Caulking in Low Temps
#1
12-13-16, 08:29 AM
Caulking in Low Temps
I have some time off from work and was looking at re-caulking some windows.
Outside temp will be 20 next few days and low teens.
temp look to be fluctuating 30s to 40s then back to 30s and lows in 20s.
What caulk is best for working in low temps (if any)?
Outside temp will be 20 next few days and low teens.
temp look to be fluctuating 30s to 40s then back to 30s and lows in 20s.
What caulk is best for working in low temps (if any)?
#2
12-13-16, 09:41 AM
Member
Not ideal but doable. Use polyurethane or silicone caulk, not latex. Make sure label allows low temp application.
Keep the caulk in a warm place and take one tube at a time out into the cold so you are applying it while it is warm.
Make sure the area to be caulked is clean and dry and free from any water or ice. Wiping with something like Acetone shortly before caulking will make sure area is clean and will help remove any thin ice. But be careful with solvents around plastic; test before using.
Here's an article on this site about this: Caulking in Cold Weather | DoItYourself.com
Keep the caulk in a warm place and take one tube at a time out into the cold so you are applying it while it is warm.
Make sure the area to be caulked is clean and dry and free from any water or ice. Wiping with something like Acetone shortly before caulking will make sure area is clean and will help remove any thin ice. But be careful with solvents around plastic; test before using.
Here's an article on this site about this: Caulking in Cold Weather | DoItYourself.com
#3
12-13-16, 03:42 PM
Member
Outside caulking?
No way would I be using silicone caulking, inside or out. It will not except paint.
Just the wrong time of year to being doing outside maintenance that should have been addressed months ago.
No way would I be using silicone caulking, inside or out. It will not except paint.
Just the wrong time of year to being doing outside maintenance that should have been addressed months ago.
#4
12-13-16, 03:49 PM
What type of windows and siding? IMO polyurethane caulk is better but silicone can be ok for areas that will not see paint, like aluminum windows on a brick house. Keeping the tubes warm will make the caulking easier to apply. Substrate temps can be just as important as air temps. You do not want to caulk over frost!! best if frost doesn't get on the fresh caulk either. Cold weather is not an ideal time to caulk but sometimes you have to play the hand you are dealt.
#5
12-13-16, 04:25 PM
Group Moderator
You want to use OSI Quad or Quad Max. Keep the tubes warm inside the house until you need them, it will extrude a little easier that way. There is no problem caulking in low temps with a polyurethane sealant.
