Materials are the backbone of any construction business, but waiting for them to be delivered to the job site can eat into your time. Keeping a variety of materials in stock is a great way to streamline your work and finish a build faster. Whether you’re storing materials for a single project or an entire season, here are four ways to organize and protect large amounts of different kinds of building materials.
Store Interior Materials Indoors
Indoor materials pose a unique storage challenge because they are vulnerable to conditions like humidity, temperature and light exposure. It’s best to store interior materials in a climate-controlled warehouse with lots of shelf space to keep everything off the ground and organized. Utilize material handling equipment like pallet jacks, trucks and conveyors to safely move and stack items and make the most out of your warehouse space. These materials also have a limited shelf-life in storage, so be sure to rotate your stock frequently.
Exterior-Rated Materials Need Protection Too
Those timbers might be treated and rated for outdoor use, but that doesn’t mean you can just stack them on the ground exposed to the elements. Even the toughest exterior-rated materials can deteriorate if left out in the sun, wind and rain. Stack exterior timbers on treated, evenly surfaced beams or pillars to protect them from ground moisture and cover them with waterproof, breathable tarps
Stack Bricks for Outdoor Storage
Because they’re extremely durable, bricks can be safely stored outdoors both at your warehouse and on the job site. Lay down a tarp or pallet to keep them from drawing moisture from the ground and stack them carefully. If you plan to pick up an entire stack with a dolly or forklift, make sure your stacks are light enough for the equipment and stable enough not to fall over.
Keep Cement Dry
Bags of dry cement are one of the most difficult building materials to store because they soak up moisture from the air like a sponge. If you have a lot of cement to store, keep it in a small storage building or closed room of a warehouse with a dehumidifier. You can also order it ready mixed and eliminate the need for storage.
Did you know that a storage system can save money? Take advantage of your storage capability to stock up on materials when you find a great deal at a closeout sale or auction. Increase your bottom line or pass the savings along to your clients.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
