EWI-221 Winter Adhesive 

EWI-221 Winter Adhesive can be used both within the reinforcement layer and for fixing EPS insulation boards to substrates much like EWI-220. The major difference is that this winter adhesive can be used even when the external temperature is very low – in fact, it allows the external wall insulation systems to be installed down to temperatures as low as 0 degrees.

Note: the product can be used all year round as a bedding adhesive to stick the EPS to the masonry substrate, but tends to dry too quickly for basecoating & mesh above 12-13 degrees Celsius. 

Preparation

The EWI-221 comes as 25kg dry mix. 6.3 litres of water need to be mixed with the dry mix to form the adhesive mortar. Once set firm and hard, it has excellent water and frost resistance and unsurpassed adhesive properties in colder weather. We suggest using a large bucket and adding the water prior to the winter adhesive. Once the winter adhesive has been added to the water, it needs to be mixed using a paddle mix until an even consistency mortar is produced. Once the winter adhesive has been mixed, leave the bucket for 5-10 minutes and then remix using the paddle mix. The adhesive is then ready for use.

Application

The presence of microfibres in the winter adhesive means that it will still set in a timely fashion even at low temperatures. This means continuous workflow when conditions would normally prevent it. EWI-221 Winter Adhesive can be used for two purposes:

• An adhesive used to create the reinforcement basecoat layer.
• An adhesive used to fix expanded polystyrene (EPS) to a substrate.

EWI-221 is prepared in the same way regardless of whether it is being used as a basecoat adhesive or to fix the EPS insulation boards to the substrate. EWI-221 should not be used for fixing extruded polystyrene (XPS) and thermal insulation on bituminous substrates.

Application Conditions

• Substrate primer: EWI- 301 or EWI-310 if a key is required
• Application temperature (air, substrate, materials): from +0°C to +25°C
• Water mix proportions: approx. 6.3 l of water per 25 kg of dry mix
• Time of usability after mixing with water: approx. 2 hours (temp. +20°C)
• Quantity to be used: approx. 4-5 kg/m2

Storage Conditions

Comes in powder form in a 25kg paper bag.

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid ingress of water. Shelf life: up to 12 months from the date of manufacture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.       What temperatures can I use Winter Adhesive in?

Winter Adhesive can be used even when the external temperature is as low as 0°C and can be used up to +25°C. Please note: the product can be used all year round as a bedding adhesive to stick the EPS to the masonry substrate but tends to dry too quickly for base coating & mesh above 12°C.

2.       How much water do I need to mix with Winter Adhesive?

Using a suitable paddle or pan mixer, you should mix approximately 6.3 litres of water per 25kg bag of Winter Adhesive until the mortar is consistent. Once mixed, leave for 5-10 minutes, then remix.

3.       Can I use Winter Adhesive as a reinforcement basecoat layer?

Winter Adhesive can be used as a reinforcement basecoat layer; however, in temperatures above 12°C, the Winter Adhesive tends to dry too quickly, and therefore other basecoats, such as Premium Basecoat, should be used instead.

4.       Can I use Winter Adhesive on bituminous substrates?

Winter Adhesive should not be used for fixing extruded polystyrene insulation boards (XPS) and other thermal insulation boards on bituminous substrates. We recommend using Aquabase instead. 

5.       How long does Winter Adhesive take to dry?

Winter Adhesive takes an average of 3 days to dry after being applied. Once the insulation boards are fixed, you can use Winter Adhesive for the reinforcement layer.