What happens when it’s hot?
Spring has sprung and Summer is about to be in full force. Our customers in the desert southwest, SoCal and Texas aren’t the only ones that feel the effects of the heat, heck it was 90+ in Anchorage, AK last Summer!
Well, most of us during the Winter months can’t wait until the snows melt and the sun heats up the place, so we can finally get to our landscape and hardscape projects. We look forward to this time of year as well, Winter can be boring- now it’s ‘All hands on deck’. But, before we get ahead of ourselves and rush into our next project it’s important to take into consideration day-to-day weather, but also the climate conditions as well…. we’re talking temperatures, humidity, cloud cover, wind, etc. Why do we need to take these variables into consideration?
Since the majority of our products are water-based, there are several factors that we need to take into account before you start your project this Summer.
Variables to always consider in the warmer months-
What Happens if you apply our water-based products when the surface temperatures are too high? It simply ‘sizzles’/evaporates off the water quicker than it can absorb. The industry term is referred to as ‘flashing’. How is this bad? Take the case of sealing a paver patio (with a product like Molecule JSS. NanoPave Hardscape Sealer, etc). If the temperatures are too hot the sealer cannot absorb into the pavers fully because the water component will quickly evaporate- this can cause numerous issues including; a seal that won’t be durable, a residue can be left on the surface that can lead to blemishing, and in the worst case scenario you’ll have to use a sealant remover- which is a terrible job……and you’ll be starting from scratch, having to do your project twice. It will take time, money and will stress you out. Same goes with a product like G3, it will evaporate before it can fully absorb and disperse, leaving only a thin stabilized surface. It can also start curing before you can fully compact, which can greatly compromise durability. Patience is a virtue. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Why is this important? High humidity decreases evaporation and prolongs curing. The upside to the summer months is warmer temps, which will cure our products on the lower side of our ‘estimations- even a large DG surface treated with G3 will often be rock-hard in hours. But humidity is something to consider, especially when using a product like G3. Humidity can add 24 hours or more to achieve full curing. Our products range of curing can be as soon as a few hours up to a few days, so take precautions, especially if you’re trying to install before rain is forecast. Most of our products recommend a minimum of 24-72 hours between application and any forecast rainfall. If your surface isn’t fully cured, a rain event can ‘washout’, dilute or greatly damage your hard work– in some instances it means you need to start your project from scratch…..nobody likes to do the same job twice! My advice would be to wait for a ‘longer window’ of good weather to assure these variables are out of play. Now sometimes weather happens, you know what I’m talking about Colorado?! You can have 4-season in a day. If you have started a project or if your surface isn’t fully cured before you get a rainfall, keep an inexpensive painter’s plastic or tarp(s) handy and cover the surface. This will help avoid any major issues. Simply remove any covering after the rain passes and let the surface continue to cure. Problem avoided!
SUMMER CAVEATS:
WORDS TO REMEMBER…………………….
NOW……..GO OUT THERE WITH YOUR NEWLY ACQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND USE OUR PRODUCTS WITH CONFIDENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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