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ALPINE SNOWGUARDS
A Division of Vermont Slate & Copper Services, Inc.
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Some comments concerning application of "roof
guards" at "lower" temperatures:
Bond strength is dependent on not only application
temperature, but also the attachment surfaces, dwell time, and pressure applied to ensure
good contact or "wet-out" of the adhesive to the substrate surface. In simple
terms, the adhesive becomes "firmer" and therefore more difficult to
"wet-out" as the temperature decreases. At lower application temperatures, the
bond built over time is also affected (longer time to reach "ultimate"
strength).
Testing by OEM automotive companies confirm that while
temperature can be a 'significant' variable affecting adhesion, the most significant
variable is pressure. When the painted sheet metal and/or emblems with tape were
conditioned at 40 F, a "sufficient" bond strength was still achieved provided
adequate pressure was applied at time of application. Pressure becomes an even more
important factor upon application at lower temperatures since the adhesive is firmer"
and requires the pressure to help make intimate contact with the metal surfaces.
Surface must "clean" (free of dirt. oil,
moisture. etc.) so that the adhesive can bond effectively with the surface. In this
instance, moisture (frost) might be an issue. Isopropyl Alcohol is the recommended
cleaning solvent for removing both moisture and debris. It must be followed by dry wipe,
especially in colder temperatures since the IPA will not evaporate quickly.
Store/condition "roof guards" w/tape at least at
60 F until time of application. This is the most practical step to take to ensure that at
least one of the surfaces, in this case the adhesive, will be at recommended application
temperature. In this instance, the warmer the better for part/adhesive conditioning, up to
125 F, since the roof surface temperature may not be so easily controlled.
If possible, heat the roof surface where the tape is to be
bonded to at/near 60 F. This may be done with a beat gun The heat should melt the frost
which can then be wiped dry before application.
It is recommended that end-user test product under
individual application conditions prior to use.
Alpine SnowGuards, Inc. will recommend bracket spacing
and layout patterns based upon the information you provide. However, weather conditions
and roof construction vary from project to project. The owner or architect must carefully
consider factors such as anticipated snowload, roof slope, and orientation, roof
construction and the area to be protected, in deciding whether the use of Alpine
SnowGuards products would be appropriate. Alpine SnowGuards' assistance in your project
design is limited exclusively to providing the specifications of its products. The owner
or architect is solely responsible for evaluating the structure to determine its capacity
to bear the retained snow loads.
