Managing Construction Delays Due to Weather

Weather can often play a critical role during a construction project. Adverse weather is one of the primary causes for scheduling delays in the construction and contracting industries, with negative impacts costing billions of dollars each year in the U.S. alone. Heavy winds and rain in the spring, excessive heat in the summer, cold temperatures and snow in the winter, and other weather events can affect construction projects in many ways.

By understanding these factors, managers and business owners have a better idea of what to expect, allowing them to plan accordingly to minimize downtime.

What Constitutes a Weather Delay in Construction?

Besides scheduling implications, certain degrees of inclement weather sometimes determine whether or not a contractor receives a time extension for a project. The language within the contract almost always dictates what kind of weather might warrant a delay or extension. Contractors do not always receive compensation for missed time due to adverse weather.

There is much gray area concerning the difference between normal and severe weather. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), severe weather is any dangerous meteorological phenomenon that can cause social disruption or physical damage, or affect human life. This language is where contract terminology is critical, because a light rain shower can drastically affect anything from a simple electrical installation to a complex outdoor insulation project.

Adverse weather for a specific region usually entails anything that's outside the realm of normalcy.

Typically, there are four main factors that determine the justification of a weather delay. Those factors are as follows:

1. The delay falls within the terms written in the contract.
2. The weather activity directly affected the project.
3. The inclement weather exceeded normal weather activity for the season.
4. There is the detailed documentation of how the weather affected a particular phase of the project.

Preparing for severe weather on a construction site starts with weather awareness. Managers and supervisors should make it a habit to check forecasts regularly in the areas they are working. Last-minute preparations and adjustments can result in productivity loss and permanent equipment damage.

3 Tips for Managing Construction Delays Caused by Weather

If all involved parties understand what to expect when a weather event occurs, dealing with potential delays in construction is more manageable and allows for a much smoother project. Here are three tips to consider:

1. Clearly Define Contract Conditions

When both the owner and contractor are fully aware of what constitutes a possible machinery delay in construction, it eliminates many potential surprises down the road. All parties should thoroughly understand the contract content and language before a project begins. Some examples of proactivity include:

• Define acceptable delays: Both parties should clearly define what constitutes an acceptable delay and whether the contractor should receive compensation.
• Incorporate days for downtime: Building days into the schedule that take into account prospective weather hazards provides scheduling flexibility.
• Notify owner of delays: The contractor should give the owner notice of delay as adverse weather occurs, even if the length of the delay is unknown.
• Record delays: The contractor should maintain daily reports, updated schedules and accurate field records reflecting how delays will affect the project's overall timeline.
• Schedule meetings: Both the owner and contractor should make time to discuss the project's progress.

2. Prioritize Employee Safety

It's still possible to work in various adverse weather events, although some conditions could affect efficiency or production. Effective project management is critical to prevent downtime and promote safety. For example, crews can perform duties like marking, light digging and prep work during rain, when pouring concrete or paving isn't an option.

Here are several safety tips to consider during bad weather:

• Wear appropriate gear: In foggy or rainy weather, fluorescent raincoats, boots and slip-proof gloves can aid in maintaining efficiency while also ensuring visibility. Likewise, in cold weather or light snow, workers should have access to heavier coats, gloves, boots and hoods with fluorescence.
• Keep electrical equipment indoors: Workers should not store or use electrical equipment rated for indoor use outside.
• Be aware of lightning and storms: During thunderstorms, workers should be cautious of exposed metal structures that are high conductors of electricity.
• Protect the site: In wet weather, employees should use non-skid materials on the ground and place warning signs around the job site for slip hazards. Tying down any materials or supplies that could blow away in high winds is also helpful.
• Follow OSHA guidelines: Employees should always follow OSHA’s construction safety standards regardless of the weather.

While weather does impact construction, following these safety tips will ensure workers still stay safe.

3. Consider Using Management Software

To optimize efficiency and productivity, many contractors and construction companies have switched to service management software. Projects today are much more complex and companies increasingly face pressure to improve construction profitability. One of the most significant benefits of these programs is that they provide an enhanced and more transparent avenue of communication between the contractor and owner.

Among the added advantages of management software are:

• Contractors can communicate a delay or issue to the project owner quickly.
• Supervisors can inform employees of delays or cancellations in advance.
• Managers can create a reliable paper trail of weather-related documentation.
• Supervisors can set daily work schedules and assignments.
• Contractors can notify suppliers and delivery personnel of shutdowns.
• The features allow contractors to monitor deadlines.
• Many programs are customizable to a specific operation.
• The software can lead to better decision-making.

Implementing new construction management software takes commitment, effort and time, but the results can be gratifying.

Choose Cleveland Brothers for Your Construction Equipment Needs

As an authorized Pennsylvania Cat^® dealer, Cleveland Brothers has provided superior heavy equipment solutions to our customers for over 70 years. We support many industries and applications like agriculture, construction, landscaping, power generation and general contracting. We sell new and used equipment, offer dozens of rental solutions, provide service and maintenance, and supply a wide range of parts.

With 29 branches throughout Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and western Maryland, Cleveland Brothers is your total solutions provider. Call us today at 866-551-4602 or contact us online to learn more.