The expert named the key risks of construction work in the cold season

Construction in the cold season has become an established practice for the individual housing market and the low-rise sector, but it has specific risks. Alexander Korshunov, DIY and Acoustics Segment Development Manager at ROCKWOOL, told Izvestia on November 10 that the main problems are related to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

"At subzero temperatures, condensate shifts inside structures, which, in case of violations in thermal insulation or vapor barrier, leads to the formation of dampness and mold. To prevent such consequences, it is necessary to form a continuous thermal insulation circuit without breaks in corners and joints, as well as to use materials resistant to moisture and temperature changes, ensuring the release of excess steam from the structure," he said.

"Wet" processes are a significant risk in the cold season, as mortars, plasters and adhesives lose their strength at subzero temperatures. The expert recommends switching to "dry" technologies — frame or hinged systems with mechanical fastening of insulation, which eliminates the influence of cold on adhesion and speeds up installation. The alternative is to organize the heating of the site, which is not always economically rational.

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Improper organization of the construction site is a separate problem. Frozen ground can be an advantage with proper logistics, as it can withstand heavy machinery and prevent the formation of ruts. However, the materials must be stored in dry, protected places, since moisture trapped in the packaging does not evaporate in winter, but turns into ice during a thaw, damaging the insulation and deforming the lining.

Special attention needs to be paid to the foundation: pouring concrete at subzero temperatures is allowed only with the use of frost-resistant additives or in heated greenhouses. For private construction, the optimal solution may be a pile-screw foundation, the installation of which is possible in any season without waiting for the soil to thaw. Safety is also becoming particularly important — the increasing load on the power grid requires the use of cable connections designed for increased power, and protection of the site from snow and wind is necessary both for the comfort of workers and for the safety of materials and equipment.

"Compliance with these principles allows construction to be carried out in the cold season without loss of quality, and in some cases even with advantages in terms of time and cost of materials and services of contractors. Modern technologies and properly selected materials make winter construction a full—fledged alternative to summer work," concluded the specialist.

Earlier, on October 26, Vladimir Koshelev, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Construction and Housing and Communal Services, said that Russians who belong to the preferential category or are officially recognized as needing better housing conditions can receive a subsidy for housing purchase once in their lives. According to him, the amount of subsidies can reach more than 70% of the cost of an apartment. This is influenced by the categories of benefits.

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