promo Information
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