Applying peel and stick flashing below operating temperature
The two windows and service door for the garage I’m building are to arrive tomorrow. I’d like to go ahead and install them this weekend. If not, the only place I have to store them is in the inside of said garage (which is a work in progress); and I’ll end up having to move them around 50 times when doing electrical, drywall, etc. Problem is, it’s going to be below freezing this weekend… and probably for the next 6 weeks.
When flashing window openings in the past, I’ve used Protecto peel and stick style flashing with good result. Mfg says the item can be applied below 50 degrees as long as it’s been stored above 50 degrees for at least 24 hours up to the point of installation. Garage walls are wrapped with KC Block-It. Is there any need/benefit in heating the substrate with a hair drier/heat gun while applying the flashing? Mfg doesn’t comment on the substrate temp. It’ll make things a lot more awkward/slow going by myself versus the normal approach… but worth it if necessary. Thank you!
Replies
more heat
It'll probably be like pissing in the wind. The substrate will most likely cool quickly as you move around the perimeter. By the time your ready to tape any sizable lenght the surface temp of where you started will not have changed much.
You need something to acclimate the base more effeciently. YOu might want to think about trying to pick a calm day and tent the work area off temporarily with a section of polyethylene. This way you can run a torpedo heater or similar in that zone for awhile and then use the heat gun as necessary to give you a spot boost. Check the subtrate temp. with a laser thermometer periodically to maintaion manuf. warranty.
I'm guessing that the problem the manufacturer is worried about is that the material gets too stiff below 50 and becomes hard to work with. So you mainly want to work rapidly enough that it will not cool and stiffen before you have it on.
You will need to be a little more careful about getting it flat, since initial adhesion will not be ideal, and it will not "self-flatten" as readily as normal. Among other things, make sure the stuff is stored either flat or perfectly vertical while warming or "on deck", so that the roll doesn't develop a crimp.
Other P&S's?
BTW,
You may want to consider taping with Zip tape by Huber Industries. I find it's working properties (in all weather conditions) better than the Protecto. Maybe check If your manufact. warranty allows it.
my guess..
You don't say just how cold it is out but it sounds like all you have to do is keep the tape in the warm until about ready to use, no? Maybe you would even benefit from cutting the pieces to length while in the warm and fetch them out a piece at a time?
I can't see heating the surface of the building paying off......
I will keep the Huber products in mind for the next project. Already special ordered and payed for the 12" Protecto (can only find up to the 6" in stores around here and 4" is the most common); so I'm "stuck" with it for this round... no pun intended. I have also heard great things about SIGA products; but wow, the sticker shock!
Now, with mention of the special ordering... got a call today saying it wouldn't be in by tomorrow as originally thought. Looks like I'm out for this weekend afterall. I will utilize the above suggestions (precutting and storing flat in a warm area) when the time comes, though. It's supposed to get down in the teens/low 20's by next week. I may go ahead and take the door/windows out to the family farm and stick them in the barn until temps go back up. Had intended to keep all materials onsite; but it's not THAT far away.