As we all know, winter is just around the corner! And yeah, it might be one of the most beautiful times of the year, not only because of its weather but also because of every celebration and festivity that comes along with it. However, everything is not flowers, roses, and happiness. For example, in the construction industry, there are many ways in which everyone’s dreamed weather can affect the construction projects that are currently in process.
So, in this article, we are going to tell you about the 5 ways winter effects can impact construction:
5 WAYS WINTER IMPACTS CONSTRUCTION
CHALLENGES IN FOUNDATION
Subgrade ice can form and make construction difficult when it’s too cold for long periods. This underground moisture causes pockets (of water trapped in the soil) below ground level which expand as they freeze over with more snow or other types of materials like rocks etc., once these areas start thawing out again because warmer weather comes along eventually – leaving behind an uneven landscape where buildings may be shifted off-site due to settling caused by expansion/contraction during different seasons. This can be a huge problem, not only for construction crews but also for the people who will be using these facilities once they’re completed. Remember that foundation is literally the most important phase and a foundation process gone wrong can definitely result in possible code violations issues. Check out the most common code violation cases in construction and its repair process with AG Contractors & Design!
2. MATERIALS BECOME BRITTLE
As we all know, water expands when it freezes. So, when the temperature outside is extremely cold and there’s water present in construction materials like concrete or mortar, it can cause these materials to crack and become brittle. This is because the water inside them freezes and expands, putting too much pressure on the surrounding areas, which causes cracking and breakage.
3. WEAKENED CONCRETE
Concrete is a great material for creating durable and long-lasting projects, but it comes with challenges. One of the most common issues that concrete contractors face when working in cold weather conditions are tweaks due to freezing during production time or early drying out which can cause them major problems down the line if not taken care of quickly enough before more damage has been done than just repairing what was already damaged initially
One thing you should always consider though – even at lower temps-is keeping an eye open for moisture. When water and concrete mix, it causes a chemical reaction that strengthens the material. However, if there is too much water used during this process, it can actually weaken the concrete once it dries and sets.
4. PAINTING PROBLEMS
Painting in cold weather can be a real challenge because of the reduced drying time for coatings. This can cause all sorts of problems like paint runs, sags, and – in extreme cases – freezing of the paint itself! In order to avoid these issues, it’s best to wait until warmer weather conditions return before starting any painting projects. Check out our painting services in Miami here!
5. FINISHING DRYWALL CAN FAIL
Finishing drywall is a seasonal job that requires warmer temperatures and the proper humidity for components like joint compound/mud to properly cure. If done at colder than 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit or in an environment without enough moisture, you’ll risk issues such as gaps between boards due to lack of compression; cracked mud because it’s too hard (and therefore prone)to curing improperly while being heated up quickly by your home’s natural heating system over time – resulting not only in uneven paint application but also shorter lifespan wall surfaces.
In short, winter effects can greatly impact construction projects – from the materials used to the painting and finishing. So, if you’re planning on starting or continuing a construction project during the winter, make sure to take all of these potential challenges into account! Remember that for every phase and every step of the construction project, AG Contractors & Design is here to help you in every way. Contact us and get a free estimate right away!
