Concrete blocks poured into the frozen or semi-frozen ground will crack during the spring as the soil warms and settles into its normal position.Pouring concrete in the winter can ruin a project.Frozen Ground Issues During Cold-Weather Constructionįrozen ground presents a significant challenge during and after cold weather, which leads to costly project delays and unhappy clients: Our strong and durable waterproofing products stop structurally damaging and unhealthy mold due to condensation, to enhance the performance of the insulation and HVAC system and improve the comfort and IAQ level of the structure’s interior. In addition, the barrier’s strength should resist damage during and after installation to stop potential air leaks.įortunately, Poly Wall® Building Solutions (a division of Polyguard) gives builders a cold-weather solution to air and moisture infiltration for above- and below-wall systems. It should also permit moistures that accumulate in the wall system to evaporate. The barrier should stop warm, moist indoor air infiltration into the cold cavities in the exterior walls and unheated attic spaces. The best house design for cold climates must include the best building materials for cold climates, specifically, sufficient insulation to stop thermal conduction and a permeable vapor barrier. Furthermore, air leakage can lead to damaging and unhealthy condensation and reduce the performance of the HVAC and insulation, which reduces the indoor air quality (IAQ) and comfort level of the home’s interior. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports that uncontrolled air leaks can add 10 to 20 percent to heating and cooling bills. Leaks and gaps in a wall’s assembly can encourage conduction and convection, which decreases the R-value of the insulation. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) mandates the R-values of insulation required to achieve best practices in insulating homes based on eight geological climate zones in the U.S. Home Insulation and Air Sealing for Cold Weather ConstructionĬold climate home design must include cold-weather insulation with a sufficient R-value to minimize the transfer of warm-indoor air to the cooler exterior wall system (thermal bridging). It is necessary to fully explain all the implications and costs of building in cold climates in order to establish realistic expectations for completing the project.ġ. Builders must address these issues during the project bid and contract negotiations with a client. Winter-cold weather construction presents several issues that builders must contend with to ensure a profitable year-round business, such as installing cold-climate, energy-efficient features like insulation and air barriers, and also contending with frozen ground, fuel costs, and safety. However, if a project can’t wait for temperatures to warm, work can continue with the proper preparations, planning, and communication with clients. Construction in cold weather can slow or even stop some projects due to frozen ground, high fuel costs, and safety issues. In addition, building cold climate houses challenges builders to stay on time and make a profit. Architects and builders of homes in cold regions must include sufficient cold climate insulation and quality air and moisture barrier systems to ensure airtight, comfortable, healthy, durable, and energy-efficient homes.
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