application temperature for vulkem

bhsl8 · 11-01-2002, 09:32 AM

Does anyone know the lowest temperature at which one can apply Vulkem for sealing purposes? Is it okay to do repairs here in Wisconsin when it's below freezing? What kind of affect does it have on curing times if indeed I can still apply it? I have inquired with the company but as of yet have not received a response. I hope to do some sealing over this coming weekend. Thanks for your help.
Brouck Sleight

tod47d · 11-01-2002, 07:09 PM

I think you can go to tremco? website for vulkem info. My guess is that it remains pliable and doesnt really freeze or cure so why not warm the tube indoors(for good flow) then squirt away!
But before you go squrtin'- stop to consider the frozen moisture that you may be trapping inside-will it turn to vapor next summer and create a terrarium in your walls?

BobbyW · 11-01-2002, 08:46 PM

For the complete "Tremco Application Instructions" click the link. You must have Adobe Acrobat to read it. Below is the clipping in regards to temperature range and usage.

APPLICATION TEMPERATURE (WINTER WORK)

Water on surface to be sealed prevents the liquid from
forming proper bond and interferes with proper adhesion
of the sealant. At temperatures near or below
freezing, an invisible film of ice is usually found on
exposed surfaces. It is impossible to form a bond under
these conditions.
When work must be done at temperatures below freezing,
the most acceptable technique is flame drying of
the joint and application of the material while temperature
is still above 40°F (4°C). This presents complications
since a long run preparation is not possible.
Heavy applications of water miscible solvent such as
methyl ethyl ketone will assist in removal of ice and
cold moisture. Of these solvents, methyl ethyl ketone is
the only one acceptable in the case of Tremco Sealants.
Successful cold weather installations have been carried
out and, while difficult, winter caulking is not impossible.
Horizontal joints using self-leveling materials are
easily made by following precautions and vertical joints
with non-sag materials can be successfully constructed
if care is taken.

-BobbyWright

PeterH-79MH · 11-01-2002, 09:25 PM

Only other thing I can add from experience, is to bring the tube up to room temperature or else you may blow the tube.

bhsl8 · 11-02-2002, 07:14 AM

Thanks guys. I still have gotten no response from Tremco.I had hoped to get some sealing done over this weekend but it looks like it may not get above 40 F. I may have to put up with a leak or two until spring.
Brouck

BobbyW · 11-02-2002, 07:22 AM

My clip above is from Tremco's instruction sheet. I pulled a tube and was surprised that it did not have the working temperatures labeled on it.

-BobbyWright

bhsl8 · 11-02-2002, 07:44 AM

Bobby, hence my question. Seems odd, does it not?
Brouck

harestream · 02-14-2007, 10:47 AM

We have been attempting to install windows during a cold Tennessee winter with little luck. The windows have been fallout out, onto grass luckily, but even after a week the trempro vulkem is still wet.

If anyone knows an effective way of drying the vulkem by normal household methods I would be interested.

Thanks.
Bill

Jim & Susan · 02-14-2007, 12:13 PM

I've had the same problem applying it the rivets inside (the inner skins are still out of mine). I put some on over the weekend when it was resonably warm outside and two days later it was still "gooey" to the touch. I tried a small heater inside the camper to raise the temp, but that didn't seem to help much. I guess it's just a time thing.

Jim

rickandsandi · 02-14-2007, 02:48 PM

When it comes to anything in a tube for sealing purposes I refuse to attempt application in any temp below 55F. Not that I have ever read that, I just have found from experience things flow and adhere much better at this temp or above but never over 95F.

**wahoonc** · 02-25-2007, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

I've had the same problem applying it the rivets inside (the inner skins are still out of mine). I put some on over the weekend when it was resonably warm outside and two days later it was still "gooey" to the touch. I tried a small heater inside the camper to raise the temp, but that didn't seem to help much. I guess it's just a time thing.

Jim

It skins over in 72 hours and takes up to a week to become more substantial. IIRC the humidity plays a pretty major part in it too. The more humid the better it wills setup. It is one of the reasons it is such a long lived caulking because of the slow setup time. I would suggest Sikaflex 221 if you are more concerned about the setup time. It sets up a lot faster.

Aaron