Plaster-based compounds may not be able to be set properly due to summer temperatures. Certain amounts of water must be available to change plaster from plaster to gypsum (which is the process of setting). It may have been drying on the wall for up to 80 minutes before the 90-minute set compound begins to set. Hot weather can cause water loss so great that plaster will not revert to gypsum if it doesn’t have enough water. This causes weak joints. This can lead to joint cracking, tape falling out, and poor bonding for subsequent compound coats.

It is dependent on:

  • The amount of plaster used: Less mass means faster drying.
  • The temperature of the board and air surrounding it: Higher temperature means faster drying.
  • Time before setting: A longer set means that it is more likely to dry before being set.
  • The amount of water in the compound. Less water is more likely to dry.

There are many ways to avoid the problems described above. Analyze the job and schedule the time to complete the tasks before gib stopping in auckland. Then, use the right compounds for the environment. Tape should be used in the morning when surfaces are less likely to dry out from excessive heat. Ceilings without insulation in the roof cavity should be done first (usually the garage), followed by raking ceilings (if applicable), and finally, the interiors of exterior walls that face the sun. Use shorter set compounds in areas that can become too hot in summer. The compound must dry faster if it is to set. If you have to work in a hot area, set the compound for 45 minutes. Although it may take more time to clean the bucket and add more compound, this will significantly reduce the chance of calling back.

Here are some areas you should be aware of:

Square stopping at a ceiling below a roof hole in summer

Issue The stopping must appear square and not on a tapered surface. The ceiling board is exposed in the hot ceiling cavity.

Cure. Schedule to be used in the AM when the roof cavity is still cool. Use a shorter set compound if the temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius. Use 45-minute set compounds if you are above 25degC.

You can stop a garage ceiling from submerging in a roof cavity that is not insulated.

Issue: The temperature of the roof cavity can exceed 65 degrees Celsius in the later part of the day. This heats the surface of the board joints way beyond ambient.

Reschedule a taping coat to be worn first thing in the AM or if you are using hot compounds for 45 minutes.

Stop raking ceilings and apex joints.

Issues High temperatures are caused by little air space and proximity to the roof material.

Cure Again, it is best to schedule this in the morning to lower temperatures. On apexes where the back of your joint might be exposed to heat from the roof cavity, it is a good idea to use a shorter set time (45 minutes).