Depending on the region and climate you live in, construction timelines are likely to be affected. In Northern Utah, we experience four seasons including the heat of summer high temperatures, chilling cold winters full of chilly snowfall, and everything in between. Is winter construction a good idea?
As the fall season approaches, the weather is bound to change in Northern Utah. Contractors foresee the impact of cold temperatures, icy conditions, and snowstorms.
Is it bad to build in the winter? Is winter construction a good idea?
To simply answer the question, no. It is not bad to build in the winter but there is a higher chance of weather delays. Luckily, EK Bailey Construction is able to swiftly adjust the construction timeline to flow with the weather forecast through professional construction management services.
Our goal is to complete your commercial building as quickly as possible without sacrificing top-of-the-line quality. Our team is dedicated to delivering this by practicing the best construction procedures and techniques.
How Does Cold Weather Affect Construction? 5 Cold Weather Effects to Winter Construction
Slowing Down the Timeline
Cold weather can greatly impact the timeline of a construction project in several ways, as well as supplies. When temperatures fall, concrete takes longer to set, slowing down foundation laying, brickwork, and slabs. Along with the cold temperatures, weather such as blizzards, snowstorms, sleet, or even frost, can delay the timeline of construction projects. Concrete Finishers must plan around the weather forecast to ensure a successful pour.
Safety of Workforce
Not only do the Concrete Finishers need to plan around the weather, so do the Equipment Operators. Driving concrete trucks, dump trucks, machinery, and large commercial construction equipment to a job site can be a troubling, and even life-threatening task in harsh conditions.
In the northern Utah region, snowstorms and icy road conditions have been known to halt all progress of a construction project, especially for projects located in the mountains.
EK Bailey Construction believes in treating our workforce with care and prioritizing their safety. We understand how unsafe winter road conditions can become. EK Bailey Construction strives to protect the workforce from injuries on the construction site, as well as in travel to and from the construction site.
Slick Roads
Icy, snow-packed mountain roads and canyons make the perfect recipe for auto accidents. Many pieces of equipment are being towed and large commercial trucks are unable to reach a number of destinations when road conditions are bad. Delaying construction due to poor weather ensures the safety of the crew as a whole and reduces the risk of fatal road accidents.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast for your region or Utah specifically.
Affecting the Machinery
Additionally, plummeting temperatures can have a large effect on the machinery used to aid in winter construction. Certain machines are prone to malfunction when exposed to extreme temperatures, making for a dangerous construction site and the hassle of unnecessary repairs and expenses.
Impact on Supplies
The supplies used in construction can be impacted. Suppliers may protect themselves by stamping the concrete delivered to the concrete team. The stamp indicates if the product they send is guaranteed to be up to standard when it reaches us or after it has been applied. This means that if the product is not of an appropriate standard, we may not be able to use it. Suppliers may take this precaution because concrete rapidly loses heat and moisture in colder temperatures.
When is the best time to pour concrete?
Pouring concrete during the warmer months of the year is ideal, but Concrete Finishers must still take weather precautions to prevent pouring concrete in rainstorms. Concrete pourers and suppliers suggest the most ideal temperature to pour concrete in is from 40° to 60°F. The chemical reactions that strengthen concrete slow down when temperatures drop below 40°F. This delay can result in weaker concrete. This means that pouring concrete is absolutely possible in the cold, winter months such as December or January. With that being said, it is still crucial to take caution and proper planning for pouring concrete to eliminate compilations.
What time of year is best to build?
With all, building any time of the year is still possible. Nevertheless, we recommend building in the later spring season for the smoothest process. This time of year in northern Utah provides dry, cool weather. Building at the end of spring can possibly eliminate delays in your construction timeline.
Winter Construction by Professional Commerical Builders
No matter what weather mother nature throws our way, EK Bailey Construction is prepared to plan your commercial construction project accordingly. Our team is driven to deliver your wants and needs even as the weather forces the timeline of construction. We believe that your building’s quality should not be compromised due to unexpected changes in weather.
EK Bailey Construction is able to swiftly adjust the construction timeline to flow with the weather forecast, ensuring you get the highest quality building on the market. Our goal is to complete your project as quickly as possible without sacrificing top-of-the-line quality by practicing the best construction procedures and techniques. Contact us today for more information on winter commercial construction.