As I look out the window watching it rain (with predictions of snow this week), I wonder why I do I live here in Wisconsin? Could it be because my family lives here and I want to be near them? Yes. Could it be that I was born and raised here and it feels like home? Yes. Is it that I was raised a Packer and Brewer fan? Yes again.

But one of the reasons I stay is because I enjoy the change of the seasons four times every year. I love the new growth of spring and the warmth of summer. I love the colors of fall and the first blanket of snow in the winter. However, for many of us, the change of season means a change in installation procedures. This week I thought I would remind everyone of the possible changes that may become necessary as temperatures go up and the moisture increases.

First of all, remember that urethane uses moisture to cure. When the temperature rises, the air can hold more actual water droplets, which influences the behavior of your urethane. The “tack-free time” (working time) will be reduced due to the increase of moisture. Because of this, make sure all your preparations are complete before you open the tube of urethane.

Are the primers applied and dry?

Are the moulding clips installed and positioned?

Is the application tip adjusted and ready to go?

How are you handling the gravity stop issue?

Are you enlisting help in setting the glass?

Do you have to setup a setting tool?

Only when these questions are all answered satisfactorily can you apply the bead. Set the glass as soon as possible.

How are you going to store and rotate the stock of urethane? Remember when the temperatures rise, the urethane and supporting products may have to be stored differently to facilitate application and usability of the adhesive. Check your tech sheets to remind yourself of the storage limitations.

You cannot install in a rain storm. Make sure that the CSRs are asking for the availability of shelter on rainy days or have the customer bring it into the shop. Remember that urethane must be applied to a perfectly dry surface. Any dampness on the bonding surface could cause the urethane to not bond properly or “gas out” and cause holes in the cured urethane bead. Yes, moisture is a friend to urethane but excessive moisture can cause bonding problems.

Spring is here and soon will come the flowers and the warm pleasant weather. I hope you all enjoy it. I will enjoy it, too, eventually.