When you are planning a land improvement project, it’s essential to factor in the ways that weather and climate conditions could impact the work. Hiring an experienced New Jersey land improvement contractor is essential to ensure that you have a successful outcome, especially since the team will offer the best strategies for dealing with local climate issues.
How Cold Weather Impacts Land Improvement Projects
The cold climate of New Jersey can be unpredictable during the winter months, bringing freezing rain, high winds, snow, and ice. These factors can be managed, but they have an undeniable impact on construction in the region.
When it comes to cold-weather construction, the ground, machinery, and schedule timelines are different compared to the summer months. Since the low temperatures can compromise structural integrity, it’s essential that extra steps are followed to ensure the materials are cured and bonded properly. We implement best practices and extra precautions to handle the harsh winter conditions.
Common Cold Weather Challenges in Land Improvement Projects
At Mikula, we’ve been serving the community in New Jersey for a long time and have worked out the best strategies for navigating land improvement projects during the coldest months of the year. These are some of the most common challenges that need to be addressed during the winter season:
Frozen Soil and Frost Heave
When there is water in the soil, and it freezes, it causes the soil to expand (known as frost heave). Unfortunately, this can cause damage to surfaces and foundations. Since New Jersey gets a deep frost, it’s essential that the soil is stabilized properly before construction to reduce the risk of damage from frost heave.
Reduced Soil Workability
One challenge of cold-weather construction is that grading and compaction are limited when the soil is frozen. Even though we have heavy equipment, additional specialized tools are necessary to break through the frost.
Project Delays and Increased Costs
While we try to avoid winter weather delays, the reality is that schedules are often impacted because of the additional steps that are needed. Plus, costs go up for heating and labor, especially since these projects usually require additional time to set up. So, be flexible with your planning and resources in case there are delays and unexpected costs.
Equipment Performance Issues
When diesel equipment is used in cold weather conditions, the fuel efficiency is decreased. These cold temperatures can cause complications with the equipment, such as thickened fluids, cracked hoses, and dead batteries. We keep up with regular equipment maintenance to avoid these issues during winter construction and throughout the year.
Water Management Challenges
When the temperatures are fluctuating, we might be moving between freezing and thaw conditions. Other complications can arise from melting snow and ice dams, which cause flooding, erosion, and blocked drainage. Our crews work hard to keep the systems clear, especially because we need to prevent ice buildup to avoid additional complications.
Proven Solutions and Best Practices for Cold Weather Land Improvement
Just because the weather turns cold in the winter months here in New Jersey, it doesn’t mean that construction projects need to be paused. We offer a variety of solutions that can make it possible to be successful with land improvement projects, no matter the time of year. Reach out to Mikula, a New Jersey land improvement contractor that you can trust in all weather conditions.
Soil Temperature Monitoring and Testing Techniques
Specialized sensors can be used to track how deep the frost is running and identify the soil temperatures at different levels. Then, this data can be used as part of the management plan to ensure successful strategies are used for compaction and curing.
Adjusting Construction Schedules
If possible, be prepared to adjust your schedule to avoid land improvement projects during the harshest winter weather. These cold climate impacts can have a major effect on project timelines. Build a bit of a buffer into your schedule in case there are any delays due to storms or high winds.
Selecting Cold-Weather Resistant Materials
When you are selecting materials for your project, make sure that you choose products that are designed to withstand winter conditions. We can provide recommendations for adhesives and low-temp concrete that work well here in New Jersey.
Optimizing Equipment for Cold Conditions
We have specific strategies that protect the heavy equipment during cold water construction, such as engine heaters and winter-grade oils. Additionally, shelters can be used to keep the machines out of the storm when the equipment isn’t being used.
Effective Water and Snow Management Strategies
Depending on the time of year, additional tasks will need to be added to your land development plan. For example, it might be necessary to plan for snow removal or add drainage systems to handle the melting snow.
Tips for Planning Cold-Weather Land Improvement Projects
Don’t worry: it’s still possible to have a successful outcome with your land improvement projects, even during the winter months. Here are a few best practices that will ensure a successful outcome for your project:
- Trusted Contractor: Hire a skilled New Jersey land improvement contractor who has experience with other similar projects in winter conditions. This experience can be a valuable resource and gives you the peace of mind to know that the project will be successful.
- Management Plan: Put together a detailed plan that addresses all phases of the project, including the materials and scheduling considerations that might be necessary during winter storms.
- Buffer Time: Expect that there are going to be weather-related delays, which is why it’s smart to build buffer time into your schedule. Delays might happen due to equipment issues, time for thawing, or other complications that arise. Make sure to keep realistic deadlines.
- Effective Management: Good project management will go a long way to ensure success with the land development. You need a team that brings clear communication and stays proactive with safety checks every step of the way. We are diligent about continuous site monitoring to ensure quality and safety at all times.
- Weather Tracking: Anticipate potential weather-related complications by paying attention to the upcoming storms. When the team anticipates weather-related complications, we can prepare and adjust the tasks accordingly.
- Insurance Coverage: Not only do you need liability and property insurance, but make sure that your insurance policies cover snow and ice-related damages. You need to protect yourself financially.
Hire an Experienced New Jersey Land Improvement Contractor for Cold Weather Projects
When you are working with a skilled New Jersey land improvement contractor, you can rest assured knowing that our team understands how to manage all of these cold-weather challenges. We are here to help every step of the way with your land development plan and implementation.
For more information about the available services that we offer, reach out to our team at Mikula. We are proud to have an excellent reputation in the local industry, and our crew is here to help with land development projects of all sizes. Contact us today to discuss your upcoming project.