Breaking ground in winter is possible under certain conditions, particularly if you’re equipped with the proper heating equipment and a reliable construction partner. But there are times when it’s not advisable or even feasible.
Here’s a breakdown of when you can break ground in winter and when it’s best to wait.
When You Can Break Ground in Winter
A number of signs let you know that breaking ground in winter is a possibility. It’s important to have a broad perspective, since the decision may be based on a variety of factors:
- The Ground Is Not Fully Frozen. Early winter or a mild winter allows for more flexibility. If the frost hasn’t penetrated deeply – say, only a few inches – it can often be broken through with heavy machinery or even manually in some cases.
- You Have Proper Equipment. Be as prepared as possible with items like heated ground thawing blankets or hydronic heaters that can soften frozen soil. Excavators with frost teeth or rippers should be on site to dig through harder ground if need be.
- You’re in a Warmer Climate. In regions with milder winters the ground may not freeze significantly or at all. As climate change alters weather patterns, there may be parts of the Midwest where winter is pushed forward, giving you extra days to be active on your project.
- Temporary Thaws. Anyone who’s experienced Chicago in December knows how up and down early winter can be. Occasionally, temperatures will rise above freezing for several days. These windows can be ideal for moving forward, as long as you’re planning realistically for what steps will follow.
- A Well-Prepared Site. If the site was prepped before winter with mulch, straw, or blankets to insulate the ground, it might be easier to thaw, or it may not be frozen at all.
Cold-weather construction tip: If you know you’ll be working in winter, prep the soil before it freezes. Weather conditions can’t always be anticipated, but it still helps to know the local frost depth. This helps you determine how deep the freeze goes and what you’re up against. Thermal ground heaters and insulated tarps can help the team prepare ahead for days ahead of digging.
When You Can’t – or Shouldn’t – Break Ground In Winter
It really helps to know when to take a step back in construction, and this is one of those times. Sometimes waiting a couple months is a more realistic and economical decision. When to consider waiting until spring?
- Deep Ground Freezing. In the northern U.S., frost can penetrate 2–4 feet deep or more. This may make digging too difficult and expensive to be worth the cost and effort.
- Equipment Limitations. If workers are relying on hand tools or light machinery, the frozen ground may be too hard or dangerous to excavate.
- Soil Saturation Followed by Freeze. Was the soil wet before freezing? If so, it can become compacted and extremely hard to break through, forming an “ice lens.”
- Structural Risks. Excavation near foundations or utilities in winter can cause frost heave or movement, damaging existing structures or buried infrastructure. Any mistake in this area should be avoided at all cost.
- Regulatory or Safety Restrictions. Local building codes as well as contractors themselves may have cutoff dates for excavation, whether due to safety concerns like frostbite or environmental issues such as ground instability.
Call W. A. RANDOLPH, INC. for a Free Building Consultation
If you want to build in cold conditions the right way, W. A. RANDOLPH, INC., has the expertise to manage the job correctly. Digging around frozen pipes or cables can be hazardous. Work with someone who knows the area enough to handle the project while avoiding possible missteps and delays.
Contact W. A. RANDOLPH, INC. online, or call us at 847-856-0123 to discuss your plans.
