Being on a construction site when it is in full swing is a noisy, dusty experience. Trucks and loaders are moving about conveying construction materials to help builders get on with their job, deliveries are coming and going while the whole building operation is being coordinated by site supervisors. It may look like organized chaos sometimes, but a good construction company will ensure that safety protocols are followed, and the project is run efficiently.
Efficiency is required when it comes to the provision and storage of construction materials as they must be on hand when needed and safeguarded accordingly.
Receiving and storing of construction materials is a management function that follows specific guidelines which are followed by all concerned on the project. If not, delays will occur, and safety compromised.
We at Stop & Store Lowestoft assist construction companies to make extra storage space that is totally secure and available when tools and equipment need to be stored.
By following a simple set of guidelines for the different construction materials, all involved know what is expected of them and the project runs smoothly.
The Storage of Materials
Because of the sheer size of projects and the amount of construction materials required, not all of it can be locked in a secure storage unit. It is critical to be aware of the potential of theft, as expensive equipment and tools are sought after by unscrupulous thieves. Not only that, but chancers are also known to make off with construction materials on weekends or in the dark. This makes security a particularly important consideration on a construction project.
Cement needs to be stored differently to aggregates like stone, while hazardous materials need their own safe environment. Tools and equipment must be stored inside, while wood has its own storage procedures. Chemicals should not be mixed with anything else as they could cause combustion and damage. Hazardous materials on the construction site require specific handling according to Health & Safety regulations.
Waste that is generated from construction activities comes in all kinds of different forms and needs to be separated and stored differently while waiting for collection. Waste materials that are suitable for recycling such as metal, wood, plastic, glass, and cardboard should be stored and collected by recyclers.
Storing of Cement
Cement as we know it hardens when it encounters water. Storage of cement needs a dry environment otherwise the cement is likely to harden and lose its effectiveness. Cement should be stacked on pallets and not directly on the floor to avoid the possibility of moisture seeping into the product. This will give a gap of 150 mm to 200 mm off the floor which is quite adequate.
As cement can start to lose its integrity if stored a long time, its best to put a label with the date of receipt and practice good stock rotation. Stacking should not be higher than ten pockets high, away from side walls, in a room with as few windows as possible.
Storing of Steel
Steel needs to be stored in such a way to protect it and make it easy to find the correct type and size when it is needed. By colour coding the ends with paint it becomes easy to identify the different ones in stock. A light coating of cement wash does wonders to help protect the steel while in storage. As the steel used in construction is either reinforced or structural steel, to make them easily accessible, identifiable and find, storing them according to their different types, grades and sizes is best.
Keep the steel off the ground by at least a 150 mm margin, laying the steel as flat as possible to prevent the steel from bending in shape. Using a self-storage unit will keep steel safe and dry, and by choosing to use a portable self-storage unit it can be placed in the exact spot needed.
Storing of Bricks
Because bricks are needed most of the time, they need to be near the action in a level dry place. Also having them nearby saves unnecessary carrying by wheelbarrow, forklift, or truck to where they are required. By loading bricks on pallets, it gives them the ability to lift the bricks easily and are normally strapped to keep them secure and keep them together.
Storage of Tools and equipment
Because of their high value, tools are often in demand by thieves. Stop & Store Lowestoft self-storage units provide the security needed to keep them safe. The self-storage unit can act as a workshop for construction-related repairs and maintenance. This can be done by adding tool racking and working surfaces into the self-storage unit.
Storing Timber on site
The best way to store timber is to stack it horizontally, with the first layer supported by cross beams 150 mm off the ground. Lay the next beam and all the ones following with a 25 mm gap between them to facilitate a flow of air between them. Keep wood out of the sun, wind, and rain, and to stop wood from warping, best put a weight on the beams that covers the length of them all.
Storage of aggregates
Aggregates like different grades of stone, sand and mixtures for building should not be given the chance to mix into each other. So, keep them separate either by distance or using a barrier between them. Keep them out of the wind, as sand can blow into other courser aggregates.
Managing Construction Material Storage
Let Stop & Store Lowestoft advise on the best ways to store construction materials. Our friendly staff can advise on best practice when it comes to the receipt, storage, and protection of construction materials.
Stop & Store Lowestoft self-storage is a safe and ready-made solution for extra safe storage at our premises at a price much less than having to rent formal premises elsewhere.
Call us at Stop and Store at 01502 580005 or visit us at 92 Denmark Road Lowestoft, NR32 2EH