A Total Laticrete System Approach

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My Brother at the South Pole

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David Rothberg, Laticrete CEO, at the South Pole

Skiing the Last Degree - A Trek to the South Pole - read more click here.

Cold Weather & Tile and Stone Installations

Cold Weather Tiling and Grouting

Conventional Portland cement tile & stone mortar beds, thin-set mortars, grouts and cement plasters are often permanently damaged when subject to below freezing temperatures immediately after installation.

The water content of a freshly installed mortar turning into ice often results in the Portland cement gel structure rupturing with significant loss in strength, flexibility and durability. Subsequent repairs to the damaged work and resulting site delays are extremely costly.

Click here for more information on this important subject

With the right products you CAN install tile right down to ...

The issue of cold weather arriving …and installing tile & stone.

Every year around this time we send out a COLD Weather Advisory.

Click here for a copy.

An interesting and RATHER important section of the Laticrete Technical Data Sheet about installing tile & stone in cold weather points out that:

“The use of Laticrete 4237 Latex Additive in thin-sets and LATICRETE 3701 Mortar Admix in thin-sets, grouts, plasters, stuccos and other portland cement mortars allows work to continue in cold weather without costly delays or damage. Frost, ice and thermal shock do not damage Laticrete Latex Fortified Mortars after placement. Installations can be made at temperatures as low as 35°F (2°C).”

So, the moral of the story ....?

You CAN install tile and stone in cold weather at far lower temperatures that most people believe.

Yes, I know that some "Standards" call for warmer temperatures than we advocate ... but "Standards" are written by committees who often COMPROMISE in order to meet the lowest performance product produced by committee members ...

Some of us can "do better ...!" Some of us produce products that are stronger, higher performance or more versatile. (Am I bragging here ..?, Am I being obnoxious ..?)

Am I advocating ignoring standards ...?

NO.

Just pointing out that with the right products some of us can do "more" than what the "Standards" call for.

What is the lowest temperature we can set tiles over a very thick slab floor ...?

Reminder ...

It is NOT just air temperature that is important ...

Remember that the SLAB or surface temperature is often the key issue.

Go purchase a $30 infrared hand held thermometer. take it to jobsites.

I buy these and give 'em to Laticrete reps & technical support people. And tile & stone contractor friends as Christmas gifts !

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=IR-THERMOMTR&cpc=SCH

In cold weather ... and in hot weather it is often very helpful to measure Slab / Surface temperatures before beginning work applying SLU, waterproof membranes, thinsets, grouts, etc ...!