Why Propane is a Great Choice to Power Your Construction Site

Person working on construction site

Propane is the ideal energy source at construction sites, due to its portability and flexibility. Not only is it cost-effective and environmentally-friendly, but it can be used as a temporary heat source to assist drywall finishing, or even as an option to heat the entire site.

Whether you are general contractor, sub-contractor, a builder or a homeowner, propane is the right choice for your construction site.

In its liquid form, propane is 270 times more compact than it is in its gas form - allowing for easy storage and transportation. In a business as mobile as construction, the versatility of propane makes it ideal for heating modular offices during those winter projects.

What are the benefits?

We all know how long the Canadian winter lasts, and it’s not possible for construction workers to simply stop working for a six-month period. Construction professionals need heat during this time, and propane is an excellent source.

Propane-powered heating equipment makes it easier for construction professionals and those working on the job-site to be more productive, allowing projects to be finished on time and on budget.

Propane can provide more comfortable working conditions, as well as allowing construction materials such as floor finishes, drywall work, plastering, and painting to dry and cure even during cold weather.

What tank sizes are available?

Construction propane heaters come in a variety of sizes, from small, portable heaters that produce about 35,000 BTU of heat, to large heaters capable of heating hospitals or resorts, with energy outputs up to 5 million BTU.

That means no matter how small or large your project is, Budget Propane Ontario will have a propane tank that fits your specific needs.

Construction safety tips

The Propane Education and Research Council has created a list of propane safety tips for constructions sites. These are based on the three main propane uses, including external propane tanks to fuel power power heaters.

At sites using propane cylinders to power heaters:

Ensure that propane cylinders are in good condition without bulges, dents, excessive rust or signs of fire damage.
Always transport cylinders to the job-site in an upright and secured position.
Do not use a cylinder indoors that holds more than 100 pounds of propane.
Connect no more than three 100-pound propane cylinders to one manifold inside a building.
All manifolds should be separated by at least 20 feet of space.
Check all cylinders for leaks with a suitable leak detector solution — not soap and water, which may have corrosive properties.

At sites using external propane tanks to power heaters:

Locate tanks a sufficient distance from property lines and the structure under construction.
Consult local building codes to ensure proper compliance.
Place the tank on stable ground, and when locating the tank consider the potential effects of freezing and thawing.
Use rigid piping from the tank to the building. Flexible tubing may be safely used indoors.
Have a qualified propane technician ensure that all connections between the tank and heater are free of leaks.
Protect tanks and piping on the worksite from the possibility of vehicle impact.
Do not store combustible material within 10 feet of any tank.

Why choose Budget Propane Ontario?

Budget Propane Ontario has been providing exceptional propane services at affordable prices since 1989.

Our team of experts will schedule a free on-site consultation when designing your new project. They will determine your propane storage needs, location of tanks, permits needed and provide other pertinent data. Our professional technicians facilitate solutions for your new construction.

Budget Propane Ontario offers a full range of propane services, including: