Of all the obstacles that can trip up a construction site, bad weather is among the most egregious. Protracted spells of snow, rain or even excess heat can dampen productivity, and in some cases shut down the project entirely.
The weather is unlike other problems, like injuries and absenteeism, in that it’s outside the control of site managers. It’s therefore easy to be fatalistic. But there are a few measures that we might take to guard against various kinds of bad weather, which means that, provided we’re forewarned of the problem, work can continue.
Use the Right Materials
Your building materials should be capable of withstanding adverse weather, even before the outer envelope of the building is fully formed. Quality adhesives used on masonry and uPVC will ensure that they hold together, and don’t delay the project. Look for materials that are rated for exterior use.
Deal with slippery surfaces
If it’s raining, then a construction site can quickly become a hazardous place to walk around. The incidence of slips, trips and falls might increase, and with it the rate of workplace injury. Guard against these problems by installing anti-slip mats, especially around dangerous equipment or high-traffic areas. If the entire workforce is wearing the right footwear, then you’ll be better protected going into the spell of bad weather.
Deal with Wind
Strong wind can pose a considerable hazard, especially to work that’s taking place at height. Installing protective sheeting around scaffolding can absorb the impact of those stray gusts, and often deal with the problem entirely, allowing work to go ahead.
Deal with Frost
Sub-zero temperatures during winter can inflict damage on tools and materials, inflicting avoidable costs and delaying the project entirely.
Keep Records
A comprehensive record of the adverse weather experienced onsite is especially important if delays are foreseen. If you need to demonstrate that the weather has impeded the progress of the project, then this is the sort of evidence that you’ll be citing. You can corroborate your evidence using historical data from the met office.
How can I deal with the Loss?
Whatever measures you put in place to mitigate the impact, bad weather can inflict substantial losses. Depending on the contracts involved, the liability for any delays might fall upon the shoulders of the construction firm.
There’s not much in the way of consistency across the industry, and thus it’s particularly important that contractors look into the fine print. It might be that the contract’s definition of ‘adverse weather’ doesn’t meet what’s actually transpired. Moreover, it can often be difficult to disentangle exactly what’s caused a particular delay, especially if there have been other factors at work in delaying the project.