Cold weather working

3.2

3.2.5Masonry

Masonry shall not be laid in cold weather unless suitable precautions are taken.

When laying masonry in cold weather:

  • and temperatures are below, or are likely to fall below, 2°C (temperatures should be checked throughout the day on a thermometer), masonry should not be laid unless heating is provided and newly laid masonry protected
  • materials which have been damaged by frost or are frozen should not be used
  • additional covers and insulation will be necessary at very low temperatures
  • polyethylene covers should be used to provide protection and prevent work from becoming saturated (an air gap between the masonry and the covers will enable new masonry to cure)
  • where very severe frosts are expected, heaters may be required
  • protection against frost may be required for up to six days, depending on the severity of the conditions