Weather cited as biggest problem for construction firms

The majority of UK construction companies cite weather problems as being more troublesome than problems with suppliers, labour or planning issues, according to a new survey by the Met Office.

Construction firms are worried that worsening weather conditions in the UK are exacerbating the problem.

More than half say they are increasingly suffering from the effects of the weather on their business, while 25% have had to change their working practices over the last few years due to what they perceive as poorer weather conditions.

Martin Rodgers, head of the Met Office's services to the construction industry, said: "The research highlights that while firms are aware that the weather is a major problem, they don't think they can do anything about it.

"Yet by planning around the weather, using site-specific forecasts, they could cut costs and gain a competitive edge."

"The variable British weather affects all parts of the industry, from house builders who can't put up bricks and mortar when it's raining, to those erecting steel and concrete constructions in high temperatures - as the cooling steel contracts it may crack the concrete. Severe cold can also affect the strength of concrete, and high winds prohibit the use of tower cranes on major building sites."

The survey also revealed that 21% of firms lost 11-20 work days in the past year as a result of weather-related delays, and a further 16% lost up to 50 days.

Although nearly 60% of firms said the weather impacted quite seriously on their business, only 17% took weather into account as a vital part of planning, and 58% only use weather information during a project, not before.