Cold weather adversely affects rubberized bitumen membranes in cold weather. It DOES NOT affect them after they are installed, but hampers the installation process when temperatures dip below 50°.

Rubber and asphalt inherent properties in cold weather are to stiffen, in the case of our membranes, they lose 'tack' in cold weather, making it difficult to adhere them without applying heat. The application is a slow time consuming process which can triple the labor required to install the membranes.

Polyguard is aware that labor is the most costly portion of a construction project, therefore, we have developed two activators for our product to enhance adhesion when the temperature drops.

Our solvent based activator is a product developed specifically for our compound formula. It is applied to the substrate (it will attack some foams, so test your substrate first!) and allowed to 'flash' off, then the membrane can be applied. It is NOT an adhesive, but rather a solvent based formulation which chemically softens the rubberized asphalt compound, giving it additional tack. See the Solvent Based Cold Weather Activator Data Sheet for more detailed information.

Our water based 'activator' is really not an activator, but is a water based adhesive. It does not soften the compound, but rather advances adhesion by being tacky. See the Water Based Cold Weather Activator Data Sheet for more detailed information.