Cold weather is one of the most challenging factors in construction. Shorter days, icy winds, and freezing temperatures can slow productivity, threaten worker safety, and jeopardize timelines. For general contractors and construction teams, maintaining safe, workable site conditions in winter isn’t just a comfort—it’s essential to meeting deadlines and quality standards.
At REIC Specialty, we provide heating solutions to keep construction projects moving even in the harshest climates. From small-scale renovations to large-scale infrastructure builds, we supply the right heaters for your site—backed by expert support and nationwide coverage.
Why Heating Matters in Winter Construction
Heating during cold-weather construction isn’t just about keeping crews warm. It’s about ensuring every aspect of the project—from materials to workmanship—remains within spec and on schedule.
- Worker Safety & Comfort – Cold stress, frostbite, and hypothermia are serious risks. Heated work areas maintain productivity and protect crew health.
- Material Performance – Many adhesives, coatings, paints, and sealants won’t cure properly in low temperatures. Heating ensures material integrity.
- Concrete Curing – Without heat, cold weather can delay or compromise concrete strength gain.
- Schedule Continuity – Downtime from weather delays can be costly. Heating lets you work year-round.
For general contractors managing multiple trades on site, the right heating solution ensures that every phase—structural work, finishing, or mechanical installation—can proceed without costly interruptions.
Types of Heaters for Construction Sites
Every project is different, and heater choice depends on your site layout, enclosure method, ventilation, and fuel availability. At REIC Specialty, we offer a full range of heater types to match your needs:
Flameless Heaters
- Best for: Enclosed or semi-enclosed job sites where safety is critical.
- Advantages: No open flame or exhaust emissions in the heated air stream, reducing fire hazards and improving air quality.
- Typical Uses: Indoor finish work, high-traffic areas, sensitive environments.
Indirect-Fired Heaters
- Best for: Enclosed spaces requiring clean, dry heat.
- Advantages: Combustion gases are vented outside, so only clean air circulates through the work zone.
- Typical Uses: Interior build-outs, paint and coating applications, occupied buildings.
Direct-Fired Heaters
- Best for: Large, well-ventilated outdoor or partially enclosed sites.
- Advantages: High BTU output and fast temperature rise at a lower rental cost.
- Typical Uses: Open-air framing, exterior masonry work, and general heating in large open structures.
Ground Thaw Heaters
- Best for: Preparing frozen ground for excavation or concrete placement.
- Advantages: Evenly warms soil to the desired depth, preventing frost-related delays.
- Typical Uses: Foundations, utility trenches, slab-on-grade prep.
Electric Heaters
- Best for: Areas without fuel availability or where combustion is not an option.
- Advantages: Zero emissions, quiet operation, precise control.
- Typical Uses: Small enclosed rooms, indoor finishing work, occupied spaces.
Make-Up Air Units
- Best for: Large enclosed sites needing fresh air exchange with temperature control.
- Advantages: Maintains indoor air quality while providing warm air.
- Typical Uses: Warehouses, multi-floor renovations, and mechanical rooms.
Matching the Heater to the Project
Choosing the right heater isn’t just about BTUs—it’s about site strategy. At REIC, we consider:
- Enclosure Type – Are you heating a fully enclosed interior or an open-frame structure?
- Project Stage – Is this structural work or interior finishing?
- Safety & Compliance – Do emissions need to be vented? Are there flammable materials nearby?
- Fuel Source – Is diesel, propane, natural gas, or electricity available?
- Climate Conditions – What’s the average low temperature, and how severe is the wind exposure?
Our rental specialists work with general contractors and site supervisors to design a heating plan that balances performance, safety, and cost efficiency.
The REIC Advantage for General Contractors
Construction sites are dynamic environments—conditions can change daily. That’s why general contractors choose REIC for heating support:
- Rapid Response – 19 locations across North America for quick delivery and setup.
- Expert Setup & Support – Our technicians ensure heaters are installed and operating for maximum effectiveness.
- Fuel Management Services – Continuous operation without downtime for refueling.
- Scalable Solutions – Whether it’s one heater for a small project or dozens for a major build, we have the capacity.
- Reliable Fleet – Every unit is tested and maintained to perform in extreme conditions.
Best Practices for Winter Heating in Construction
Heating is most effective when combined with smart site preparation. Here’s what we recommend for general contractors
- Plan Ahead – Secure your heaters before winter’s peak demand to avoid equipment shortages.
- Enclose the Site – Use tarps, shrink wrap, or temporary walls to retain heat and block wind.
- Seal Gaps – Minimize drafts for efficient heating and lower fuel costs.
- Distribute Heat Evenly – Use multiple units for large spaces to avoid cold spots.
- Maintain Ventilation – Prevent condensation buildup and maintain safe air quality.
- Monitor Conditions – Use temperature and humidity sensors for consistent environmental control.
Scenario: Multi-Story Commercial Build in Harsh Winter
A general contractor in the Midwest is racing to complete a six-story mixed-use building under a tight deadline. But winter conditions are brutal—temperatures drop to 5°F (-15°C) with high winds.
Challenges:
- Multiple floors under construction simultaneously
- Trades requiring different temperature conditions (framers, painters, flooring crews)
- Limited fuel storage space downtown
REIC Solution:
REIC would deploy a combination of indirect-fired heaters, flameless heaters, and make-up air units to provide consistent warmth and ventilation. Equipment would be staged floor by floor, with ducting ensuring even heat distribution. To overcome storage limitations, daily fuel deliveries would be coordinated for uninterrupted operation.
Results:
All trades would keep working, materials would cure on time, and the project would finish as scheduled—despite the harsh winter.
Why Choose REIC for Winter Heating
When temperatures drop, delays cost money. REIC Specialty provides more than just heaters—we deliver turnkey heating solutions with the expertise to keep projects on schedule.
- Full Range of Heating Equipment – From small electric units to massive flameless heaters
- Tailored Heating Plans – Designed to match your site conditions and budget
- On-Site Expertise – Installation, monitoring, and adjustments included
- 24/7 Availability – We’re ready when you need us—day or night
Be Ready Before Winter Hits
Every winter, demand for construction heaters spikes—and the best equipment goes fast. By securing your heaters early, you guarantee your crews can work safely and your projects stay on track.
With REIC Specialty, you get the right heater, at the right time, with the right support—wherever your project takes you.
Get a Quote Today: 1.888.356.1880
Let’s build through winter—safely, efficiently, and without delays.