| |
|
Repairing column with
the ART system
|
|
Working with Epoxy in Cold
Temperatures
|
It's the time of year we are often asked the question: "How cold
can I apply the Flex-Tec?" or "How can I get the material to
cure over-night even in cold temps?" Epoxy is an exothermic
curing material. This means it cures, not by drying (or an
evaporating solvent) but by the chemical cross-linking of
molecules. |
This cross-linking creates heat.
Generally, the colder it gets; the slower the cure, the warmer
it is; the faster the cure. The best rule of thumb is to treat
the epoxy like you would paint. Avoid temperatures below 40
degrees. The good news is Flex-Tec and Prima-Trate are both
solvent free and will not be damaged even if the temperature
drops below freezing. In temperatures below 50 you will notice a
longer time will be required for the material to fully cure.
With an average temperture of 40 degrees, the same repair that
cured over-night during the summer months might take 2 to 3 days
to fully cure.
|
|
|
|
|
A piece of Plexiglas is clamped onto the beam to form and
control area packed with Flex-Tec HV
|
|
Using Plexiglas to Help Form and
Control the Repair
|
Plexiglas (or any smooth, slick plastic) can help create a
straight and smooth repair.
Clamp a piece of Plexiglas to continue the plane of the repair.
|
|
You can even cut a specific angle
or profile to help as a guide to achieve the desired shape. Then clamp or tack with a screw
or nail to hold the plexi temporarily in place. The next step is
to follow the typical procedure of pre-treating the area first
with Prima-Trate then packing the area with the Flex-Tec to the
desired shape. Take care not to trap too much air creating
bubbles After a full cure, remove the Plexiglas to finish to
repair.
|
|
|
|
|
Contractor Profile
Duffy Hoffman
Hoffman Painting and Decorating Pipersville, Pennsylvania
Telephone: 215-766-3544
|
|
Photo of Duffy Hoffman |
I had
the pleasure of meeting Duffy about 10 years ago at a PDCA
(Painting and Decorating Contractors of America) conference in
Lancaster, PA. Once you have met Duffy, you will never forget
him. Duffy is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate
painting/restoration contractors I have ever known. Duffy is
active with the PDCA and PTN (Preservation Trades Network).
Duffy's company works almost exclusively in historic
restoration. Some of his most notable projects are the wood
window restoration at the Cornwall Furnace built in Eastern
Pennsylvania in 1742 and The Bonner Foundation in Princeton, New
Jersey. Duffy has been a Recognized Applicator with ART for 8
years and often helps us out at trade shows and training
sessions. -John Stahl-
|
|
|
|
|
Repair and
Maintenance are perhaps the key to making profits and continuing
the tradition of saving and giving new life to tired buildings.
I thank you for your interest and support in saving America's
buildings for the future. Let's show the example of repair
rather than replace. Let's show an example of conservation and
care. |
|
|
 |
Cheers,
John Stahl
Advanced Repair Technology, Inc. |
