Extreme weather conditions; either hot, cold or humid; affect the installation of drywall and finishing products. Cold weather, in particular, slows drying and increases the risk of freezing joint treatments. It can also cause moisture related movement in wood framing.
Preventative measures can minimize the effect of extreme weather on gypsum and finishing products which, in turn, can reduce the number of customer callbacks. I’ve asked the experts in our Gypsum group for their best advice. Follow the guidelines below for helpful tips and best practices surrounding gypsum and finishing installation in cold weather.
In Cold Weather
- Keep the room at a minimum of 50 ℉ (10 ℃) for at least 48 hours before mixing or applying materials for joint treatment or laminating one layer of board to another; keep the room at that temperature until materials are dry.
- Do not exceed 95 ℉ (35 ℃) when using a temporary heat source.
- Do not blow heat directly onto the wall; excess heat can make joints compound dry too quickly and crack.
- Remove the humidity caused by portable gas of kerosene heaters.
Extreme temperatures don’t need to halt the progress of the job but to ensure optimal results certain basic precautions should be followed.
For more information refer to the Drywall Finishing Council’s document on Jobsite Conditions for Applying Interior Finishing Materials or see CertainTeed’s article How to Install Gypsum Board in Winter.
Have a question about finishing or drywall? Give us a call. We’re happy to help.
Plus, Specifying the right drywall finish for the right walls and the horizontal or vertical – the proper way to hang drywall.
3 Comments
Thank you for these tips! Just recently entered the drywall industry and can definitely experience all ends of the spectrum where I am in CO. Good knowledge to have moving forward, thank you!
The use of setting type joint compounds can help avoid many cold weather. Excellent explanation, it’s simple & focus. Keep up the great work!
Such a nice idea on how to choose the right drywall repair contractor. Thank you for sharing this. I am looking forward to read more tips from you. Also, I highly recommend a team of professional in terms like this. Visit their site at http://www.drywallchicago.com.