Defend Your Build^™ In Time For Storm Seasons

Managing inclement weather in construction and avoiding costly delays in project timelines are some of the most important challenges faced by builders today. While some construction professionals may only define weather disruptions as time lost during periods of adverse weather, in reality damage caused by severe weather could take days or weeks to repair—resulting in unwanted budgetary setbacks.

Severe weather drives builders to seek resilient construction solutions—especially when it comes to adding extra durability to their builds during storm seasons. As Mark LaLiberte of Construction Instruction puts it: “It’s time for us all to adapt to a new era.”

The frequency of severe storms drives builders to seek resilient construction solutions

Here, There & Everywhere

Although different areas of the country experience storm seasons at different times of the year (spring months in the Great Plains and the Southeast; late August through October on the East Coast and the Gulf regions), the reality is that storms or weather events can occur almost anytime and anywhere, disrupting jobsites.

And while there are a number of measures contractors can take to at least mitigate some of the potential delays caused by bad weather—such as adjusting their construction schedules based on weather patterns—these are only partial solutions. Which is why it’s important for builders to consider the strength and durability of their building materials as part of their broader construction weather protection strategy.

The Right Materials Working Together 

As a company, LP Building Solutions has been approaching weather-related challenges in a holistic way by grouping a number of its products under the umbrella of LP Structural Solutions. From moisture resistant sub-flooring and air and water barriers to radiant barriers and even fencing material, LP offers a portfolio of solutions that can collectively go a long way in protecting homes in high-risk inclement weather zones.

“The idea is to get builders to look at their projects holistically,” explains Jeff Yelle, Director, OSB/EWP Technology at LP Building Solutions. “While each of our products is designed to protect a home from a very specific weather-related threat, they can perform even better together as a suite of complementary, high-quality products.”

Defend Your Build^™—From The Sub-Floor Up

The story begins with LP Legacy^® Premium Sub-Flooring. The wood strands in LP Legacy panels are coated with water-resistant resins using Gorilla Glue Technology^® for superior moisture resistance. LP Legacy panels are also APA-verified as one of the strongest and stiffest sub-floors in the industry.

LP WeatherLogic^® panels, meanwhile, play an important role in protecting your project during the early construction stages. The panels are a part of LP’s moisture management technology system—an integrated wall sheathing system that provides a continuous air and water barrier for a tight building envelope while allowing moisture vapor to escape.

LP^® TechShield^® Radiant Barrier sheathing also allows trapped moisture to escape during and after installation with patented VaporVents^™ technology. These panels block radiant heat in the roof from emitting into a home’s attic.

LP^® SmartSide^® Trim & Siding offers excellent protection against moisture as well as high winds—the panels are able to withstand wind gusts up to 200 mph, providing homeowners with considerable peace of mind.

Finally, LP Elements^® Performance Fencing is an engineered wood fencing solution that’s designed to stand stronger and last longer than typical softwood alternatives and vinyl. To help ensure top performance during inclement weather, LP Elements pickets are put through extreme weather testing so that an LP Elements^® fence stands strong through even the harshest of conditions.

Being Ready Is Everything

Of course, there is more than one way to protect your builds in storm season—including pre-emptive scheduling and proper protection of tools. But starting with a portfolio of durable materials can go a long way to help you minimize your overall effort and expenses—and keep your projects protected long after their completion date.