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Cold weather home building offers its share of additional challenges when building a home or home addition. Of particular concern during a cold weather home construction project is the pouring of concrete. If the right precautions are not taken, the foundation or concrete slab may not cure right and end up cracking in short order. Snow and ice conditions are also part of cold weather home building. Besides making a construction jobsite more dangerous snow and ice can damage building materials and dramatically slow the building progress.

Cold weather home building also typically requires more time as schedule slips frequently occur.

If you’re planning a cold weather home building project it is important to think ahead on how you will deal with the unique problems that are associated with building in this type of weather. First and foremost avoid pouring the concrete footings and foundation in extremely cold weather. Yes, it can be done with additives included in the concrete mix and the use of insulation blankets or hay, however it is always preferable to pour a foundation in warmer weather, preferably above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even though you may not be able to start the actual framing until winter, if at all possible try to pour the footings and foundation in late fall. Otherwise wait until at least there is a window of 2 to 3 days of 40 degree temperatures for pouring the concrete. Keep in mind to ensure maximum concrete strength it needs 28 days of good weather to fully cure. In regards to a concrete basement slab floor, hold off pouring it until the home is sealed up. This way you can ensure both a strong and smooth basement floor.

Cold weather home construction can also impact the framing of the home. Cold weather can dramatically impede the framing process as it is simply just tough to work in. If wet weather also accompanies the cold, then framing may need to stop all together due to risks and dangers of personal injury.

Installing asphalt shingles in cold weather can also be challenging. Asphalt shingles can easily crack in cold weather and the adhesive on the back of them is not as sticky compared to when installing them in warmer temperatures.

By doing so you’ll help make a better environment for your inside subcontractors, such as plumbers, electricians, insulation installers and drywallers to work in. Not to mention, taping and mudding drywall requires above freezing temperatures to ensure proper curing.

Also plan ahead for snow removal. The last thing you want is subcontractors and delivery vehicles turning away from your project due to the fact that they can’t drive into the driveway. Make sure the driveway is plowed before sunrise since most subcontractors arrive on a jobsite very early.

Photo by Mark Donovan