subject: Building During Winter Months [print this page] The Northwest winters do provide challenges for builders however, experience and the right tools can minimize the impact weather can have on a new home start. In addition, there can be many weather advantages to starting a project during the fall or winter months.
Soil conditions during the fall or winter months are typically drier. Less mud and water on the job site insures the footings and foundation can be completed without the complication of standing water, especially in clay-type soils with poor drainage. Another advantage to a fall start is the lack of load limits. Many of the roads that serve residential home sites are not all-weather roads and vehicle weight is restricted on these roads during spring months. The start of this Spring Break Up can vary from year to year but we typically plan for it February through late March. These road use-restrictions can affect several key deliveries of materials to the jobsite including cement, trusses, exterior beams and framing packages. If we have not started the project before the road restrictions are put in place, excavation contractors are often unable to mobilize to the job until the load limits are removed, delaying the start of the job for weeks. Getting a foundation in the ground during the fall or winter months helps us avoid these spring delays completely.
Protecting construction materials during winter months is important. Freezing can be prevented by using insulated blankets to protect the ground in the exposed excavation area as well as, to protect footings as they are curing. Concrete additives are commonly used during colder months to speed the cure-time of the concrete. Then protection of the new foundation is critical, yet easily accomplished, using insulated concrete blankets.
Framing lumber is covered on site and installed as soon as it is delivered. All cedar trim material is pre-stained by our painting contractor in the shop before it is installed on-site to protect it from weathering. Once the home is framed and the roofing material installed, the new home is thoroughly dried using large electric heaters. Our investment in these more expensive heaters insures the home is completely dry in preparation for the insulation, drywall and interior paint stages of construction.
A fall start typically means a spring completion on an average sized home. As we turn the corner to spring, exterior painting can be finalized once recommended temperatures are reached and exterior concrete slabs and walkways can be completed and sealed. Spring is an ideal time to establish final grade and landscaping. In our area, plant nurseries have the best selection of planting materials available in the spring so, not only do you have the advantage of a variety of healthy plant choices, young trees and perennials selected for your new landscaping have time to establish before the hotter summer months approach.
Our teams experience building homes during all seasons means we can help you plan and start your new home dependent on what works best for you and not the weather. To learn more about what Rosenberger Construction can offer you please visit our website at www.rosenbergerhomes.com.
