Warning: Low-VOC mud is stretching out my drying days

More builders are specifying low-VOC joint compound for green building points. It cuts down on harmful fumes, which is good for indoor air. But I've clocked it taking up to six hours longer to dry in cool weather. That extra time means I can't tape and sand as fast as usual.

5 comments

5 Comments

wyattwalker1mo ago

Try a space heater in the room.

michael6691mo agoMost Upvoted

Just add more fire to the room.

william_garcia1mo ago

Ever hear about a space heater causing trouble? My buddy used one last winter and it almost set his carpet on fire, which totally fits with @michael669's joke about adding more fire. Just a heads up to watch where you plug those in.

the_simon1mo ago

Yeah, that story about the carpet almost catching fire is exactly why those things make me nervous. They seem so harmless but they pull a ton of power and get crazy hot. My old apartment had really old wiring and I refused to use one because I was sure it would trip the breaker or worse. It's one of those things you don't really worry about until you hear a close call story like your buddy's. What kind of heater was it, one of those little ceramic ones?

lindag331mo ago

Totally get the worry with old wiring. My last place had the same problem and I was always scared to run a space heater. What finally worked was getting one of those oil filled radiator types. They heat up slower but don't get that scary surface heat, and they seem way less likely to tip over. I just made sure to plug it straight into the wall, not an extension cord, and kept it clear of the curtains. Felt a lot safer after that.