What is the effect of temperature variations on the application of a typical architectural sealant?
Generally speaking a sealant will increase in viscosity, that is, get thicker as the temperature decreases. When temperatures dip below 40°F the workability and application of a sealant can become difficult to impossible. Once the sealant is in the joint and temperatures are low the curing of the sealant can be substantially prolonged. When applying sealant at low temperatures, provisions should be made for the extra curing time necessary to form a fully cured elastomeric seal. At warmer temperatures, the opposite is true, that is, a sealant will drop in viscosity or get thinner at higher temperatures. Most sealants will also cure faster at higher temperatures. The optimum temperature range for sealant application is 50°F to 80°F.
