The post How Construction Businesses Can Prepare For More Extreme Weather appeared first on UK Construction Blog.

Severe storms, extended heatwaves and flash floods threaten UK livelihoods as climate change accelerates. For construction firms balancing tight project deadlines already, more extreme weather brings costly delays and site damage risks needing urgent solutions.

Assess Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Review existing business infrastructure to identify what facets weather could impact first when extreme conditions hit your region specifically. Flood map overlays highlight properties and access routes at highest risk – ensure you have waterproofing and drainage provisions in place.

Likewise, gauge extreme wind or snow loading risks to temporary structures like scaffolding too. Bolster frames correctly and clear heavy ice build-up promptly yourself or via subcontractors to prevent collapses mid-project.

Updated vulnerability audits ensure you implement appropriate resilience measures where they matter most. Custom emergency response plans help frontline teams react faster when sites face potential structural damage.

Look For Weatherproof Specialist Construction Products That Get The Job Done Right

Rather than relying on cheaper materials unfit to withstand the elements in exposed settings, specialist construction products now. Changing UK climate patterns mean traditional building supplies fail faster, unable to cope with intensifying storms, UV damage and fungi growth.

Consult manufacturers to establish new norms around updated wind loading calculations, water-tightness ratings, and mould inhibitors essential for robust external works lasting decades. Consider sustainability benefits in product choices too – permeable paving better absorbs flash floods during summers forecast to see up to 30% more rainfall by 2050.

While pricier initially, futureproof solutions avoid repeat replacement costs down the line when weather rapidly reduces ineffective standard products’ lifespan. Get ahead of climate change consequences now.

Collaborate With Partners On Resilience Strategies

Extreme events hampering access to client sites threaten income and strained relations unless you proactively warn them about potential impacts. Brief customers on potential weather risks that could delay projects, exploring alternatives like video site inspections during floods.

Equally, coordinate with partners and suppliers around contingency plans kickstarting when storms, deep snow or heatwaves hit. Collaborative emergency options for sharing workforce resources, equipment and access workarounds demonstrate professionalism in confronting unpredictable elements beyond your control.

Customers understand bad weather delays but appreciate proactive communications with solutions-focused fixes to get builds back on track promptly post-disruption. Unified readiness bolsters mutual support minimising lost billable hours.

Adjust Insurance Cover To Match Climate Threats

Most standard construction policies exclude damages from flooding, storms or freeze/thaw cycles rendering them obsolete as extreme weather accelerates. Liaise with insurers to adapt coverage addressing new climate realities across UK regions specifically.

Review excesses, exclusions, and limits to ensure adequate protections suit the scale of flood/storm destruction projected across at-risk sites. Consider adding supplemental policy products like Climate Risk assessments too providing incident response and bespoke risk management guidance.

Updating insurance prepares for a higher probability of site setbacks, preventing massive unrecoverable costs long-term if reliant on the outdated cover. Get clarity around what existing provisions will pay out (or not) when sites become inaccessible through no direct fault of your own.