Ontario’s winter weather is constantly fluctuating, exposing building materials and equipment to undesirable conditions. In this blog, the experts at our building materials store share tips on proper storage to help safeguard your construction site against harsh winter weather conditions.
Why is proper building material storage essential?
Damaged materials cause delays that impact productivity and the ability of your company to meet the needs of your clients. The combined costs of replacing damaged materials and overtime labour quickly lead to budget issues.
Your business often has to carry the burden of those costs, as the issues are a direct result of improper storage practices. As a result, improper storage can lead to lost profits.
Improper storage can also create safety issues, including falling items that are not secured or stacked properly, injuries related to faulty equipment operation, and hazards related to blowing materials, such as insulation that can roll away in high winter winds.
Understand Ideal Storage Temperatures
Products such as paint have recommended storage temperatures to avoid issues that interfere with performance and appearance. If too cold, paint can gel, separate, clump, and harden, making it impossible to apply. If too hot, paint colour and texture degenerate and render the binders useless.
Fluctuating temperatures are also dangerous for paint, as this can break down the chemicals and lead to separation. While separation can often be corrected with proper stirring, it can be hard to tell if the chemical makeup of the paint is still functional, so the paint should be discarded. Other materials sensitive to temperatures include adhesives, solvents, and pressure-sensitive products.
To avoid these issues, paint should be stored indoors between 10 and 23 degrees Celsius. Having a hot box on site can help avoid issues with winter temperatures. Also, be sure to read the manufacturer’s recommended storage temperatures for products to avoid damage.
Protect Lumber From Moisture and Bowing
Since lumber and plywood are porous, they must be protected against moisture to prevent bowing, warping, and rot. Once wood absorbs moisture, it releases it as it dries. Unfortunately, if the moisture is not released evenly, it causes the board to shrink and expand in different areas, causing warping and bowing.
When exposed to moisture for long periods, untreated lumber will eventually develop wood rot, which can set in as early as a few months. Even plywood sheets that are exterior-safe should be stored to protect against the weather.
Therefore, ideally, lumber should be stacked horizontally on palettes, racks, or staggered bricks to provide proper air circulation. This also prevents moisture from seeping into the wood from the damp ground.
Covering it with a tarp can protect it against rain, snow, and ice, but again, keeping it raised is essential to improve air circulation in order to prevent condensation related to humidity.
Keep Cement and Finishing Materials Sacks Dry
Cement and finishing materials sacks/boxes are also vulnerable to moisture damage. Due to the fact that the powders react when mixed with water, even small amounts of moisture on the bag can lead to hardening and clumping.
As with wood, cement sacks require special storage indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area. Placing them on the floor/ground or too close to walls can also cause moisture issues. Thus, they should always be kept off the floor, and raised on palettes at least a foot away from the walls.
Beware of Packaging on Insulation Bundles
Although the plastic wrap on insulation bundles protects against water damage during transportation from building materials stores, it can lead to moisture-related issues when stored on construction sites in the winter. Therefore, steps must be taken to improve air circulation.
Never store bundles directly on grass or dirt. Instead, stack bundles two inches above gravel, concrete, or paved surfaces to provide proper air circulation. Slitting the plastic wrap at both ends of the packages will help prevent moisture buildup inside the bundles. You can also cover them with a tarp secured with weights to prevent the lightweight bundles from shifting or rolling away in high winter winds.
Reduce Condensation for Drywall
Drywall is another building material impacted by moisture. Like insulation, the plastic packaging used during delivery from building materials stores leads to condensation that will cause moisture damage.
Plastic wrap should be removed once received at the site and stored similarly to lumber to prevent condensation as well as warping, swelling, sagging, and moisture damage. Also, always store like-sized sheets together, as placing longer sheets on short sheets can lead to warping and sagging.
Protect Steel Framing Against Rust
Steel is a highly durable material, but it can be susceptible to rust when not stored properly in the winter.
The main concern when storing steel framing is avoiding moisture and condensation. While it needs to be covered, be sure to use vented plastic or breathable canvas to reduce the risk of creating a humid environment.
It should be stored upright and elevated on blocks or palettes at least four inches off the ground. Proper spacing will provide circulation, while ropes or chains should be drawn across the frames to keep them in place.
Proper Tool Storage
Tools and equipment are also impacted by winter conditions, which can lead to rust and tool failure. Proper tool storage helps maintain efficiency in colder weather. Although hand tools are rugged and can withstand most conditions, damp and freezing weather can cause rust due to humidity from fluctuating temperatures.
Workers should keep their tools in leather pouches/holders and bring their tools home to protect them against damage. If this isn’t possible, ideally, hand tools should be hung on tool belts in a dry, sheltered space.
Whether it’s improper storage of materials, or tools and equipment that cause performance issues, delays cost money that impact your bottom line. These tips from our building materials store will help avoid costly damage, delays, and injuries for a safe and efficient building site during the winter months.
Building Materials Store Delivery in Ontario
At Yvon Building Supply, we have been delivering high-quality building materials to Ontario construction companies, contractors, and builders since 2011.
As one of Ontario’s leading building materials stores, we have seven locations across the province ready to serve you. For more information about our building supply delivery, call us at 905-635-8700 or contact us online.
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