How Cold Weather Affects Adhesives, Grouts, Cements & Liquid-Applied Membranes in New Zealand
As winter sets in across Aotearoa, it’s important for contractors, specifiers, and applicators to understand how colder temperatures can impact the performance of products like adhesives, grouts, cements, and liquid-applied membranes.
At ARDEX New Zealand, we’re committed to helping you get the best results year-round — and that means adjusting for seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and curing conditions. Here’s what you need to know.
How Cold Temperatures Affect Installation Products
Colder weather slows down the chemical reactions essential for setting and curing. This can impact:
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Drying & Curing Times: Most ARDEX products are designed to perform best between 10°C and 30°C. When temperatures drop below 10°C, you’ll notice significantly slower drying and curing, which can delay project timelines and affect final strength.
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Workability: Adhesives and cements may become more viscous or stiff in the cold, making them harder to spread or apply uniformly.
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Bond Strength & Durability: Inadequate curing due to low temperatures may reduce the bond strength and performance of the finished system.
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Grouting Challenges: Grouts may not set properly or may retain excess moisture, affecting colour consistency and performance.
Tips for Working in Cold Conditions
To get the best results when working in lower temperatures, consider the following:
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Check the Ambient and Substrate Temperature: Ensure the surface and ambient temperatures are within the recommended range for your product. Most ARDEX systems require a minimum of 10°C during application and curing.
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Condition Your Materials: Store products in a warm, dry area prior to use. Cold adhesives or cements will take longer to set and may be harder to apply.
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Use Warm Water for Mixing (When Applicable): Slightly warm (not hot) water can help maintain product workability, particularly with cement-based adhesives and grouts.
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Avoid Frost-Affected Substrates: Never apply membranes or adhesives to frozen or frost-affected surfaces. Moisture within the substrate can expand when frozen, compromising the bond.
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Plan for Extended Curing: Build additional drying and curing time into your schedule. Avoid rushing applications, especially with waterproofing membranes or tile installations.
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Use Heaters (Where Appropriate): In enclosed or indoor environments, temporary heating can help maintain optimal temperatures — but ensure proper ventilation to prevent condensation.
ARDEX Products Designed for NZ Conditions
ARDEX NZ offers a range of high-performance adhesives, grouts, membranes, and cements specifically formulated for local climates. For colder regions like the South Island or higher elevations, our technical team can recommend systems best suited for winter conditions.
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure whether conditions are suitable for installation or if you need technical guidance, reach out to our ARDEX New Zealand Technical Services Team. We’re here to help you keep projects on track, no matter the season.
Stay ahead of the cold — plan, prepare, and protect your projects with ARDEX.
Always refer to product datasheets for full installation guidelines and limitations.