When You Should Consider Monitoring Weather at a Construction Site

Weather is a challenge that many contractors must deal with. Unlike a manufacturing facility that operates in a controlled environment, job sites are often vulnerable to the whims of Mother Nature. This unpredictability can result in schedule delays, additional costs, or sending workers home for the day. With easy access to weather updates via smartphones and tablets, contractors can better plan and mitigate risks.

From excavation to painting, weather can significantly impact various phases of construction. Fortunately, new tools and technologies can help track conditions and improve predictions, keeping projects on track. For some jobs, reviewing the forecast a day or two before is fine. Other times, it is important to keep a constant eye on the weather. Let’s look at a few different scenarios.

Digging a foundation

For an excavation contractor, if heavy rains are forecasted for the evening after digging a foundation, the hole may retain water and require dewatering before installation of footings. Also, depending on the type of soil, the inspector may require the removal of any soft mud before the footing pour. In this scenario, the excavator may want to wait until the next day to dig the foundation or wait for a stretch of better weather. 

Pouring concrete

When it comes to concrete work, light rain may not affect setting forms and pouring walls, but flatwork is a whole different story. Rain can affect the surface appearance and the strength of the concrete. And temperature, humidity, wind, and sun can all impact the amount of time it takes to set. Walking on freshly poured concrete too early will destroy the finish. Monitoring the weather moment by moment is critical when doing flatwork and rain is in the forecast. Hats off to those concrete finishers who make it look so easy.

Setting up the structure of a building

Steel erectors must closely monitor the weather. For the most part, they can work up until it starts to rain, but they will not work in drizzle because electrical shock is always a concern. If lightning is in the forecast, they will stop work earlier. Wind is also a concern, as it can affect lifting materials with a crane or installing decking.

Painting an exterior

An exterior painter must have somewhat nice weather. While other trades may enjoy a nice breeze, it can be devastating to a painting contractor when spraying the outside of a building. Not realizing wind speed and direction could result in overspray causing property damage.

Remember to stay proactive—weather can change unexpectedly, but with the right monitoring systems and awareness, you can minimize its impact. How has weather affected your construction projects? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!