Here in Winnipeg, we experience some of the coldest winters in the world. Epoxy and cold don’t mix—but we’ve found ways to install epoxy for commercial facilities in even the coldest weather.
In this article, we share those tips and tricks with you—and if we can apply them here in Winnipeg, you can apply them wherever you are in the world.
Circumstances Where Epoxy or Resinous Flooring Might Need To Be Installed in the Cold
Generally, commercial resinous floors are installed in heated, climate-controlled environments. This isn’t always the case, however—cold storage facilities, new builds, walk-in freezers and fridges, unheated storage spaces, garages, and other buildings may all lack the climate control necessary to install floor coatings in ideal conditions.
Whether you’re coating a garage floor or a cold storage facility, the problem remains the same—epoxy resin is more difficult to work with in the cold and oftentimes can’t cure in the cold. When the epoxy installation is exposed to the outdoors, more problems may arise—precipitation, wind, direct sunlight and other factors can impact the installation of epoxy floor coatings.
The Challenges of Installing Resinous Floors in Cold Weather
Cold temperatures create several hurdles to proper resinous installation. These hurdles include:
- A slower curing time, or no ability to cure
- Poor adhesion to the substrate
- Materials that are more difficult to work with
- Bubbling, uneven finishes, and other problems
Resinous coating may thicken when exposed to cold weather. This makes the epoxy difficult to apply, which affects the finish. Coupled with poor adhesion and longer curing times when the temperature drops (and when the substrate is cold), uncured epoxy may never cure properly in low temperatures. This creates brittle, unsightly, and low-quality epoxy flooring.
Fortunately, there are ways you can install some resinous flooring in colder weather—but even with the right techniques and products, they still can’t be installed! However, there is a solution – MMA flooring (Methyl Methacrylate)!
The Solution to Cold Temperature Installation – MMA Flooring!
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) flooring is the ultimate low temperature flooring system. Similar to epoxy, it’s a resinous flooring system that offers anti-slip, anti-corrosion, and other useful properties – as well as incredible aesthetic appeal. Here’s why MMA is perfect for cold weather:
- It cures quickly: Even in sub-zero temperatures, you can expect MMA flooring to cure in a number of hours. You’ll be back in business sooner – even in a warehouse exposed to the elements or a cold storage facility.
- You can use it in extreme temperatures: Here in Winnipeg, we see the extremes of hot and cold. MMA flooring can withstand it all – from -40 to +40 and beyond.
- It’s durable: MMA flooring shares epoxy’s durability – it’s resistant to wear and tear, it’s chemical resistant, and it’s long lasting.
What is MMA Flooring?
Methyl Methacrylate is a polymer resin, much like epoxy. You can use it for the same applications as epoxy – the main advantage is that it can be installed in extremely cold weather, and it still cures in a matter of hours. We highly recommend it for cold weather installations!
Conclusion
With proper planning and preparation, it’s possible to install an epoxy floor in cold weather. As you’ve just read, however, doing so takes a significant amount of expertise and a wide variety of tools. As a Winnipeg epoxy flooring installer with decades of experience working in some of the coldest weather in the world, we can help. We have years of experience installing MMA flooring – experience not everyone has. Contact us today!
