Masonry Magazine October 1970 Page. 5
The new Recommended Practices for Cold Weather Masonry Construction now available from member organizations of the Council at a nominal price.
recommended practices for cold weather masonry construction International Masonry Industry All-Weather Council
The marked seasonal nature of the construction industry ties up valuable capital, increases the overhead expenses of contractors, idles skilled construction craftsmen, and hampers the orderly and efficient production of construction materials. The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates officially that the nation's economy loses up to $10 billion annually as the construction industry slows down and even shuts down because of inclement weather. That is about $50 for every man, woman and child in the country.
The effects of construction "seasonality" can be seen most readily by viewing the utilization, or under-utilization, of construction manpower. A study undertaken for the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Commerce found that as much as half of the total construction unemployment is due to seasonal factors. The study also indicated that, typically, two persons are required for each man-year of construction work performed.
Masonry construction has suffered more from seasonality than perhaps any other segment of the construction industry. A survey of masonry contractors masonry October, 1970 reveals that bricklayers nationally average working only 35 weeks a year.
These effects of seasonality on the construction process and the economy in general are well known and have been for some time. But they can be overcome in most instances with proven techniques and available materials.
The objective of this Recommended Practice for Cold Weather Masonry Construction is to provide the basis for strong and durable masonry construction despite freezing weather. Consideration has been given to the effect of climatic conditions, the performance of construction materials, and the protection afforded the structure.
These recommendations are the consensus of the International Masonry Industry All-Weather Council.
The Council believes that the methods and procedures recommended are important elements in the struggle to overcome the seasonal nature of construction work.