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For a lot of reasons, Summer typically makes for an idea time to build your new house. The ground is thawed and easy to move, which is especially handy when it’s time to dig out the foundation. There’s no concern about pipes freezing or breaking, so plumbing can go in quickly. Construction tends to go a lot faster during the summer as, barring a few rain showers here and there, there really isn’t much in the way of setback to building the framework and exterior of your home. The only real issue with building in the summer time is the effect that the sun can have on your interior building materials such as floor boards and other wood products in particular.
What Can Happen?
The humidity has a tendency to climb in the summertime heat, which can really have an effect on the wooden components that make up the interior in your home. Humidity can cause the wood to swell and expand, and while you can still work with it in this state, it’s not suggested. The problem is, while it might go in snug and tight now, when the wood shrinks back down, you’ll have gaps between the planks that can end up causing more damage in the future.
Floor boards are one of the more susceptible materials when building a new home in the summer, but it’s not the only material. Wooden window frames are another one that can be notorious for swelling making it obscenely difficult to get your windows to fit if your frame is tight. Then, once the swelling goes down, you run the issue of it being loose which can cause drafts or heat loss in the winter, which can impact your heating bills.
How to Correct this Issue
It ultimately comes down to a matter of being mindful during construction. While you might not be able to control the humidity outside the house. Once the outer construction is complete, you can bring the floor boards and other materials in doors which will help protect it from the environment. Once you get your materials indoors, give them some time to acclimate, this will minimize the swelling and allow for a more consistent application or installation. This also applies to your windows, cabinets, and any other wooden building materials that you might be working with during the completion of the interior for your home.
UV Damage can Also Cause Problems
Another concern about working in the summer time is direct sunlight. When the sun starts beating down on your building materials you can run into some issues, such as discoloration, fading, cracking, and warping. While a little bit of sun isn’t the end of the world, it’s important that you get your materials either inside or at least in the shade, sooner rather than later. Getting your materials out of direct sunlight will limit the damage and keep them not only looking good, but will keep them strong and lasting longer.
All told, building in the summer time is usually advantageous when it comes to completion time and ease of building. Just be mindful of your materials and you’ll be enjoying the cool comfort of your new home in no time.
Citations:
Ken Uhrich likes houses. In fact he lives in one. You can drop him a line at the Custom Home Group website.
September 26, 2016
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