OVERVIEW
On an annual basis, the construction industry has to deal with frozen ground. The problem costs time, efforts, and money to fix. Frozen ground can be costly for some contractors because it delays projects and creates safety hazards for workers. Without proper knowledge, prep work might take longer than the project job itself.
Delaying work until the weather gets better is rarely an option. A company with strict calendar deadlines cannot afford to wait until the warmer months arrive. There should always be a solution for these scenarios, and here is where our company can help. In today’s blog, we will discuss how to thaw frozen ground and keep your projects running regardless of the current weather.
What Causes The Ground To Freeze?
Influence From The Weather
As soon as the cold months start rolling in, the ground will start to freeze. Two big factors are the air temperature and direct sunlight. After the cold wave arrives, it takes time for the ground to freeze. After the weather gets better, it takes time until the ground goes back to normal. It is often difficult to tell how deep the ground is frozen.
Some layers of the ground will have differences in temperatures. The surface will be warmer under the sun. Moisture will accelerate the speed of freezing, so if there was a huge rain store before the cold wave, expect some difficulties. The snow acts as an insulator. It will prevent deeper ground layers from freezing, but you will still have to remove it so your project can continue.
The Soil
The combination of clay, silt, and sand will determine how fast the groups can absorb moisture and freeze. Sandy soil will absorb more water and freeze faster, but it will also get warmer faster. Dense soils take longer to freeze and thaw. As soon as the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), the freezing will begin.
Potential Issues With Frozen Ground
Safety Hazards
The walkways will become dangerous; causing people to occasionally slip. Moving around the area will become slower and put the calendar into jeopardy. Companies which do not meet the proper safety standards will risk getting fined. To protect employees and customers, the contractor must remove snow and ice from the working areas and walkways. Serious issues could arise if a construction company is not waterproof.
Project Delays
Your construction project will face difficulties as soon as the weather turns cold. Curing, roofing, concrete pouring, and digging suddenly become hard if not impossible. It is important to seek information regarding soil types and seasonal weather in the region your project is taking place. With such information, you should be able to prepare the ground thawing instruments in time before the weather becomes too cold.
One way to deal with frozen ground would be to use heating systems. While this method might work, it is far too expensive and inefficient. Rental fees, transportation fees, and maintenance costs will ramp up and the solution might not be worth it – neither in the short or long runs.
ALCO's Blankets Are The Best Solution For Thawing Frozen Ground
Custom Made Blankets
If you your project takes place in an area with cold weather, the ground can suffer from deep freezes which make digging far harder than it should be. While snow can be an insulator, you will still have to remove it.
Waiting the winter out is often not an option. If you have to follow strict deadlines, there must be a solution in place to help you out.
Here is where our custom made ground thawing blankets come in handy. These amazing covers will thaw frozen ground, melt existing ice and snow, and keep your equipment engines warm at all times.
Create a favorable and secure working environment during the cold winter months. Keep the projects on track while saving money.
Amazing Benefits
- FREE SHIPPING
- 4.5' x 15' Blanket Is Stocked and Ready to Ship
- Other sizes ship in 10-12 business days
- 1-year manufacturer's warranty including heating element
- Thaw frozen ground up to 8 feet deep
- Power Cord: 6' foot
- No thermostat required with even heating technology
- Industry leading closed cell insulation
- Top of the line heat welded edges to keep water out
- Waterproof, Weatherproof, Durable, and Reusable
- Thaw frozen ground up to 8 feet deep!
- Maintain a temperature below the blanket of 60° F
- Socket plug included, shipped loose
Operate In Any Weather
So, how to that frozen ground efficiently? With ALCO's custom made electric curing blankets. Their power density and amazingly high temperatures will help with any ground thawing applications.
These blankets are not only powerful, but durable. They will continue working in the harshest of conditions.
You will save time, energy, and money. Focus on your project while paying little to no supervision on the ground thawing blankets.
The flexible blankets can be set up and moved out with great haste. The frozen ground has always been a challenge for the construction industry, but with ALCO's blankets, you can focus on your project with ease.
Serving The Industry Leaders
Uses
- Thaw frozen ground up to 8 feet deep
- Cure concrete in cold winter conditions
- Warm sand pile for masonry work
- Wrap around pipes to dethaw or keep warm
- Keep drainage field dethawed
Operating Costs
- Cost per hour to operate the pad can be calculated by the following formula: ( Cost per KW hour x sq ft of pad x watts per sq ft ) / 1000
