Building Materials - Winter Storage of Timber and Metal Roofing

If you have started a construction project, you often face the issue of preserving building materials during the winter period. For example, materials may remain unused after the completion of construction or may be purchased in advance, as manufacturers lower prices on building materials during the autumn-winter period, allowing you to save significantly by buying them ahead of time.

At the same time, the winter period implies special storage conditions, as cold and moisture are destructive for many material categories, and failure to follow certain rules can result in losing much more than you saved. To prevent expensive materials from becoming unusable, it is necessary to adhere to the following conservation principles.

The location where building materials will be stored must be flat and clean; if necessary, it can be reinforced to avoid ground settling. Storing materials directly on bare earth is not allowed — it is necessary to provide a base (pallets or crates) — this will ensure air access and prevent moisture penetration. A canopy should be installed on top, or materials should be covered with roofing felt or protective film to protect them from atmospheric precipitation. Do not forget to securely fasten such coverings with straps so that they do not slip or be carried away by the wind.

All materials should be sorted by type (if there are several) and each type should be allocated its own space. This will help avoid confusion when searching for or transporting materials later. Additionally, different types of materials may require different storage conditions. Materials are stacked in stable piles, with aisles at least 1 meter wide between them — this is necessary to ensure free access for people and loading/unloading equipment to the building materials.

Nearly all concrete materials (except for floor slabs) can be stored even outdoors.

Gas concrete blocks should be stored in their original factory wrapping during conservation; if the wrapping has already been removed, use a similar covering material to protect against moisture. Roll roofing materials must not be laid horizontally; they must be stored vertically — this will help prevent sticking.

Granular building materials (sand, gravel, crushed stone) are spread on polyethylene, surrounded by formwork, and covered. This will help prevent excessive moisture absorption and contact with the ground.

Bricks are sorted by type and color and laid face-to-face so that the masonry surfaces will be uniform in color, and are stacked into piles up to 1.5 meters high. If bricks have holes, ensure that moisture does not enter them, as otherwise, when freezing, the moisture will expand and damage the brick.

Before winter storage, timber materials should be inspected for signs of mold and activity of harmful insects. Defective wood must be removed to prevent contamination of healthy wood. Providing a reliable base is essential — wood must not come into contact with the ground. Boards and beams require ventilation, as the origin of timber materials is biological. Rows of timber materials are separated by spacers, for example, small-section blocks.

Unlike other building materials, wood cannot be tightly covered with protective film — this will prevent air from circulating freely. A canopy can be constructed to protect the wood from destructive atmospheric phenomena. We recommend treating timber materials with antiseptics before winter storage.

BLOKspb offers a wide selection of timber materials for any purpose. You can buy quality timber and boards at a favorable price, which, with proper winter storage, will serve you for many years. Additionally, BLOKspb metal roofing is priced at only 235р/m2. It also needs to be stored under a canopy or in a well-ventilated room, protecting it from direct sunlight and atmospheric precipitation.