Sheetrock joint compound freezing?

Question

Every type of sheetrock joint compound (mud) has a warning to protect the container from freezing. I have found no explanation of why. What happens to the compound if it freezes and thaws? It seems fine to me.

Answer 1

it would be too liquidy, so to avoid that u would have to stir it up really well. if you don't stir it up it will crack after applying it.

Answer 2

I live in a winter climate and during the cold snaps I have left mud in my SUV overnight and it frooze up, this has happened several times and I've defrosted it and used it with no problems as of yet.  

Answer 3

The joint compound uses a water base.

When water freezes it expands.

This could cause the container to break, and therefore leak.

IF it froze and thawed, you would then need to mix the compound before using to get the proper consistency as the water separates from the solids when it freezes.  Other than that there is no problem.