How to Manage the Storage of Aggregates in Winter
Winter in the UK brings chilly temperatures, damp air, and often unpredictable weather patterns. While temperatures are rarely extreme, the cold, rain, and occasional snow can still have an impact on construction sites.
The onset of colder temperatures, ice, and reduced daylight hours not only affect project timelines and the performance of your workers, but also the storage of building aggregates on-site.
As a leading aggregate supplier, we understand how quickly moisture can accumulate and damage aggregates and other construction materials. We believe the proper storage of aggregates on site is essential to maintaining the quality of these construction materials.
In this article, we’ll share our top tips to help you ensure the proper storage of aggregates on your construction site. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your materials in the best condition and ensure your project stays on track.
1) Choose the Right Storage Location
When it comes to using aggregates in construction projects in winter, choosing the right storage location is essential.
Warm, dry, and naturally elevated areas are best suited for storing aggregates as they prevent water from pooling around the stockpiles. Make sure the ground is firm and stable (ideally paved or compacted) to reduce the risk of contamination and moisture absorption. Avoid storing aggregates in any low-lying or flood-prone locations, as this can lead to waterlogging or the freezing of aggregates.
Accessibility is another key factor to consider, and that means thinking about how often you’ll need to access your on-site aggregates and how far you’ll need to transport them for use. If possible, store your aggregates close to the construction site to minimise transportation in the harsh winter weather.
Alongside accessibility, good lighting is also needed to ensure your team can work safely during shorter winter days. Carefully considering and choosing the right storage location will help you preserve the quality of your aggregates.
2) Install Drainage Systems
Proper drainage is extremely important when you’re managing the storage of aggregates in winter. If you fail to ensure proper drainage in your storage location, excess water from rain or melted snow can pool around your stockpiles and damage your construction materials. To prevent this, set up a well-designed drainage system around your storage area.
Use trenches, slopes, or dedicated drainage pipes to direct water away from the aggregates. Elevate your storage to keep materials dry and pay close attention to drainage maintenance, regularly clearing out any blockages.
Preventing water buildup will protect your materials from becoming unusable, reduce delays associated with flooding, and ensure you’re able to maintain a supply of quality aggregates in storage.
3) Stockpile Your Aggregates Smartly
The way you stockpile your aggregates in winter can affect their usability. It’s best to store aggregates on a solid, elevated surface, such as concrete or compacted gravel, to minimise contact with moist surfaces.
When you’re stockpiling aggregates, create steep-sided piles to allow for rain and snow runoff. Cover your stockpiles with waterproof covers to protect them from rain, snow, and frost. If you require smaller quantities of aggregates, consider using bins or silos to keep the materials dry.
Create your stockpiles with accessibility in mind, so machines can easily load and retrieve materials when needed. Smart stockpiling will help you save time and ensure your materials are in the best condition in any weather.
4) Separate Aggregates by Type
Many construction and landscaping projects require the use of different types of aggregates. From sand to topsoil and other decorative aggregates, there might be multiple aggregates that you need to store on-site at the same time. Properly separating your aggregates ensures that they’re easy to use and remain uncontaminated in winter.
Keep different classes of aggregates apart from each other. If they need to be stored close by, use wall dividers or any kind of physical partition to prevent these aggregates from mixing in with each other.
If you need to stack multiple loads of the same aggregates, build a pyramid shape for maximum structural reliability. Keep fine aggregates away from coarse aggregates, and give finer aggregates higher priority when it comes to wind protection.
5) Plan Usage Based on Weather
Winter weather in the UK can be unpredictable, so you need to plan your aggregate usage accordingly. Use dry days to move, mix, or process your aggregate materials-, and avoid scheduling heavy work on days when snowfall or freezing rain is expected.
If you need to move aggregates from one place to another, wait to do this on milder weather days to prevent your aggregates from freezing during transportation. You should also keep essential materials indoors or in well-protected areas, ready for whenever you need them.
By advance planning for the storage of your aggregates, you can avoid costly timeline delays and maintain the quality of your aggregates. Taking this proactive approach will ensure that your project stays on schedule, even during the harsh winter months.
Contact Middleton Aggregates for High-Quality Aggregates
Managing the storage of aggregates on a construction site isn’t easy even when the weather’s on your side, and it’s especially challenging during winters. By implementing these tips, you can preserve the quality of your aggregates and ensure your project stays on track.
Alongside proper storage, the aggregates supplier you choose can make a big difference in the overall quality of your finished project.
If you’re looking for durable and high-quality aggregates for your next project, we can help.
At Middleton Aggregates, we have all the resources you need to construct your projects. Our selection of aggregates, fill materials, and plant hire services allow you to build strong and durable structures.
We’re located in Blackborough End, King’s Lynn, serving the Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk areas and providing friendly service that you can count on.
For more information on our products and services, visit our website or contact us to find out more.
