Winter can be a challenging time for construction projects, with cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions making work difficult. But with the right tools and equipment, you can continue your work despite the weather. With the right gear and a bit of preparation, you can make sure your projects remain on track and deliver quality results despite the cold. Let’s take a look at 9 essentials for your site this winter.

1. Wet Weather gear

Wet weather gear is an essential part of any construction worker’s wardrobe. Items such as waterproof coats, boots, and gloves are designed to keep them warm and dry when working in wet and cold conditions. High quality wet weather gear should be breathable and waterproof, so it can provide a barrier against the elements. Additionally, it should be lightweight and flexible, so it doesn’t get in the way of working. 

2. High-Low temperature gauge

High-low temperature gauges are an important tool for construction. These gauges measure the temperature of the construction site and can alert workers if the temperature drops below the safe working temperature. This allows them to quickly adjust their work practices as needed to ensure safety. High-low temperature gauges can also be used to check the temperature of building materials to ensure that they can be used, without any waste. This is especially important whilst bricklaying to ensure cements and plaster do not freeze.

3. Rock Salt

Rock salt is an important tool for construction sites, as it can help keep roads, walkways, and other surfaces clear of ice and snow, improving safety on site. This makes it much easier for construction workers to move around the site and ensures that materials and equipment can be used safely. Additionally, rock salt can help reduce the risk of slips and falls by keeping surfaces free of ice and snow. Making sure you have a constant supply of rock salt at all times is crucial to make sure you are prepared for an inevitable cold snap this winter.

4. Hessian sheets

Hessian sheets are an essential material for bricklaying in the winter months. Hessian sheets are made of thick, tightly woven material that can act as an insulator against the cold. This can help trap heat around the bricks, allowing them to remain warm and workable even in cold temperatures. Additionally, hessian sheets can be used to cover other exposed materials and equipment, helping to protect them from frost.

5. Tarpaulin

Tarpaulin can help protect materials and equipment from snow and icy conditions. It is also great for protecting your site from the rain. Tarpaulin is made of heavy-duty, waterproof material that can keep out the elements and keep materials and equipment dry. Additionally, tarpaulin can be used to cover exposed parts of a building, helping to ensure that the elements don’t cause damage, keeping wind and water away. Tarpaulin is an essential tool year-round, but especially in the winter months.

6. Drying Rooms

Drying rooms can help prevent materials and equipment from becoming damaged by the cold and frost. By providing a heated and insulated space, drying rooms can quickly dry any clothing, materials or equipment that have been exposed to the elements, keeping them safe and usable. Drying rooms can also be used to store materials that are sensitive to frost, so they can remain safe and usable throughout the colder weather. Additionally, drying rooms can help reduce the time needed to complete a project, as they allow workers to quickly dry materials and equipment and get back to work. With a quality drying room, contractors can make sure their projects remain on track and deliver quality results despite the cold.

7. Portacabins

Portacabins are never far away from a construction site at any time of year, but they are especially important in winter. Porta Cabins provide a comfortable, warm space to shelter workers from the cold. Portacabins are usually insulated and heated, so they can keep workers warm and dry even in the harshest of winter conditions. Additionally, they provide a space to store construction materials and equipment that need to remain protected from the elements.

8. Tripod Lighting

Tripod lighting is an invaluable tool for any construction site in the UK during the winter months. With shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, it can be difficult for workers to see clearly in the early mornings and late afternoons. Tripod lighting can provide the necessary illumination to help keep workers safe and productive. The lights can be adjusted to provide the right amount of light for the job, and can be moved around the site as needed. Additionally, tripod lighting can help reduce the risk of slips and falls by illuminating walkways and other surfaces.

9. Frost Proofers

During winter construction, frost proofers and retardant additives are essential tools to help all wet trades from concreting to bricklaying.  These products help protect the mortar from frost damage by lowering the freezing point of the mixture. This prevents ice from forming and damaging the mortar, helping to prolong the life of brickwork. Additives can also be used to improve the bonding of the mortar, making the brickwork stronger and more durable. Frost proofers and additives are essential for bricklaying during the winter months, helping to protect the structure from frost damage and making the brickwork more durable.

If you fail to prepare for the unforgiving winter, then you’re setting yourself up for a tough few months. Here at Wainwright Direct, we can provide all this equipment and materials nationwide. If you would like to know more, then get in touch with our team today. www.wainwrightdirect.co.uk/contact-us

Phone – 01494 863 872

Email – sales@wainwrightdirect.co.uk