Installing PVC in Cold Weather

Cold-weather installation protocols should be followed when the ambient temperature is 40 F or lower.

Membranes should be between 60 F and 80 F during installation.

Allow extra time for sheets to relax.

Only unwrap material that will be installed that day.

Tap the sun’s energy! Remove the outer wrapping and unroll the membrane. Flip the membrane over so that the darker side is facing up. It will absorb the sun’s energy, helping the membrane relax more quickly.

Welding techniques and parameters must be adjusted when working in cold temperatures.

• In general, welding speeds must be decreased.
• Test welds are vital to ensure weld quality. When using automatic welders, it is imperative that test welds be conducted at start-up of the welder and after the welder has been shut down. Test welds also should be conducted when using hand welders, due to the slower speeds required to achieve a proper weld.

Note: The above are general guidelines. Please consult the relevant Product Data Sheet (PDS) for more information about the specific membrane being used.