Beating the cold: why jobsite heating matters more than you think

I still remember walking onto a jobsite one bitterly cold morning years ago. The drywall crew was standing around with their hands in their pockets, the bricklayers were packing up early, and the site manager was shaking his head. The mortar had frozen overnight, which meant an entire wall had to be torn down and rebuilt. Expensive mistake. All because the heaters hadn’t been set up properly.

That day stuck with me. Not just because of the wasted time and money, but because it reminded me of something simple: in Ontario, winter isn’t just cold; it’s a construction risk. And heat isn’t a luxury; it’s part of the build.

Why heat is the unsung hero of construction

Think of heaters as insurance for your schedule and materials:

• They keep drywall mud, paint, flooring adhesives, and masonry from freezing or curing wrong.
• They protect your crew. Nobody’s productive when they can’t feel their fingers.
• They keep inspections and deadlines on track.

Without reliable jobsite heat, projects stall, materials fail, and costs pile up.

The right heat for the right stage

Here’s how most builders approach it:

• Framing and enclosure: Once the shell is up, salamander propane heaters pump enough BTUs to keep trades moving.
• Masonry work: Tent the scaffolds, fire up salamanders, and stop freeze-thaw damage before it ruins mortar.
• Finishing stages: This is where indirect propane or natural gas heaters shine – cleaner, drier heat so paint, flooring, and cabinetry don’t get ruined by condensation.
• Curing & inspections: Heaters run overnight to keep concrete strong and pass inspections without costly delays.

Why Propane still leads the way

Natural gas works if your site’s already hooked up, but most low-rise builds don’t have that luxury. Propane is portable, flexible, and reliable. From 100 lb and 420 lb tanks to larger 500, 1000, or even 2000-gallon tanks, crews can fire up heaters the moment they’re needed. That’s why propane is still the backbone of Ontario construction heating.

Safety isn’t optional

Every heater has to be CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved, cylinders stored outdoors, ventilation maintained, and crews trained in safe handling. We’ve been in this business for 40 years, and trust me, cutting corners with heat is never worth the risk.

Keeping projects on track

At RS Propane, we’ve built our reputation on helping builders and trades keep moving through the harshest winters. Whether it’s salamanders for brickwork, radiant or convection heaters for enclosed spaces, or indirect-fired units for delicate finishing work, we know how to keep sites safe, warm, and productive.

Winter doesn’t wait for anyone. But with the right heating setup, your project doesn’t have to wait either.