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Builders Prep Job Sites for Winter Weather
As winter approaches, commercial builders will need to ensure that their job sites are ready for the winter weather. Early planning is key for business owners so they can determine which construction projects can safely take place during the winter and prepare those sites accordingly. Many construction tasks can still be accomplished in cold weather with appropriate warming equipment, but concrete work, masonry work, drywalling, and painting can take much longer to cure, or can even fail without proper temperatures. Here are some common winter weather challenges and suggested solutions.
Frozen ground
Ice can be a serious safety hazard on commercial job sites. Construction professionals should plan to have ground thawing equipment on hand, in addition to ensuring workers wear footwear with adequate traction (per OSHA). Ground thawing equipment can also help extend the construction season by thawing the work site. Before the ground begins to freeze, contractors must install silt fences, erosion control blankets, and other elements. These are much harder to install in frozen ground.
Excessive cold
Excessive cold can damage building materials and put crew members at risk of hypothermia, trench foot, frostbite, and chilblains. Provide employee-warming stations with heaters and hot drinks. It is vital to line up temporary heating and ensure portable propane generators are well-maintained and operating so they can be used in case of power loss. Backup power is a necessity to power buildings and support equipment like towables and charging stations.
High winds and snow
Blizzards bring high winds and snow. Flying equipment and small tools pose significant danger if they are picked up by high winds and deposited elsewhere. Contractors must ensure that all jobsite equipment is tied down, stored, or in truck toolboxes.
Propane’s Role in Winter Weather Prep
Fortunately, propane-powered equipment can help provide continuity during winter weather, regardless of whether it’s just cold temperatures or more significant snowstorms. If the power goes out, propane appliances and generators can still work independent of the electric grid to provide heating and power. The number one task to ensure the continual operation of construction sites when winter weather is approaching is to make sure all the propane tanks are filled.
- Propane-powered mobile backup generators provide portable power that can operate tools, heaters, fans, and temporary heating systems. They can also provide backup power for jobsite trailers and sales centers in case of severe winter storms. In moderate winter weather, when limited operations can continue, you may want to keep the sales center open and a skeleton crew of essential workers on hand. Employees will need a functioning jobsite that has adequate power and climate control.
- Temporary heating powered by propane includes direct and indirect fired heaters, as well as make-up air heaters to provide environmental heat. Remember, never use an outdoor propane heater indoors.
- Ground thawing equipment can help extend the construction season by thawing the work site.
- Concrete curing machines help concrete to cure when temperatures dip too low. According to the Portland Cement Association, in order for concrete to reach necessary strength, it can’t be allowed to freeze for the first 24 hours after being poured and placed. Supplemental heating systems and enclosures must be used if necessary to keep the concrete at the required temperature and moisture level required for curing.
Ed Parker, owner of Ohio Temporary Heating and Air, has experience developing and selling propane power generation equipment for temporary heating and portable power needs. His company rents temporary construction equipment including climate control systems, portable generators, ground thawing/concrete curing and propane services. Parker notes, “Most people think that the reason contractors have heaters on job sites is to keep their employees warm. But in fact, it’s typically the general contractor’s responsibility to maintain a temperature of 55 degrees inside the building once the roof is on so that the other trades can continue their work. Electricians can pull wire, painters can paint, and drywallers can drywall.” Parker also wants builders to be aware that there are engineering guides used to determine the propane tank size required based on the size of temporary heating equipment. “Your temporary construction equipment rental company will help you determine the appropriate propane power generation and temporary heating equipment for your job.”
Propane generators can be mounted on trailers with on-board tanks, making them portable and able to run for several days without having to tie into a larger tank. They can also be connected to larger tanks for extended use, providing continuous power without interruption and eliminating the need for frequent fuel deliveries, a common problem with diesel generators. Parker says, “We have a fleet of over 400 propane generators, which is unique in the temporary construction equipment industry, as most companies only offer diesel generators. Unlike traditional diesel generators, our equipment runs on propane year-round, offering operating costs about 1/3 less than diesel. The fuel savings alone will pay almost the entire rental cost of the generator for the construction site.”
Winter Readiness with Propane
In some regions, winter brings frozen ground, excessive cold, high winds, and heavy snow – all challenges to the continuing operation of commercial job sites. When planning for your next winter build, choose propane to get you through the season. From temporary heating, concrete curing, and ground thawing equipment to backup generators, propane-powered temporary construction equipment will keep your crew working hard and equipment running smoothly.
