Sikaflex curing temperature

[SeanF1]

Evening all,
I will be using Sikaflex 522 to stick solar panels to my motorhome roof. Does anyone know if the temperature needs to remain above 5 degrees C for the whole 24 hour curing period?
Many thanks,
Sean

 

[TinaLes]

Here you go The Sika Info sheet with drying times.
LES

https://industry.sika.com/content/dam/dms/gb01/w/sikaflex-522.pdf

 

[Ridgeway]

I always calculate 24hrs per 1mm for full structural strength, their chart suggests its faster. I guess for bracket bonding you’ll be talking about max 1mm maybe even less so as long as you can keep it above their quoted 5º for that period it will be fine

 

[stevec]

I believe they recommend 2 to 3 mm thickness. I use a tile separater when doing mine.

 

[Tombola]

Some usage instructions for 512 (not 522) but does state 2mm is the optimum thickness

https://gbr.sika.com/dms/getdocument.get/81048499-d15c-3eda-923f-148ccae8cd26/Sikaflex%20512%20Caravan.pdf

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[Gellyneck]

At this time of year make sure you protect it from frost whilst curing.

 

[SeanF1]

At this time of year make sure you protect it from frost whilst curing.

Thank you all for your replies so far. This was my question really. Can I use it at this time of year, for example if it's say 8 - 10 degrees during the day when I apply it, but it will drop to near zero later in the night, will it still cure correctly? (but maybe take longer)?

Gellyneck, when you say protect from frost, can this be done by covering it with a thick cover (blanket or rug) and will this work even though the ambient temperature will still be below 5 deg.....or should I just wait....?

Any specific tips gratefully received.
Sean

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I would wait untill there is some sunshine and warmer weather unless you can get your van indoors somewhere overnight otherwise you will always be wondering if it has set correctly and the panels are not in danger of coming off .

 

[Ridgeway]

Just make sure it’s above 5° and to be sure make sure it’s damp/moist as the curing will require water absorption, hence at frost levels the atmosphere doesn’t hold enough moisture

 

[Gellyneck]

Thank you all for your replies so far. This was my question really. Can I use it at this time of year, for example if it's say 8 - 10 degrees during the day when I apply it, but it will drop to near zero later in the night, will it still cure correctly? (but maybe take longer)?

Gellyneck, when you say protect from frost, can this be done by covering it with a thick cover (blanket or rug) and will this work even though the ambient temperature will still be below 5 deg.....or should I just wait....?

Any specific tips gratefully received.
Sean

Remember it will skin over after a few minutes so you can cover it fairly easily but would need to be "breathable"..
I would start the job as early as possible on the day you're doing it to give it as much time as possible before it gets colder. It's also worthwhile checking the weather forecast as, even at this time of the year, there are days where it's cloudy and milder without rain.
Having said that, if it's not critical I would wait until it gets a bit warmer to be sure.

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[Raul]

If need must, there is a way, providing you have a skylight. If it can wait, is better. Saves you doing it twice.
If you have a skylight, then open up , heating on, and Over the work with a tarp and blanket. The heat trough skylight will be trapped under blanket that covers the work. I need to do a awning rail. I’m waiting for temperatures to rise a bit. I’m sure it will fail if to cold, I don’t want to do it twice, with the clean up headache.

 

[599]

Thank you all for your replies so far. This was my question really. Can I use it at this time of year, for example if it's say 8 - 10 degrees during the day when I apply it, but it will drop to near zero later in the night, will it still cure correctly? (but maybe take longer)?

Gellyneck, when you say protect from frost, can this be done by covering it with a thick cover (blanket or rug) and will this work even though the ambient temperature will still be below 5 deg.....or should I just wait....?

Any specific tips gratefully received.
Sean

just a thought my old man put a thin spacer between the roof & the l brackets so if you need to take them off you can get in between & not damage the roof . we did just that changing m/h's off the second photo onto the first photo this is what we used Amazon product ASIN B0798C8QF6

 

[SeanF1]

If need must, there is a way, providing you have a skylight. If it can wait, is better. Saves you doing it twice.
If you have a skylight, then open up , heating on, and Over the work with a tarp and blanket. The heat trough skylight will be trapped under blanket that covers the work. I need to do a awning rail. I’m waiting for temperatures to rise a bit. I’m sure it will fail if to cold, I don’t want to do it twice, with the clean up headache.

Now that's a good idea. Thanks Raul