In the summertime, when the weather is hot…

An Association of Project Managers study in 2018, found UK weather extends construction project durations by an average of 21%. So what can you do about it?

Sitting in the UK looking out at the rain and wondering where our summer went, it is hard to imagine what our European neighbours are experiencing with record temperatures and a searing heatwave.

But here in the UK, the weather can have a massive impact on construction site productivity and as we come towards the time of year when next year’s projects are being planned and budget cycles finalised, it is worth having a think about incorporating weather reports into construction scheduling.

Good weather, such as sunny and dry conditions, allows construction workers to work for longer hours without interruptions caused by rain, snow, or extreme weather conditions. Machinery and equipment can be operated more efficiently, tasks performed more effectively, and a steady workflow maintained in good weather.

Some construction materials, such as concrete behave differently in very cold and very hot conditions, concrete  can be very slow to cure in cold temperatures and can be difficult to handle through curing too quickly when its too hot. In general dry and warm weather can facilitate faster curing times, allowing construction processes to progress at a quicker pace.

Mud, waterlogging, and slippery surfaces caused by rain or snow can hinder transportation, movement of equipment, and delivery of materials. Dry weather allows for easier site access, reducing potential delays and improving overall productivity, as well as minimizing the likelihood of accidents or injuries.

All of which goes to show the importance of scheduling tasks when they have the most opportunity for success. Groundworks will be faster and more effective if started in Spring leaving the internal fit out for the colder winter months. Being able to manage the weather could improve your site productivity by as much as 15%.

The Met office has a very useful service specifically for the construction industry offering detailed location-specific planning forecasts based on 30 years of data that can predict the likely weather conditions, soil moisture levels or wind forecasts at different heights and thus identify the best and safest times to conduct operations. A comparison of observed data against 10-year averages can also support contract negotiations such as for extensions of time.

If you have a large-scale construction project taking place next year, this tailored forecasting service might be something to consider.