Long, cold winters are inevitable – especially living in Northern Wisconsin. At RVI, we don’t just brace for it; we prepare for it. And, we love it! You’ll probably agree that the beauty is incomparable.
But when you work outdoors, it takes some foresight and smart purchases. Our blueprint to beat the winter blues includes planning, preparation, and teamwork. We believe that every builder and tradesman should do the same. Please note that some of the links in this blog are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission if you take one of our tried-and-true recommendations.
Why Winter Prep is Crucial in Construction
We like to wake up winning – and that’s why we plan ahead. In our line of work, it’s also our busy season. Our many builder partners are anxious for RVI to insulate their projects, so they can turn the heat on for the rest of the season! This is a task that requires special attention to not only the temperature outside but also the operational efficiency of our equipment because winter is hard on our tools.
Residential Construction Winter Safety Tips
When snow-covered roads make it hard to get to job sites… when the sites themselves get slippery and treacherous… we gear up.
Tip #1: Take Steps to Prevent Slips
Alertness prevents unnecessary mishaps such as slipping on ice, and don’t forget to wear proper footwear. Our crew loves these efficient Ice Cleats, built to stand up to challenging work environments.
To further ensure safety, apply salt or pet-friendly sand to high-traffic areas on job sites. Trust us, this pet-friendly salt makes a big difference.
When clearing walking and driving surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, and job sites, go slow and don’t rush. Pay attention to every step, and you’ll reduce your risk of falling.
Tip #2: Wear & Bring the Right Gear
We encourage our crew to wear layers – not just for comfort, but also for practicality. Wool socks are a must when working in cold weather, and we’re big fans of Duluth Pack products for high-quality winter wear.
When it comes to driving, take steps to properly prep your work vehicle. We advise our crew members to plug in their trucks to keep the engine blocks warm and make starting the vehicle easier. Keep tire chains in the truck all winter long, add diesel exhaust fluid to your car kit, and don’t forget gloves, a shovel, and a bag of salt or sand. These items will come in handy in case you (or someone else on the road) get stuck.
Tip #3: Warm Up Your Products
In addition to cleaning snow and ice off of all equipment before using it, we have taken it one step further and rigged up a system to keep our products warm. We modified a Radio Flyer with an electric heater – coined our “Hot Box” – to keep gun foam, silicone, and our Tremco warm. The results have been impressive! You can also get your own Tremco, here.
Winter can be daunting, but with a well-set plan, the right gear, and the spirit of teamwork, it can also be productive. Join us in thanking all the builders and tradesmen of Northern Wisconsin for working through cold conditions, this winter! Stay warm and safe!
