Using Drywall and Finishing Products in Extreme Weather

By Cara Corridoni On Janauary 28th, 2019

Extreme weather conditions; either hot, cold or humid; affect the installation of drywall and finishing products. Cold weather, in particular, slows drying and increases the risk of freezing joint treatments. It can also cause moisture related movement in wood framing.

Preventative measures can minimize the effect of extreme weather on gypsum and finishing products which, in turn, can reduce the number of customer callbacks. I’ve asked the experts in our Gypsum group for their best advice. Follow the guidelines below for helpful tips and best practices surrounding gypsum and finishing installation in cold weather.

In Cold Weather

• Keep the room at a minimum of 50℉ (10℃) for at least 48 hours before mixing or applying materials for joint treatment or laminating one layer of board to another; keep the room at that temperature until materials are dry.
• Do not exceed 95 ℉ (35 ℃) when using a temporary heat source.
• Do not blow heat directly onto the wall; excess heat can make joints compound dry too quickly and crack.
• Remove the humidity caused by portable gas of kerosene heaters.

Extreme temperatures don’t need to halt the progress of the job but to ensure optimal results certain basic precautions should be followed.

For more information refer to the Drywall Finishing Council’s document on Jobsite Conditions for Applying Interior Finishing Materials or see CertainTeed’s article How to Install Gypsum Board in Winter.