Every year, unpredictable weather, such as flooding and snowfall, impacts construction timelines and budgets. Research shows that adverse weather events delay 45% of construction projects worldwide annually, costing billions of dollars in additional expenses and lost revenue.
It can be challenging to predict what weather conditions will be like for the season so the most reliable precaution is to protect your construction site for anything. Below are applications in which plastic sheeting for weather protection can help protect your work site:
Redirect Water and Create Drainage Systems
Builders in climates with regular rainfall may know this, but for those experiencing more rainfall than normal, it’s recommended to set up a method to redirect water and create drainage systems. After heavy rain or a storm, water collects without discrimination and without proper drainage it may pool up in unexpected places or worst case scenario – it could flood your job site.
Plastic sheeting applications can be as simple as covering materials and directing the waterflow into nearby storm drains. However, if collecting rainwater is the goal, plastic sheeting for weather protection can be used to line a flood basin to securely contain water. String reinforced plastic sheeting is perfect to handle these applications, and leak diverter drain tarps are a great choice for helping to redirect dripping water through a standard garden hose to a designated container.
Protect Tools and Equipment From Corrosion
Corrosion is another consequence of severe weather which is caused by different elements varying from direct exposure to rain, snow, or the sun. Using plastic sheeting for weather protection, such as heat shrink wrap, can be extremely effective against harsh weather conditions or a combination of them.
The benefit of covering these construction materials and tools in plastic sheeting is that you extend the lifespan of these items and keep them safe from the elements. It is the ideal option to protect high value tools and equipment, including electronics, mechanical equipment and metal tools.
Cover Stockpiles to Prevent Damage
Plastic sheeting is most commonly used for coverage to keep stockpiles of wood, unmixed concrete, metal, or fragile materials dry. Builders can use plastic products to protect stockpiles against severe weather from the sky and keep them dry from underneath as it reduces moisture permeability.
A cover also prevents stockpiles from getting too hot or leaching into nearby water sources. Plastic sheeting constructed with UV resistance is ideal for hot and sunny environments, as it will last longer. In this case, UV resistant string reinforced plastic is recommended.
Create Temporary Roofs or Enclosures
Builders might need a short-term solution to keep their job site safe from the elements. Roofs are a huge concern as they may become damaged over time by the sun or are impacted by unexpected storms. The most common result of a severe storm are leaks which can push timeframes back due to repairs.
Thankfully, the benefit of using American-made plastic sheeting is that it is easy to obtain and install for temporary situations. Plastic sheeting products like string reinforced or heat shrink wrap are great as a temporary cover. For enclosures, it’s best to use a product suitable for outdoor use, such as SolaScrim™ which lasts up to 4 years as an enclosure film.
Related Article: What to Tarp a Roof With Until it Can Be Repaired
Recommended Plastic Sheeting for Weather Protection
At Americover, we offer several different types of plastic sheeting for weather protection for your construction site safety. With a variety of options, you will find the plastic sheeting you need to cover and protect electrical equipment, walls, built structures, and floors against the severe weather.
SolaScrim™ Reinforced Poly Sheeting
Premium reinforced plastic sheeting made with a layer of reinforcement designed to last through rain, sleet, wind, sun, and snow for up to 4 years. This product is in stock and ready to ship.
String Reinforced Poly Sheeting
3-ply laminate combining layers of low-density polyethylene film with a high-strength cord grid specifically engineered to provide a heavy-duty, lightweight material that won’t rip or tear. Available in 6 mil – 20 mil.
Heat Shrink Wrap
Wrap building materials in “drum-tight” heat shrink wrap plastic sheeting to create a weatherproof cover around buildings under construction, equipment in storage, boats over winter, machinery parts, and more.
Clear Fire Retardant Vinyl Sheeting
Clear Fire Retardant Vinyl Sheeting is ideal for protection in the event of a fire or heavy rainfall. Ideal for applications where separation is needed. It can be customized when ordered and follows NFPA 701-2019 Test 2.
Aside from providing coverage, you can also use non-slip plastic sheeting and sticky mat tacky mats to help prevent floor damage on the job site, keeping your employees safe even in the harshest of weather.
Find Weather Protection from Americover
If you’re preparing to weatherize your construction area and equipment, give us a call so we can walk you through all the different options. For more than 25 years, Americover has supported customers around the world across many different industries with our extensive inventory of high-quality products and personalized service—ensuring the right solution for each and every project. Give us a call today at (833) 261-6501 or start a chat with one of our knowledgeable experts.