Top 10 Materials Every Job Site Needs in 2022
In 2020 the global construction market reached a value of $11.491 trillion. It is a huge industry, and as such has spawned a wide range of products and equipment.
On any construction site, there are many materials needed for the successful completion of a project.
Before you get started you'll want to know the most important things you will need, and how they can help your project.
For a rundown of 10 of the most important materials for any job site, keep reading.
1. Extension Cords
When working on a job sight you will doubtless need to use a wide variety of contractor tools and other items that require a power source. Some of your equipment may be battery-powered, but more powerful items will need a power outlet.
During the earlier stages of construction, there will be little to no wiring throughout most of the job site, so generators may be used as the primary power source. The layout of job sites can vary a lot, so you will need extension cables to make sure you can use construction tools in all areas.
Due to the nature of job sites, you will want durable extension cords that will be capable of handling a rough environment, such as the ones we offer at Upside Down Supply.
Our Voltec 50-foot cord is resistant to moisture, abrasion, and sunlight exposure. Reinforced blades and molded plugs help to extend the life of the cable. The outer jacket is a bright yellow to make it clearly visible, and won't mark walls or floors.
A power indicator light is also fitted on the end, and it meets OSHA requirements so you can use it outside without any worry. A 100-foot version is available, and if needed we also have cables in both lengths with three power outlets.
2. Pallet Covers
More often than not job sites are almost completely exposed to the elements. And there are always materials used on job sites that you will need to keep protected.
It's very common to have equipment or building materials that are not waterproof and can be completely destroyed if they get wet. Sometimes it is possible to move smaller items as and when needed to keep them protected, but what if you have an entire pallet that you can't risk getting wet?
Pallet covers are the answer. Covers made from polyethylene that are 100% waterproof and are UVI protected, so won't degrade when left in direct sunlight.
We have these available in black or white if you wish to keep your products out of sight, or clear so that you can easily see what is on the pallet. All three of these options are available in covers for 4' x 4' pallets (sold in cases of 60 or 45), or 4' x 8' pallets (sold in packs of 35 or 25), depending on your needs.
3. Rope
There are many applications that rope can be used for on a job site. Because of this different types of rope are available, so you can choose the one most suitable for your work.
Manila rope, for example, is resistant to stretching can hold knots well. This makes it ideal for tying loads down on trucks or other vehicles.
Polypro rope is also suitable for tying down loads but comes with other advantages such as resistance to mildew, rot, and most chemicals. It is also very strong which stops elongation from occurring.
Upside Down Supply stocks a variety of ropes, with thickness ranging from 1/4" up to 1", and lengths of 600' and 1,200'. We also have two shorter 3/4" ropes (60' and 100') that come with a forged snap hook attached to the end.
4. Disposable Clothing
Disposable clothing is something which may be ideal if your staff will be working in an environment where clothes could easily get ruined. they are generally lightweight and breathable, as they are worn over the users' regular clothes.
A typical material for these is polypropylene, which protects against dry particulates such as dirt and debris. Elasticated wrists and ankles help to keep debris out, and both coveralls, as well as boot covers, are available depending on your needs.
At Upside Down Supply we have several sizes, and a few different types of disposable clothing, so if you also require protection from liquid spray or coveralls with an attached hood, we've got what you need.
5. Trash Bags
While working on-site one thing you can't avoid is creating trash. There will be a whole lot of wasted packaging, scrap parts, and general waste, so you'll want to keep on top of it.
You can easily keep a supply of trash bags on your site, or have several dotted around at any one time if needed.
One thing to remember is the sort of waste that comes from a job site will be different from normal household waste. You'll want heavy-duty trash bags to avoid constant splits and having the trash fall out.
We sell trash bags in 4 options:
Box of 20
Box of 50
Pallet of 168 boxes (20 per box)
Pallet of 72 boxes (50 per box)
All bags are 32" x 50" with a volume of 42 gallons with convenient twist ties at the top.
6. Tarps
Like the pallet covers above, our tarps are designed to help protect job site tools, equipment, and materials from the elements. While the pallet covers come in two specific sizes, tarps vary quite a bit more.
With standard poly tarps ranging from 10' x 12' up to 50' x 100', you'll be able to cover small sections or much larger areas with a single tarp.
We also have a number of tarps designed for specific purposes:
Debris removal
Drainage
Covering trash containers and open top trailers
Heavy-duty tarps
Straps are also available in 15", 21", and 31". With such a wide choice at Upside Down Supply, we'll be able to get you exactly what you need.
7. Material Warmers
If you are working in cold conditions it can cause more problems than just feeling a bit chilly. It can affect materials that you are working with, potentially to the point of freezing.
At Upside Down Supply we have a huge range of material warmers for all kinds of products. We sell products specifically designed to warm things such as:
Caulk tubes
LP tanks
Spray foam systems
Pails
Drums
These material warmers are intelligently designed to ensure there are no hot spots or cold spots and are available in a variety of sizes.
8. Surface Protection
Construction work often takes place in environments that are already partially or fully built, and are just undergoing remodeling. When this is the case there may be surfaces that need protecting while any work is going on to prevent any damage. Upside Down Supply stocks two different types of surface protection.
Carpet film is a self-adhering polyethylene film used to prevent wear and damage. It is easy to install and remove and will prevent extra time and money used for cleaning or repair once the work is finished. Our rolls are available in 24" x 50', 36" x 200', and 24" x 200'.
Poly sheeting is a more universal type of protection. It can serve as an equipment cover, dust barrier, moisture barrier, vapor barrier, and more. All rolls are 100' long, available in 4 or 6 mil thickness and 10' or 20' width.
9. Stretch Wrap
If you need to quickly secure pallets stretch wrap is the way to go. It takes a matter of seconds to go around a standard pallet, ensuring all parts/materials on it will be stable.
This removes the need for tape or adhesives, and can quickly be removed when no longer needed. The 20" x 1000@ version is perfect for pallets, but if you need to wrap smaller packages we also have a 5" x 1000' version.
10. Standard PPE
Several pieces of safety gear should be standard on any construction site. Even the most common handyman tools can cause serious harm if workers are not properly protected.
Firstly all workers should have access to a hardhat. Falling objects are always a risk, and could cause serious injury. Sometimes a hardhat can be the difference between life and death.
Hi-viz jackets should always be worn around any vehicles or high traffic areas. A driver's visibility can often be obstructed while operating large machines such as loaders or cranes, so anything that helps them to see other workers is beneficial.
Worksites always have heavy equipment and materials present, which can easily be dropped. Steel toe boots keep workers' feet safe in such environments. They are also more resilient to wear and tear than standard footwear, which is ideal for a messy worksite.
Depending on the work being done, several other pieces of protective gear may be necessary:
Construction gloves
Respirator
Protective visor
Hearing protection
Other Important Materials for Construction Sites
These are some of the most important materials for any construction site, but there are many more. Up Side Down Supply supply a huge range of contractor tools, materials, safety products, and other equipment.
To find out more about what we stock and how it can help you, click here to contact us. We are always happy to answer any questions you might have.