Our top cold weather installation tips
When temperatures drop below 10°C, installing Millboard can take a little more care. These practical tips are designed to help you keep boards looking their best and make fitting smoother in colder conditions.
Always follow the standard installation guide first (link here). Use the points below as extra cold weather considerations.
1) Store and handle boards to prevent freezing
- Do not force boards apart if they have frozen together, as this can damage the surface layer.
- To reduce the risk of boards sticking, store packs somewhere that will not freeze, and where possible lay boards out to acclimatise before installation.
2) Take extra care with Durafix fixings
In colder weather, the surface can be less forgiving.
- When inserting Durafix fixings, work steadily and avoid rushing.
- In low temperatures, the surface may not close over the screw head as easily, so take additional care to achieve a consistent finish.
3) Fixing into Plas-Pro: reduce board “jack up”
Because Plas-Pro is a denser material, you may notice the board lifting slightly during fixing. If this happens:
- Drive the fixing in to roughly three quarters depth.
- Back it out to roughly half depth.
- Then drive it fully home to around 5 mm below the surface of the Millboard board.
This approach can help reduce the jacking effect and improve the final finish.
4) Keep butt joints tight and consistent
When butting boards together over a joist, ensure there is a 1 mm gap at butt joints. This helps accommodate seasonal movement so any summer contraction does not leave an overly noticeable gap.
5) Curved edging and fascia: warm it first
If you are fitting flexible edging and or fascia profiles on a curve, they perform best at around 20°C.
- Keep profiles indoors before fitting where possible.
- Warming the material helps it sit more naturally and makes shaping easier.
6) Mitres and PU wood glue: respect working temperatures
If you are bonding mitres with PU wood glue, follow the temperature guidance on the adhesive.
Depending on conditions, that may mean:
- warming the profiles and glue to the correct working range before bonding, or
- bonding indoors and allowing the joint to fully cure before installing outside.
7) Frost, ice, and slip risk: safe removal methods
Like any exterior surface, boards can be slippery when frosted or icy.
- To help remove frost or ice, lightly spread white salt over the surface.
- Do not use rock salt, as it can contain clay and grit that may contaminate the surface and act abrasively.
- Once winter has passed, clean with soapy water and a brush.
8) Snow removal: avoid metal edges
- Use a stiff broom or a plastic snow shovel.
- Avoid metal shovels, or shovels with a metal edge, as these can damage the board surface.
9) Plas-Pro subframe in cold weather: prevent splitting
Plas-Pro can become more brittle in low temperatures. If you are using it for the subframe:
- In addition to the 8 mm relief hole, drill a 5 mm pilot hole when using 6.3 x 90 mm hex head screws.
- Keep fixings 10 to 15 mm from the outer edge to help reduce the risk of splitting.
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