With the weather still in the grip of winter outside, you might be wondering if you have to hold off your plans to install an oak porch until better weather rolls along. Many people believe that you can only install your outdoor living projects during the good weather of summer- and we all know that, in the UK, that can be one Tuesday in July! Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Today the Oak Porches UK team takes a look.
Occasionally Easier
In fact, we’d go as far as to say that it can sometimes be considerably easier to install a porch in Winter! Obviously, the odd patterns of sludge, rather than snow, that have plagued the UK in the last few years can be vexing for any project where working the ground is needed. It’s not that strenuous when offset with the convenience and relatively limited site preparation that comes with an oak porch, however.
But, due to the perception that you can only install oak porches and other garden projects during the warm seasons, it can be considerably easier to find labour and great deals on your decor and fittings in the cold season. You may also find that lead ties are shorter on ordered products. You could even pick up a good deal or two if there’s any winter specials running! If your project requires planning permission (most porches don’t, but it’s possible), you will also find that the offices are a lot less crowded at this time of year.
What could trigger the need for planning permission? Mostly, you will only need it if the porch will be taller than 3m, cover more than 3 square metres, or you have special circumstances. This could be a listed building, being in a conservation area, or facing the highway. However, other items you might want to incorporate, especially electricity and possibly glazing, might need permitting, or at least council permission.
Winter Considerations
Because the bulk majority of an oak porch is constructed at the work shop, they are actually ideal for winter installation. One of the key issues that can cause problems with winter builds is soil shifts caused by heavy frost. With a brick patio, for example, this can lead to future subsidence. And it is something to bear in mind when you are doing the site preparation and footing for your porch. However, the majority of your project is shipping pre-created from a temperature-controlled environment. The wood was professionally stored and handled, and provided it doesn’t lie around the site for too long, won’t be subject to issues caused by temperature fluctuations.
DIY or Installation?
Of course, winter may not exactly inspire you to get out in the garden and get down to DIY. There’s always pros and cons to choosing professional installation or DIY, and if you’re installing an oak porch in winter, this is one to add to the list.
To be honest, we’d advise professional installation for a winter oak porch build. Firstly, using a professional team means you have seasoned, experienced people who are used to working in all weather. Secondly, you can leverage their trustworthy expertise to know if there is a good reason to wait a while before installing. But lastly, it spares you having to find the motivation to get the job done, and means you can go from order to enjoying your new porch as seamlessly as possible.
That’s not to say an oak porch installation in winter can’t be done DIY. It’s up to you if that route suits you better. Just consider how your available time stacks up with weather predictions for the time at which you’d like to begin installing. It’s also worth considering your site preparation very carefully.
Ideal Weather Conditions
In a perfect world, what is good oak porch installation weather? Cool and dry are the best, which can sometimes seem like an impossibility in the UK. Late winter and early spring, however, are often some of the most reliable rain-free periods for most of the country. So this means February and March. This can be ideal for your build. Hot weather often leads to wet weather, while early winter can also be a bit wet too. Hot weather isn’t the nicest to be outside in, either, if you’re doing it DIY.
Extreme temperature conditions are never the best for any build, although they needn’t derail your plans completely, But we’d definitely advise looking later in the winter for more clement conditions to install your porch in.
If you’re using a professional team, rest assured they will do their utmost to meet any deadlines you agree on in the contract, so it’s unlikely nothing but the most impossible weather will delay the installation.
So there you have it. Installing an oak porch in winter can actually be a fantastic time for your installation overall. Not only is late winter typically one of our most dry periods, but the cooler weather is perfect for hard work. Plus, you can leverage the perception that outdoor work belongs only in summer to seek out great deals and get your first choice of contractor easily.
Will you be adding an oak porch to your home this winter? Remember that the expert team from Oak Porches UK are always here to help you make the very best of your project, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. It doesn’t matter what time of year you want to install, we’ll help turn your oak dreams into reality.