Living in Edmonton or Calgary means experiencing extreme weather. With snow arriving as early as September, if you manage a construction site, it’s important to inspect, secure, and maintain every last construction fence.

But how exactly do you do that, and what happens if you don’t? We’ll explain why and how you should prepare your construction fencing for the harsh months ahead to ensure safety, compliance, and continuity at your sites.

What Fall & Winter Weather Mean for Construction Fences

In the fall, Alberta’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden temperature drops, heavy snowfalls, and strong winds. These conditions challenge the structural integrity of projects and the fence panels that secure them. 

Temporary fencing that isn’t prepared for these conditions can become a hazard—to your construction site, workers, and anyone passing by. And if your site is inspected in this condition, or if anyone gets hurt, it could get shut down and potentially fined. This is the opposite of what you want.

So instead of waiting around for this to happen, what can you do to ensure it doesn’t?

How to Prepare Construction Fencing for Fall & Winter

Temporary fencing is durable, but if it isn’t secured with enough weights or clamps, a few strong gusts of wind can knock it down. Fast forward to a damaged wall or vehicle, or worse, an injured person, and you have a real problem on your hands. 

Here’s what you can do to help prevent it.

Inspection & Assessment

Understanding what needs to be fixed and what doesn’t starts with inspection. The first thing you want to do is conduct a thorough inspection of your temporary fencing. Look for signs of wear such as rust or structural damage like bent poles or loose panels. 

It’s incredibly important to point out any weak points of your current fencing for construction that could fail under the weight of snow or pressure from strong winds.

Early detection allows for timely repairs, preventing bigger issues when the weather becomes severe.

Key takeaways:

  • Start with an inspection
  • Look for rust and structural damage
  • Identify weak points

Maintenance & Repairs

Temporary fencing for construction sites

Once you’ve identified issues, it’s time to maintain and repair. Address rusting parts with anti-corrosion treatments and replace any components that compromise your construction fence’s integrity. 

Ensure all connections are tightened and the base supports are secure enough to resist shifting ground conditions, which can be caused by freeze-thaw cycles typical in Alberta winters.

Key takeaways:

  • Treat rust with anti-corrosion solutions
  • Replace broken or weak components
  • Tighten all connections
  • Secure base supports

Upgrades for Enhanced Durability

If your fence has seen better days, consider upgrading to a construction fence designed to withstand the rigors of Alberta’s weather. Fences with a welded wire mesh construction, square tube frames, and hot-dopped with a galvanized finish can offer better durability. On top of that, installing wind braces can provide extra stability during gusty conditions—an investment that pays off by minimizing emergency repairs later.

Key takeaways:

  • Consider upgrading to a more durable fence
  • Choose fences with welded wire mesh
  • Install wind braces for extra stability

New Construction Fence Installation

Temporary fence at Edmonton construction site

If you do need to install a new construction fence, think about the challenges your site will face in the winter. Ground anchors can ensure stability when the ground is frozen, while strategic placement can help shelter your fence from the wind.

Key Takeaways:

  • Consider winter’s challenges (extreme cold, ice, wind, etc.)
  • Use ground anchors for stability
  • Strategically place fence panels

Compliance with Local Regulations

Alberta’s construction regulations include specific standards for temporary fencing to ensure they adequately protect the public and construction personnel. 

For example, in Calgary, there are specific regulations about how temporary fences are constructed including installation guidelines, and must be able to withstand reasonable weather conditions like wind. Damaged or collapsed fencing must be addressed promptly.

Read up on these regulations and incorporate them into your planning and maintenance routines to avoid penalties.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand local regulations
  • Damaged fencing must be replaced promptly
  • Incorporate them into your planning and maintenance routines

Preparation for Emergency Weather Events

Ensure your construction site is equipped for emergency fence repair. Keep a supply of essential spare parts on hand, including extra panels, clamps, and ties. Having a relationship with a reliable fencing company in Calgary or Edmonton can ensure any spare parts needed are delivered quickly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Be ready for emergencies
  • Keep spare parts on-site
  • Choose a reputable fence rental company 

A Secure Construction Fence Equals a Secure Site

As long as this isn’t your first fall and winter in Alberta, you know what kind of weather awaits you in the coming months. So why wait around for the worst-case scenario? Secure your site now and save the frustration and damage that can home with fence damage.

Need construction fencing in Calgary or Edmonton? FenceLine Rentals Ltd. offers temporary construction fence rentals and purchases. Browse our construction fencing for sale or give us a call to get started. 

Considering upgrading your fencing? We’re here to help. Call 782-825-5737 in Edmonton and 587-864-5607 in Calgary

FAQ 

How do you install a construction fence?

To install a construction fence, get your site ready by removing all obstructions and marking the ground the flags or spray paint. Lay out the fence bases every 10 feet, accounting for the gates. Then, slide the panels into the bases, secure the couplers and clamps, and attach the gate systems. 

How many construction fence panels do I need for my site?

The number of construction fence panels you need for your site depends on its size. Once you know the size of your site, use the following equations: 

  • Fencing Required = Total Perimeter (feet) − (Number of Gates × Width of Each Gate [feet])
  • Number of Fence Panels = ( Fencing Required / Width of Fence Panel​ [feet])

Find more details about measuring your site for fencing here.