Many people shy away from winter construction projects due to the complications this season brings to building. While it’s true that freezing temperatures, less daylight, snow, and ice can delay your construction projects, they don’t have to. You can plan for these winter-related issues to keep your project on track. Learn how construction firms like Rose Design Build approach winter construction with common cold weather concerns in mind so they can complete a high-quality project on time.
Adjust Schedules
Planning out your project ahead of time is always essential for success, especially when it comes to winter construction. This not only includes working around deadlines and holidays, but the length of your workdays as well. Because you will have fewer daylight hours you will have less time to work on your project on any given day. Losing light earlier in the day reduces visibility, increasing the chances of accidents and errors. When it comes to winter construction timelines, make sure you are planning for shorter workdays and don’t rush the process.
However, less sunlight doesn’t have to mean you cut your workdays short. Purchasing and installing powerful lighting can keep your construction site active even after the sun starts going down. Not just any lighting will do though. OSHA requires anywhere from three to thirty lumens of light depending on the construction site’s location and needs. Most commonly, these sites use balloon lights, equipment-mounted lights, and light towers to make sure they’re in compliance and can safely work in the dark. However, the need for this lighting equipment should be accounted for in your budget. Buying or renting, as well as running these light sources can be costly. That’s why you must plan out your project’s needs in advance to ensure it stays on time and on budget.
Select the Right Materials
When planning out your winter construction project it’s important to purchase materials for the building that can withstand the cold weather. Invest in weather resistant materials that won’t freeze and break like concrete, aluminum, or steel. These durable materials can be safely stored and used in freezing temperatures, ensuring the building will survive completion and the following winters.
Prevent Icy Accidents
During the winter months many locations will have to deal with snow and ice, which can be hazardous to construction sites. Ice can form on the ground as well as scaffolding and ladders, and other places construction workers navigate on a daily basis. These icy surfaces can be slick and hidden under snow, making them even more dangerous. To avoid accidents and injuries during a winter construction project you’ll need to regularly clear away icy debris. Apply salt to areas your team will walk on before snowfall. This will help prevent any snow or ice from sticking. You will likely still need to sweep snow away the next day, but ideally the ice won’t be stuck to the surfaces your team will need to walk on.
To further protect your winter construction site from falls and injuries, everyone should have non-slip boots. This way if a patch of ice is missed in the salting and clearing process there is a lower chance of a serious fall occurring. Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to construction projects, but winter construction sites offer even more concerns you and your team need to be aware of.
Keep Workers Warm
Another big part of protecting workers on your site is ensuring they are warm. Working in freezing temperatures for an extended period of time can put people at serious risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries. Make sure your workers have the proper winter gear like insulated footwear, thermal and waterproof clothing, and gloves that offer warmth and dexterity. However, protective clothing alone isn’t enough to ward off the effects of freezing temperatures. Every winter construction site needs to have at least one break area where workers can go to warm up. Workers should also be educated on the signs of cold-related injuries so they can act quickly and protect themselves.
Perform Maintenance
Just as the cold weather can negatively affect workers, it can also impact your construction equipment. Before starting a winter construction project, you need to ensure your machinery is able to operate in the cold and is resistant to freezing. To accomplish this task, you must perform regular maintenance to make sure the equipment is in peak condition and runs smoothly. It’s also important to use cold-weather lubricants and antifreeze to help your machinery operate smoothly, no matter the temperature outside. This will lessen the chances of your equipment failing as you will be up to date on how it functions and using the right tools to keep it healthy.
Get Started on Your Winter Construction Project with Rose Design Build
Winter construction requires detailed planning and specific elements to ensure the project runs smoothly. Part of this planning requires you to be flexible with your schedule as unexpected weather conditions could slow your process or even bring it to a complete halt. At Rose Design Build, we involve you in the planning process from beginning to end to create exactly what you want. Our in-house design and construction teams also work together through the entire project to make sure projects are always done on time no matter the weather. Contact us today to get started creating your next project.