What You Need to Know About Winter Construction
Contrary to popular belief, in freezing winter temperatures, concrete can still be poured, cured, and lifted into place. Given Canada’s harsh, snow-covered winters, to others, it’s often surprising to hear that we work year-round. But instead of asking if it’s possible, the real question is: why not?”
The Benefits of Building With Tilt-up in Winter
Tilt-up construction offers significant advantages for winter building projects, particularly in terms of cost savings. Unlike traditional construction methods, which can be heavily impacted by cold weather delays and higher labor costs, tilt-up construction allows for greater efficiency and streamlined workflows. Len Overbeek states that “tilt-up winter construction is typically 3–4% more cost-effective than traditional construction” (March 13, 2025). These savings can add up significantly across an entire project, making it a smart financial choice for developers looking to maximize their budgets. The ability to cast concrete panels on-site and erect them quickly minimizes the need for extensive heating and weather protection measures, further contributing to overall savings.
Completing foundational work during the winter allows for a seamless transition into warmer months, enabling both foundation and above-ground construction to progress simultaneously. This proactive approach accelerates project timelines, enhances overall efficiency, and minimizes potential delays, ensuring a faster path to completion.
Tilt-up always requires fewer trades due to its efficient, streamlined process, and winter is no exception. Modular concrete panels reduce the need for traditional framing, masonry, and exterior finishing, while minimized weather protection measures further limit labor demands. Additionally, site conditions and faster project phases naturally decrease the number of overlapping trades needed on-site.
Our Money-Back Guarantee for windows ensures a seamless construction process by ordering based on precise shop drawings. If the windows do not fit, we will resolve the issue at no additional cost. We will also provide a full refund for your windows. This approach also accelerates the project schedule, eliminating long wait times. Your windows can be installed immediately after the structural steel is complete, keeping your build on track.
Seasonal-Related Challenges
Cold temperatures can significantly impact the construction process, particularly the curing of concrete, adhesives, and paints. To counteract these effects, builders must use special additives, heated enclosures, or extended curing times to ensure proper bonding and durability.
Snow and ice accumulation can create hazardous working conditions and obstruct working areas. Regular maintenance, including scheduled snow removal and de-icing, is essential to prevent delays and maintain safety on-site.
Limited daylight hours during winter mean shorter working periods. With the sun rising later and setting earlier, efficient scheduling, early communication, and strategic task management become crucial to maintaining productivity.
Despite these challenges, with careful planning and the advantages of tilt-up construction, these winter obstacles can be effectively managed, ensuring your project stays on track and on schedule.
Necessary Precautions
Proper planning is essential to navigate potential weather-related delays. Contingency plans should be in place for schedule disruptions or worker absences due to extreme conditions. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 41.5% of weather-related workplace fatalities stem from ice, snow, and cold weather, with 40,000 yearly injuries” (Arif, 2025).
Workers must wear appropriate protective gear, including insulated clothing, gloves, and non-slip steel-toe boots, to prevent cold-related illnesses and injuries. Keeping workers warm and safe ensures higher efficiency and fewer health risks. The financial loss is eye-opening: “work injuries cost companies a staggering $171 billion in 2019” (Arif, 2025).
In addition, maintaining equipment is vital to avoid breakdowns in cold temperatures and ensure project deadlines. All machinery and tools should be winterized with the correct lubricants and warmers. Assigning a supervisor or site worker to oversee equipment maintenance ensures that all tools remain in a safe, working condition.
Specialized Tools
Cold weather concrete requires special care. Using insulated blankets, heated enclosures, or accelerators minimizes the risk of immediate and long-term damage to freshly poured concrete, ensuring the durability and structural integrity of the panels.
Temporary heating solutions, such as portable heaters and enclosures, help maintain workable temperatures for interior construction, preventing materials from becoming brittle or unusable.
Moisture control is another key factor for a successful lift and the completion of a project. Ensuring materials and machinery are in covered or heated areas prevents warping, mold growth, and irreversible damage, preserving the quality of construction supplies.
Safety Measures
Preventing slips and falls is a top priority. Applying salt or sand on walkways, scaffolding, and stairs significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on-site.
Emergency preparation is critical in cold weather. Construction sites should be equipped with first aid kits, warming shelters, and clear protocols for handling hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related conditions.
Regular communication helps keep the team informed and prepared for fluctuating weather conditions. Conducting daily weather updates and safety briefings before starting work ensures that workers are aware of potential risks and necessary precautions.
At Tilt Wall, we prioritize safety above all else, ensuring that every team member remains protected both on and off the job site. Our commitment to strict safety protocols, ongoing training, and proactive risk management has led to an impressive milestone—500 days without a lost-time injury. This achievement reflects our dedication to maintaining a safe work environment where efficiency and well-being go hand in hand. By fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, we ensure that every project is completed with the highest standards of safety in mind.
Don’t let the cold slow you down; take advantage of tilt-up construction and the winter season to get ahead on your next construction project and maximize your timeline and budget efficiency.
References
Trecek, D. (2024, April 25). The value of winter construction: How to keep building in the snowy season. Buildertrend. https://buildertrend.com/blog/winter-construction-opportunities/
Arif, S. (2025, January 29). OSHA cold weather safety: Winter weather tips for construction sites. Perry Weather. https://perryweather.com/resources/osha-cold-weather-recommendations/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Bureau%20of%20Labor%20Statistics%2C,and%20cold%20weather%2C%20with%2040%2C000%20yearly%20injuries
L. Overbeek, len@tiltwall.ca, March 13, 2025
S. Hickey, shawn@tiltwall.ca, March 13, 2025