As the temperature drops and the cold winds start to blow in, it’s a reminder that winter is just around the corner. Winter is a time where projects are temporarily suspended to ensure the safety of workers and equipment. However, there are instances when construction work must continue despite this season.
Whether you’re in a rush to meet deadlines or your clients have a special request, a plan still needs to be set to guarantee the protection of your equipment and workers. Although you may have a Builder’s Risk Insurance, preventive measures are still required to avoid unforeseen expenses.
One way you can prepare your construction site for winter is to have the appropriate heating devices in place. If you want to boost productivity and avoid delays, here are some things you should know when it comes to temporary heaters for construction.
Why Should You Invest in a Heater?
Many people are often hesitant to invest in a temporary heater since getting one can be quite pricey. Unfortunately, heaters don’t come cheap, and some may require the use of electricity, which means you’ll need to allocate a certain amount from your project’s budget.
However, you need to remember low temperatures can significantly drop worker productivity on a construction site. Even when workers wear the proper clothing to keep themselves warm, they can still get cold. As a result, they are more likely to fall sick, which will lead to a decrease in work output and increased costs for medical bills.
In addition, your equipment can also be a victim of the cold weather. Certain construction machines can easily break down in low temperatures, especially when they are not suited to work under such conditions. When this happens, you will have to pay for repairs and even replacements.
On top of all that, the absence of heaters can cause condensation and other forms of moisture build-up that can damage your building’s foundation. When moisture is present, there is also a risk of mold infestation that leads to respiratory problems for workers.
Taking these factors into mind, you will come to realize that investing in temporary heaters is really worth it.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Temporary Heater
Considerations for temporary construction heating are always required. You must prioritize safety, ventilation, and space. The following are some of the top options you can go for:
Indirect-Fired Heaters
These heaters are similar to those of a home. It requires exhaust ventilation to the outside air. This type of heater uses diesel, propane, and natural gas, which helps to produce clean and dry air. There is no discharge of byproducts, moisture, or other contaminants into the air, so the air quality remains clean and breathable.
Direct-Fired Heaters
Direct-fired heaters are powered by gas and propane. To warm up a room, they transmit all the heat created by the flame (as well as any emissions) into the area.
Direct-fired heaters work like a gas fireplace. The only difference is, it doesn’t have a chimney to eliminate combustion pollutants. As a result, this sort of heater needs ventilation to exhaust emission chemicals outside.
Electric Heaters
If no open flame is allowed in the area, an electric heater is a good option. These types of heaters don’t produce any harmful gases, so no ventilation is needed. They can be used in areas where gas or propane appliances are not permitted. However, a power supply ranging from 120V to 480V is required to run this heater.
Tips When Buying a Heater For Your Construction Site
Each heater is different, and it’s essential to choose the right equipment for your site. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
Tip 1: Invest in a temporary heater that has wheels and other components for easy transportation to different parts of your worksite as needed. You do not need to build structures or make permanent installations just to keep workers warm at all times.
Tip 2: Look for heaters with safety features such as automatic shutdown if tipped over accidentally. This way, there won’t be accidents involving fire or electric shock from faulty electrical connections or wiring problems that arise when using such devices.
Tip 3: Don’t settle for low-quality heaters just because they’re cheaper. Doing so can cause more problems than you originally bargained for. Instead, do some research and compare prices from different suppliers so you won’t have to worry about the overall cost of maintenance and repairs.
Tip 4: Just like any other construction equipment, temporary heaters need proper maintenance to ensure efficient performance in the long run. Failing to maintain your heater can lead to fire accidents and other safety hazards.
Tip 5: When it comes to choosing a temporary heater, you must first consider your needs and the type of construction site you have. Taking all these factors into consideration will make it easier for you to choose the right machine that is both safe and efficient in providing warmth for your workers.
About Snyder Specialty
Snyder Specialty, LLC is a New York-based underwriting facility that provides a range of property and liability solutions for personal and commercial lines. Specializing in coastal properties and hard-to-place risks, Snyder Specialty expands your current capabilities with proven solutions for complex risks. Find out more about the company’s range of services by calling (718) 362-8039.
