It means far more than just wearing hats and gloves!

Winter is well upon us, so the construction industry is slowing up a bit. It’s just one of the necessary evils of this industry; if we don’t allow a little extra time for our projects, the cold temperatures can destroy their quality quickly. In addition to allowing extra time, it is important to know the specifics of how cold affects each step in the building process to best address some of the challenges:

Foundations – Grading and pouring foundations is tricky to say the least when working with frozen ground. It is imperative to excavate the land wisely with someone who is experienced with subgrade ice. Allow extra time to pour and address any issues that may arise with freezing temperatures. If subgrade ice forms at this critical time, there will be ongoing moisture problems in the foundation of the site and the building will be seriously compromised.

Concrete – Concrete needs warmer temperatures to cure correctly and maintain its optimal strength. The American Concrete Institute encourages the use of concrete blankets to slow the drying process during winter months. Far too many in this industry have seen concrete freeze before it dries. Digging it up and repouring is a construction lesson no one ever wants to experience.

Mortar and grout – These, in addition to many adhesives, need temperatures of 50 degrees or more for several days to ensure correct strength. If using them in an enclosed building, be sure to implement portable heaters to ensure adequate warmth in drying time. If this isn’t possible,

consider heating the building material before applying bonding or adding polymer to your bonding agent to increase the temperature of the agent and decrease its drying time.

Drywall – If walls are not mudded in warm enough temperatures, the strength of walls is compromised, causing gaps, cracks, and endless aesthetic issues when walls are being finished and painted. Be sure to maintain room temps of at least 50 degrees during this step of the construction process as well.

No industry can afford to simply shut down during the coldest months of the year. Creative scheduling and careful precautions through every step of the building process will allow your construction business to thrive, despite the addition of seasonal challenges!