The Effect of Cold Weather on the Performance of Adhesives, Grouts, Cements, and Liquid-Applied Membranes

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:

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.
Workability: Adhesives and cements may become more viscous or stiff in the cold, making them harder to spread or apply uniformly.
Bond Strength & Durability: Inadequate curing due to low temperatures may reduce the bond strength and performance of the finished system.
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:

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.
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.
Use Warm Water for Mixing (When Applicable): Slightly warm (not hot) water can help maintain product workability, particularly with cement-based adhesives and grouts.
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.
Plan for Extended Curing: Build additional drying and curing time into your schedule. Avoid rushing applications, especially with waterproofing membranes or tile installations.
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.

ARDEX Achieves Toitū Envirocare carbonreduce Certification for the Third Year

ARDEX New Zealand has successfully completed the third year with Toitū demonstrating rigorous reporting processes and data accuracy, marking another step forward in its long-term commitment to achieving carbon zero journey as a building materials manufacturer.

ARDEX has achieved significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint, as evidenced by participation in the Toitū carbonreduce Certification Programme. This independent programme verifies and quantifies greenhouse gas emissions, allowing organisations to track their progress towards sustainability goals.

The programme looks at six categories of emissions including operational activities, purchased energy, and impacts from some value chain activities, which relate to Scope 1, 2, and 3 sources to outline direct and indirect emissions. The results form part of an ARDEX shared responsibility to go Zero by 2045 (CO2 neutral for all scopes group-wide by 2045).

According to Ronald Rose, Commercial Director, ARDEX New Zealand, the Ardex Group has set several global sustainability goals, many of which will take time and require advancements in raw materials technology.

“Achieving Toitu Carbon Reduce has allowed us to deeply examine our local efforts and focus on innovative ideas that can make a difference now as we prepare for the future,” he said. “At ARDEX, we believe that focusing on new technologies and removing carbon where possible, rather than offsetting, is a step in the right direction for the benefit of the planet.”

Just some of the improvement projects include transport and logistics.

“By localising our manufacturing processes, we are able to reduce sea freight distances and minimize the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials. This not only supports our sustainability goals but also strengthens our commitment to the New Zealand community,” said Andrew Clayton, Operations Manager, ARDEX New Zealand.

For more information about ARDEX New Zealand and the sustainability program please visit: https://www.ardex.co.nz/sustainability

ARDEX Warm Roofing System Receives BRANZ Appraisal Certification

We are proud to announce that the ARDEX Warm Roofing System has officially received its BRANZ appraisal. This certification marks a significant milestone, confirming the quality and reliability of our roofing solutions for New Zealand’s construction industry.

The BRANZ appraisal covers key ARDEX roofing systems, including WeldTec, Butynol, Butyseal, TPO, and Torch-Applied membranes. With this certification, we affirm our commitment to providing durable, energy-efficient, and high-performance solutions. The ARDEX Warm Roofing System combines superior waterproofing with insulation, making it the ideal choice for specifiers and architects looking to create high-performance, energy-efficient designs. The appraisal process was extensive, spanning over three years and involving rigorous testing and third-party verifications.

Key Advantages for choosing ARDEX Warm Roofing System

Proven Performance: The ARDEX Warm Roofing System meets the highest durability, external moisture, and energy efficiency standards as outlined in the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC).
Broad Applicability: Suitable for use on flat roofs and decks with concrete, timber, or steel substrates.
Certified Installation: Our systems must be installed by professional contractors, who are trained by ARDEX, ensuring consistency and quality on every project.

With the BRANZ certification, our roofing systems offer unmatched peace of mind. Whether you’re designing a new project or retrofitting an existing structure, ARDEX’s solutions ensure long-lasting durability, exceptional waterproofing, and optimal energy efficiency. The ARDEX Warm Roofing System has undergone a thorough three-year certification process, including rigorous testing and independent verification. This achievement reflects ARDEX’s dedication to product excellence and continuous innovation.

As part of our continuous focus on environmental responsibility, ARDEX New Zealand measures its carbon footprint through the Toitū Carbonreduce™ Certification Programme. By choosing ARDEX solution, you support sustainable building practices that help reduce environmental impact across the supply chain.

Contact Us for Your Next Project

Ready to specify ARDEX roofing systems? Our technical team is available to assist with any project inquiries and specifications. Download the full BRANZ Appraisal document here or contact us to discuss how ARDEX solutions can fit your next project.

ARDEX New Zealand Demonstrates Progress in Carbon Reduction Efforts

ARDEX New Zealand successfully completed the second year with Toitū. ARDEX has achieved significant progress in reducing its environmental footprint, as evidenced by their participation in the Toitū Carbonreduce™ Certification Programme. This independent programme verifies and quantifies greenhouse gas emissions, allowing organisations to track their progress towards sustainability goals.

According to the latest verified audit, ARDEX New Zealand has successfully decreased its carbon emissions per unit of output by 10% over the past two years. “At ARDEX New Zealand, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact,” states Aldo Sustar, General Manager. “While we are proud of this achievement, we recognise the importance of continuous improvement and remain dedicated to further reducing our carbon footprint.”

ARDEX industrial coatings supporting New Zealand’s primary industry and food processing sector

ARDEX is committed to providing high quality, innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of the agricultural, viticulture and aquaculture sectors. Our advanced industrial coatings and construction products are designed to enhance the durability, efficiency, and sustainability of these operations.

Here’s how we make a difference:

Enhancing durability

Primary industry and food processing environments are demanding, with structures and equipment exposed to harsh conditions. The ARDEX range of industrial coatings protect against wear and tear ensuring longevity and reducing maintenance costs. Our products are a component in your facilities to meet food safe environments.

Improving efficiency

Efficiency is crucial in these environments to maximise productivity and profitability. Quick setting and easy to apply ARDEX products reduce downtime during construction and repairs, allowing farmers and agricultural businesses to maintain optimal operations. Our solutions are engineered for high performance ensuring that projects are completed faster with more efficiently and have a long service life.

Supporting innovation

ARDEX is dedicated to continuous innovation, investing in R&D to create products that address the evolving challenges of primary industry sector. We collaborate with industry leaders and customers to understand their needs and develop tailored solutions that drive the future of the sector.

Building strong relationships

We believe in building strong relationships with our best outcomes are where we work with end users, applicators offering expert support on the ground along with targeted advice to ensure the successful implementation of our industrial coatings range We provide the tools and knowledge needed for optimal results needed to achieve long term success.

If you would like to know more, speak to one of our account managers. Contact information is available at https://www.ardex.co.nz/tools/contact-an-account-manager/

NEW ZEALAND EMBASSY VISITS ARDEX HEADQUARTERS IN GERMAN

Last month Ambassador Craig Hawke and First Secretary Garrett Hulse of the Embassy of New Zealand visited Germany’s headquarters in Witten. They met with executives, Hubert Motzet and Uwe Stockhausen, to discuss ARDEX Germany’s commitment and dedication to the New Zealand market.

This visit reinforces the positive partnership between our two nations and highlights the value we place in building long-lasting relationships.

ARDEX New Zealand Limited Introduces New Electric Forklift

ARDEX is taking another step towards improving its carbon footprint with a new electric forklift for the Christchurch warehouse.

The electric forklift will help minimise the contribution to climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and tailpipe emissions. It will also eliminate diesel emissions which will help improve air quality. Additionally, electric forklifts are typically more fuel-efficient compared to diesel-powered forklifts that are being replaced.

The new electric forklift is another step forward in the journey to sustainability. ARDEX is proud to help make a difference for the environment.

ARDEX New Zealand Limited has achieved Toitū carbonreduce certification

ARDEX in New Zealand has received carbonreduce certification from accredited carbon certifier, Toitū Envirocare, for their efforts in measuring and reducing their carbon footprint and therefore minimising their contribution to climate change. Achieving carbonreduce certification is evidence of ARDEX New Zealand’s commitment to taking action on climate change.

“Globally, ARDEX is committed to a goal of recognising our social and corporate responsibilities and actively working on goals that go towards carbon and waste reduction,” says Aldo Sustar, General Manager ARDEX New Zealand. “Locally, with the help of Toitū, we have a plan in place that identifies opportunities to reduce our carbon emissions and waste to minimise our climate impact. This plan is supported and driven by an annual, independent audit of gross emissions carried out by Toitū to measure our progress.”

ARDEX manufacture a wide range membranes and adhesives at their site in Christchurch, and also import an extensive range of other membranes, roofing, flooring and tiling products as a market leading supplier in these markets. ARDEX are continually working to improve the environmental impacts of their manufacturing and distribution footprint with a number of projects underway that will have a positive impact on future carbon audits.

ARDEX is proud to join the many organisations around the world already certified with Toitū carbonreduce.

For more information about Toitū Envirocare, please visit toitu.co.nz