In today’s fast-paced construction environment, general contractors face relentless pressure to deliver projects on time, on budget, and with precision. However, one variable that can derail even the most carefully planned timeline is uncontrolled heat.
High temperatures can wreak havoc on progress, from warping building materials and slowing labor productivity to interfering with critical curing processes—especially during peak summer months or in enclosed work zones.
Fortunately, temporary cooling solutions from REIC Specialty Rentals offer a fast, scalable way to maintain environmental control, safeguard materials, and keep your project moving forward, no matter the weather.
Heat: A Hidden Threat to Construction Progress
Construction sites are complex ecosystems. Whether it’s a high-rise in the heart of downtown or a sprawling industrial facility, temperature-sensitive tasks and materials are everywhere.
Common Heat-Related Risks for General Contractors:
- Warped Drywall and Wood: Exposure to high temperatures can cause shrinkage, twisting, or cracking in framing materials.
- Compromised Adhesives & Sealants: Heat affects the cure time and bonding strength of epoxies, glues, and sealants.
- Interrupted Finishes: Paints, coatings, and flooring systems may not set or cure properly when applied under extreme temperatures.
- Worker Productivity & Safety: High heat impairs concentration, slows work rates, and increases the risk of heat-related illness.
- Schedule Setbacks: When heat impedes progress, entire milestones—from inspections to turnover dates—are at risk.
That’s why more general contractors are turning to temporary cooling systems to keep projects on track and protect their bottom lines.
The REIC Solution: Cooling for Every Construction Scenario
At REIC Specialty, we specialize in high-performance temporary cooling and airflow management systems tailored for construction. Whether you need to condition a 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse or cool down a mechanical room under renovation, we provide the equipment and support to keep your site within optimal environmental ranges.
Portable DX Units and Spot Coolers
Our direct expansion (DX) units and portable AC systems are ideal for cooling high-traffic areas or isolated work zones like:
- Electrical and mechanical rooms
- Temporary offices or trailers
- Occupied floors during phased build-outs
- Enclosed retail, hospitality, or healthcare construction
These systems offer quiet, energy-efficient cooling, are easy to deploy and help maintain consistent indoor conditions during critical tasks like wiring, tile installation, and finishes.
Evaporative Coolers for Large Open Spaces
Evaporative coolers are a cost-effective solution for cooling large open-air structures such as:
- Warehouses
- Pre-engineered metal buildings
- Covered loading docks or outdoor assembly areas
By using water evaporation to lower air temperature, these units deliver powerful cooling without requiring extensive ductwork or high power draws—making them ideal for fast-paced construction environments.
Air Movers & Ventilation Fans
When paired with cooling units, high-capacity air movers and ventilation fans help circulate cool air, reduce humidity, and create a more comfortable and productive work environment.
Applications include:
- Drying newly applied coatings or adhesives
- Controlling humidity in subfloors or concrete decks
- Enhancing airflow in enclosed rooms or hallways
Why Contractors Trust REIC for Climate Control
Since launching our Specialty Rentals Division in 2022, REIC has earned a reputation among construction professionals for rapid response, dependable equipment, and expert support—no matter the size or complexity of the project.
Job Site-Specific Solutions
We know no two construction projects are alike. That’s why we start every rental with a consultative approach, asking the right questions:
- What materials are temperature-sensitive?
- Are any curing or finishing tasks underway?
- What’s the power availability and access?
- How much square footage or volume needs coverage?
- What’s your timeline and milestone schedule?
From there, we design a custom cooling plan that aligns with your workflow, budget, and technical requirements.
Rugged, Reliable Equipment
All our cooling systems are built for rugged environments and kept in peak condition for job site deployment. Our fleet includes:
- DX units with capacities of up to 25 tons
- Evaporative coolers for rapid air movement
- Portable air conditioners with integrated dehumidifiers
- Ducting, power distribution, and accessories for turnkey setups
Full-Service Support, Start to Finish
From initial quote to pickup, REIC delivers:
- Fast delivery to your site
- On-site installation guidance
- 24/7 technical support
- Flexible rental terms for every phase of your build
Scenario: Temporary Cooling Support for a Mid-Rise Interior Finish
The Situation: A general contractor manages the final interior phases of a 7-story mixed-use development in the Midwest during peak summer. With outdoor temperatures exceeding 90°F, on-site conditions become challenging: paint and coatings begin flashing, adhesives cure too rapidly, and worker fatigue sets in due to limited ventilation in enclosed areas.
The REIC Solution:
To mitigate these risks and keep the project on track, the contractor could engage REIC Specialty to deploy a temporary cooling and airflow management solution, including:
- Spot coolers strategically placed on occupied and finished floors to stabilize temperatures and prevent heat buildup.
- Evaporative coolers installed on upper, semi-enclosed floors to enhance general air movement and reduce ambient heat in open spaces.
- High-velocity air movers to circulate cooled air, maintain proper airflow across curing surfaces, and improve on-site working conditions.
The Expected Results:
With this temporary climate control strategy in place, the contractor would maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout the project, ensuring optimal finish quality and reliable material performance. By reducing thermal stress on crews, worker safety and productivity would improve, minimizing fatigue-related slowdowns.
As a result, the contractor could prevent costly weather-related delays and complete the punch-list work on or ahead of schedule, even under challenging summer conditions.
When to Use Temporary Cooling in Construction
Cooling needs vary by project, but some of the most common use cases include:
Renovations in Occupied Buildings
Cooling keeps tenants comfortable and prevents downtime during HVAC upgrades.
Summer Interior Work
Even partially enclosed structures can exceed safe working temperatures during July and August, slowing crews and damaging materials.
Delicate Material Installation
Work involving flooring, cabinetry, millwork, and electronics requires temperature stability to ensure performance and durability.
Delays in HVAC System Commissioning
If your permanent HVAC system isn’t yet operational, REIC’s temporary cooling solutions help maintain quality and compliance until final turnover.
Across North America, We Are Where You Need Us
With 19 locations across 12 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces, REIC Specialty Rentals has the coverage and capacity to mobilize quickly—whether your site is in an urban core or a remote location. We are backed by the strength of five industry-leading companies, including Total Construction Rentals, Cahill Services, and Blackout Energy.
Wherever you build, REIC delivers the cooling power you need—on time, on demand.
Keep Your Build Cool, Productive, and On Schedule
Construction doesn’t stop for heat waves—and neither does REIC. Whether you are finishing interiors, managing high-value materials, or just trying to keep your team safe and productive, temporary cooling is a smart investment that pays off in quality, efficiency, and peace of mind.
At REIC, we don’t just rent equipment—we engineer climate control strategies that support your construction goals from start to finish.
Do you need fast, reliable cooling for your job site? Contact REIC Specialty Rentals to request a custom quote today.