Every year during the winter months (approx. November 15-April 1) in colder climates the industry is faced with the problem of Ready-Mix Joint Compounds freezing either in transit or while stored in customer warehouses or at job sites. National Gypsum Company recommends steps to prevent the product from freezing. In the event that the product is frozen, please follow the steps outlined below.

After Ready Mix has been exposed to freeze/thaw conditions, three physical changes are evident:

• There is an excessive amount of liquid separation
  
• It becomes very difficult to remix to a smooth, lump-free paste
  
• There are numerous crazing, cracks or fissures in the paste's surface
  

Note: These conditions vary in severity depending on how many freeze/thaws the product goes through.

Freezing does not affect the quality of the Ready-Mix as long as the container is intact and the material is remixed lump-free. If Ready-Mix is subjected to multiple freeze/thaw cycles, the liquid separation will increase and it will become harder to remix to a smooth, lump-free paste. It is recommended that an electric drill be used for all remixing.

Once Ready-Mix has frozen, allow it to thaw at room temperature for at least 24 hours. When thawed, turn the container upside-down for a minimum of 15 minutes. This will eliminate the need to pour off the separate liquid before remixing. Turn the pail right side up, remove the lid, and immediately remix with an electric drill. Ready-Mix should be lump-free and ready to use within one minute. Discard all Ready-Mix that does not remix to a lump-free consistency.