06-08-2007
Wet weather has disproportionate impact on builders
Rain and other wet weather conditions are bringing building work to a halt, according to one industry expert.
Chris Pateman, managing director of the Building Merchants Federation (BMF), said that poor weather disproportionately affects the new house building side of the market as basic construction work, such as laying bricks, is held up.
Mr Pateman added that if building sites are hit by rain, construction workers "all have to go home because you can't mix the mortar up and the mortar won't go on, it's as basic as that".
However, it has been suggested that smaller operators may experience fewer problems in wet weather conditions.
The managing director argues that many smaller operators carry out work such as home extensions and replace windows, which are not as weather-sensitive as other projects.
Originally established in 1978 and based in Soho Square, London, the BMF provides materials to builders and tradesman.