Prepare Your Building for Winter: Why Sikaflex® NP1 Is the Sealant You Need Before Freezing Temperatures Hit

As temperatures begin to fall, buildings experience new seasonal stresses. Cold weather causes substrates to contract, joints to widen, and moisture to enter even the smallest gaps. Without proper preparation, winter can lead to cracking, leaks, drafts, and costly repairs once spring arrives.

That’s why pre-winter sealing is one of the most essential steps in protecting a building. And when it comes to choosing a sealant that performs reliably in freezing conditions, Sikaflex® NP1 stands out as a trusted, proven solution.

Here’s why NP1 is the ideal sealant to apply before the cold weather sets in — and where it matters most.

Why Winter Preparation Matters

Winter exposes buildings to three key stressors:

1. Freeze–Thaw Expansion

Water enters small gaps, freezes, expands, and forces cracks to grow. This cycle repeats throughout winter.

2. Thermal Contraction

Concrete, masonry, metal, and wood shrink as temperatures drop, causing joints to widen and putting added stress on sealants.

3. Moisture Intrusion

Snow, ice, and wind-driven rain expose any weakness in the building envelope.

Preparing joints before the first freeze greatly reduces the risk of failure — and choosing the right sealant is critical.

Why Sikaflex® NP1 Is the Best Choice for Winter Prep

Sikaflex® NP1 is a one-component, polyurethane, moisture-curing sealant known for its durability and versatility. For winter readiness, NP1 offers several advantages that make it one of the most dependable sealants on the market.

Reliable Performance Down to –40°F

Sikaflex® NP1 has a verified service temperature range of –40°F to +180°F, as published in Sika’s Product Data Sheet.

This means that once cured, NP1:

• Remains flexible at extremely low temperatures
• Resists becoming brittle
• Maintains adhesion during cold weather
• Performs reliably in environments exposed to winter freezing

This wide service range makes NP1 suitable for cold climates and structures exposed to significant temperature swings.

Excellent Flexibility to Handle Winter Joint Movement

As temperatures drop, joints expand and contract. NP1’s ±35% movement capability allows it to accommodate this motion without cracking or losing adhesion.

This flexibility is especially important for:

• Exterior wall joints
• Precast and tilt-up construction
• Masonry control joints
• Sidewalk and slab joints (non-traffic)
• Balcony and façade joints

NP1’s elastomeric nature ensures it continues to stretch and recover even when temperatures fall well below freezing.

Strong Adhesion to Common Building Materials

NP1 adheres to a wide range of substrates typically exposed to winter weather, including:

• Concrete
• Masonry and brick
• Metals
• Wood
• EIFS and stucco
• Stone
• Precast panels

This strong adhesion provides a durable seal that helps protect joints from winter moisture and cold-induced movement.

Ideal for Protecting Key Areas Before Snow Arrives

Applying NP1 before cold weather helps prevent water intrusion, energy loss, and structural damage. Critical areas to seal include:

• Expansion and control joints in concrete
• Masonry façade joints
• Window and door perimeters
• Tilt-up and precast panel joints
• Balcony, walkway, and soffit joints
• Roofing and flashing transitions

These locations experience the greatest stress during winter and benefit significantly from flexible, winter-rated sealing.

Practical for Cool-Weather Application

While Sikaflex® NP1 is recommended to be installed at temperatures of 40°F and above, many contractors prepare for winter by:

• Storing cartridges indoors or in warm boxes
• Ensuring substrates are dry, clean, and frost-free
• Applying NP1 during daytime warming periods

When conditioned properly, NP1 remains workable as temperatures cool, allowing teams to complete sealing work during fall and early winter before consistent freezing sets in.

Winter is one of the harshest seasons on building joints, making pre-winter maintenance vital. With its wide service temperature range, strong adhesion, and excellent movement capability, Sikaflex® NP1 provides dependable performance throughout the coldest conditions.

By sealing key areas ahead of winter, NP1 helps:

• Protect against cold-weather cracking
• Reduce moisture intrusion
• Maintain energy efficiency
• Extend the life of building materials
• Prevent costly springtime repairs

Winter is approaching, Sikaflex® NP1 is one of the most effective sealants you can choose to prepare your structure for the season ahead.

Shop for Sikaflex NP1 at AWarehouseFull!