As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, property owners may be inclined to push construction projects to the back burner, waiting for warmer weather. However, winter construction presents a unique opportunity for those looking for a new building, and it can be an efficient way to ensure your building is ready when you need it.
One of the requirements for successfully constructing your post-frame building during the winter months is preparing the site and pad before the ground freezes, setting the stage for a smooth and cost-effective build.
Why Consider Winter Construction?
Winter construction is often overlooked, but it can be a strategic choice for those aiming to have their buildings ready for use in the spring. By starting your project during the colder months, you can avoid the springtime rush when construction labour and materials are typically in the highest demand.
However, winter construction does have its challenges, and one of the most significant is dealing with frozen ground. But if your building pad is properly prepped before the ground freezes, the construction stage can proceed as normal. The key is to start planning now and ensure your pad is ready to go before winter.
Steps to Site and Pad Preparation
By following these steps you can feel confident that your pad will be ready for winter construction.
1. Remove All Organic Material
The first step in preparing your pad is to clear the site of any organic material. This includes grass, roots, topsoil, and any other vegetation. Organic material can decompose over time, causing the ground to shift and settle unevenly, which can lead to structural issues down the line. Removing this material will provide a stable base for your building, ensuring its longevity and structural integrity.
2. Level the Site
Once the site is cleared, it’s essential to level the ground. For a successful build, the site should be level within six inches across all perimeter points of the building. This levelling ensures that the foundation can be laid evenly, preventing future problems with the building’s structure. It’s much easier to level the site before the ground freezes, so make sure this task is completed early in the process.
3. Ensure Proper Drainage
Proper drainage is critical for any construction project, but it becomes even more important during winter. Water can freeze and expand, causing heaving and shifting in the ground that can compromise your building’s foundation. To prevent this, ensure the area around your building pad is graded to allow water to drain away from the site. This may involve creating swales or installing drainage pipes to divert water from the area.
4. Designate a Staging Area
Prior to and during construction, materials need to be stored close to the site but not directly on the building pad. Designate a staging area away from the pad where materials can be kept. This area should be accessible to delivery trucks and close enough to the site to facilitate easy transport of materials during the build.
5. Maintain Site Access
Winter weather can complicate access to your construction site. Ensure there is a clear and accessible route for both material delivery as well as the building crew. This route should be maintained throughout the construction process, with plans in place for snow removal and ice management, in order to avoid delays.
6. Identify and Locate Utilities
Before construction begins, identify and locate all owner-installed and public utilities on the site. This includes water lines, electrical conduits, gas lines, and septic systems. Knowing where these utilities are located will help avoid accidental damage during construction and allow for proper planning when connecting the new building to these services.
7. Plan for Utility Installation
If your new building will require utilities, such as electricity, water, or gas, consider coordinating to bring services to the site or installing conduits and pipes before the ground freezes. Planning for utilities early ensures that the mechanical progress can continue once your structure is completed.
Prep for Winter Construction Success
Winter construction offers a unique opportunity to get ahead of the game and have your building ready for use by spring. However, the success of your project hinges on proper preparation, particularly when it comes to your building pad. By following these steps—removing organic material, levelling the site, ensuring proper drainage, designating a staging area, planning for utility installation, and managing snow removal—you can set the stage for a smooth and efficient construction process. Start planning now, and you’ll be ready to take advantage of all the benefits that winter construction with Integrity Post Structures has to offer.
To learn more about constructing your building this winter contact your local representative – Find Your Salesperson.
