Get Ready for Summer Building Projects
Because of the longer and lighter days along with generally drier weather, summer is one of the best times of the year to get outdoor building jobs underway. Lots of jobs such as roof repairs, building fences and garden walls, fixing drainage and
carrying out general maintenance will be much easier in the summer than tackling them in the colder months.
While good weather is important and can help a lot, a successful summer project still relies on being well prepared. Making sure you have the right materials, tools and site essentials before you begin your project saves time, hassle and
avoids delays midway through the job.
No matter what job you are planning this summer, our Building Supplies department includes a wide range
of products for trade and home improvement work.
Plan Before You Start
Running short of materials is one of the most common causes of delay for building projects, so before you begin, it is important to figure out what you need and allow for a little extra where sensible.
Where this is especially important is for jobs involving cement, timber or sheet materials where stopping unexpectedly halfway through can leave work exposed or unfinished. If you're working across several sites, planning ahead makes sure
you aren't wasting time making trips to buy more supplies and for DIY customers, it can make the difference between having a productive weekend and getting next to nothing done.
Choose Materials That Suit the Job
Due to the warmer weather summer is a popular time for concrete and mortar work such as laying paving, building walls and patching damaged areas. It is important to note that cement is not always one-size-fits-all, so you should
choose the right type before starting a project.
For many everyday building jobs general purpose cement can be suitable, while post mix is
designed for wooden, concrete and metal fence posts. For small jobs and repairs, rapid-setting cement is
helpful for setting quickly. While the warmer weather can be helpful it can also make mixes dry faster than expected, so only mix what you need for the job and can use in good time.
Another key material used in many summer projects is timber. For jobs such as shed work, fencing
and outdoor joinery you need to think about how the timber will be used, what strength is needed and whether it will require treatment, cutting or finishing.
Think About Drainage Early
Something that is simple but is often overlooked is drainage. Before work begins it is worth thinking about where the water will go. This applies to jobs such as laying a patio, improving paving and working on a driveway.
If drainage isn't considered it can lead to standing water which can damage surfaces and cause longer-term issues around buildings. If you plan drainage at the start of your project you won't have to deal with the hassle of lifting
finished work further down the line. Drainage products such as underground pipework, channel drainage or
fittings may be needed to move water away from the area of your project effectively.
Use Dry Weather for Outdoor Repairs
Drier weather makes damage easier to spot so it is a sensible time to inspect roofs, sheds, walls, paths and driveways. Carrying out repairs and replacing worn materials is easier in summer before autumn can bring heavier rain.
Small repairs are usually easier to deal with early, before they can become larger and more expensive. Looking for things like cracked slabs, loose fence posts, worn coverings, blocked drainage and signs of leaks is vital.
Keep the Site Organised and Safe
A tidy work area makes any job easier. Before you begin your project, consider how and where materials will be stored and how waste will be moved. Wheelbarrows, buckets and tubs can save time throughout the day, especially if you are heavy materials, or moving a lot of sand. Dirt and alike.
Summer working conditions can be just as demanding as winter ones, but in different ways. Heat, dust, and longer days can all contribute to exhaustion & frustration which can lead to lower focus and attention to detail. This means that using
suitable PPE, keeping drinking water nearby and storing materials safely is important. In Scotland you can never guarantee perfect weather, so it is wise to plan around the fact, the weather may well change for the worse - with wind and rain.
Get Summer Project Supplies from HIS
For summer projects big and small, preparation makes all the difference. With the right materials, tools and essentials ready to go, working on building projects this summer will feel a whole lot easier.
