Advice For Applying Fibreglass in Winter

Applying Fibreglass in Winter, Winter Street

When working outdoors during the winter months, you’ll face three main challenges: cold temperatures, wet weather, and shorter daylight hours. While these conditions can make the job more difficult, applying fibreglass in winter is still entirely possible. With the right knowledge and a bit of planning, you can achieve a successful installation.

Beyond just bundling up against the cold, follow our straightforward checklist to make the most of your fibreglass materials and ensure a smooth winter application.

Top Tips for APPLYING FIBREGLASS IN WINTER

When applying fibreglass in winter, preparation is everything. Always check the local weather forecast before starting work. It’s a good idea to have a reliable weather app installed on your phone for quick access.

Next, check the temperature. Avoid starting any fibreglassing work if it’s below 5°C, as the resin won’t cure properly. Use the catalyst addition chart to determine the correct percentage of catalyst needed for your resin mix.

In winter, plan your work carefully around daylight hours. Avoid fibreglassing or applying topcoat after 2–3 pm, as the sun’s heat plays a key role in the curing process. Once the sun sets, curing slows dramatically or may stop altogether, which can ruin the finish. Uncured surfaces are also more likely to collect debris, which will need to be removed later.

Before laying fibreglass, check the temperature of your boards, resin, and topcoat. If the ambient temperature is below 10°C, store the resin in a warm room overnight to prevent it from thickening or freezing. Cold resin is much harder to work with and may not cure correctly.

If it begins to rain while you’re working, stop immediately and cover the roof with a Visqueen sheet to protect the surface from water damage.

If you’ve laid a deck but can’t begin laminating right away, seal the surface by coating it with catalysed resin. Make sure to cover all exposed edges to prevent moisture from seeping in. Then, use a Visqueen or polyethylene sheet to protect the edges and any uncoated boards.

When you’re unable to laminate over a prepared deck immediately, apply catalysed resin to seal the surface and stop moisture uptake until you’re ready to lay the laminate. Don’t forget to cover all vulnerable areas, especially roof edges and exposed boards, with a protective sheet.

Before laying the laminate, always make sure the deck or substrate is completely dry. Sweep away any standing water and use dry cloths to absorb the remaining moisture. Let the roof dry naturally, or speed up the drying process by wiping the surface with acetone.

In colder weather, resin thickens and becomes harder to work into the glass. Be prepared to use more effort—and possibly more resin—during application.

Finally, never begin roofing work if rain is in the forecast.

Catalyst Mixing Ratios for Winter

1gm of catalyst = 1cc

Using a fast mix will help speed up curing times in winter. Blowing warm air onto the area is also possible to help if necessary. If you need help measuring the catalyst, we also offer a catalyst dispenser which will provide an accurate measurement.

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