Will epoxy crack in cold weather? No, if you go about the installation properly, you can place an epoxy floor in cold-temperature areas. Whether you need new flooring in your garage or your walk-in refrigerator, epoxy could provide a long-lasting solution. The key is to install the epoxy under the right conditions. That way, it will be in great shape to withstand chilly temps for a long time to come.
Will Epoxy Crack in Cold Weather?
The epoxy itself can handle tough temperatures. Even when the thermometer is below zero, you can count on epoxy to hold up.
Now, that doesn’t mean that you can just lay epoxy on any old floor and expect it to do well. When you’re installing epoxy flooring products in areas that are subject to cold temperatures, there are some considerations to keep in mind: the condition of the concrete and the temperature during installation.
Concrete Preparation
Concrete tends to develop cracks in cold weather. You may have already experienced this with your concrete flooring. Before you put epoxy on top of the concrete, you must address those cracks. Otherwise, your epoxy won’t hold up over time.
To fix the cracks, you can apply filler to the gaps. Use a penetrating sealer so that it gets all the way down into the spaces and creates a long-lasting seal.
If the concrete has small cracks in multiple areas, you can spread a flood coat over the entire surface. For large cracks, you’ll need to fix each one individually. Once the sealer has cured, take time to smooth any spots that aren’t even with the concrete before laying the epoxy coat.
Cold-weather Application
While cured epoxy can handle chilly temps, it’s a different story for fresh epoxy. In order to cure, this material needs the proper conditions. Ideally, you should put down epoxy when your the temperature in your space is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you need to install epoxy on a colder day, there are some steps you can take to help the process. They include:
- Warming the room and the concrete surface with portable heaters
- Keeping the epoxy in a warm spot, such as under a heating element
- Mixing only a small batch of epoxy at one time
- Adding a commercial hardener to speed up the curing process at temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit
If you try to install epoxy when it’s too chilly, it might bubble, crystallize, bond poorly or not cure at all. All of your hard work could go to waste.
When you have an epoxy project in a cool environment, consider hiring an experienced pro. An epoxy professional will know the ins and outs of preparing the surface and keeping the materials warm.
Learn more: How to Clean Epoxy Floor
