Sherwin-Williams Survey Reveals Major Construction Delays Faced by Industry Professionals

Overview

A new report from Sherwin-Williams, titled Construction Insights, sheds light on the substantial challenges confronting leaders in the construction industry, particularly those involved in large-scale projects. Conducted by Endeavor Business Intelligence, the survey reveals that 87% of construction professionals have faced significant delays, contributing to increased costs and safety concerns on jobsites.

Key Findings

In the survey, which focused on 194 industry professionals including general contractors, engineers, and architects engaged in projects worth over $30 million, several critical issues emerged:

1. Project Delays: A staggering 87% of respondents reported experiencing project delays, primarily due to two factors: material shortages (71%) and unpredictable weather conditions (65%). These setbacks not only affect timelines but also inflate project costs.

2. Budget Management: More than half of the respondents (53%) indicated adhering to budget constraints as a significant challenge, highlighting the necessity for cost-effective yet high-quality solutions in construction practices.

3. Jobsite Safety: Safety remains a top priority in the industry, with 45% of participants identifying it as a key concern. Alarmingly, incidents at heights accounted for 43% of reported safety issues, emphasizing the potential hazards associated with advanced manufacturing construction.

Solutions to Challenges

Sherwin-Williams proposes several solutions aimed at mitigating these common industry challenges. Their innovative shop-applied coatings for steel structures not only enhance the speed of construction but also improve safety. By applying fireproofing in controlled environments before arriving at the job site, these coatings significantly reduce delays related to onsite application, which can be impacted by adverse weather and other uncontrollable factors.

Joseph Windover, Executive at Sherwin-Williams Construction Solutions, states, "Our research confirms what construction leaders have been experiencing on the ground. The adoption of shop-applied fireproofing can drastically improve schedule adherence and project completion rates while also enhancing job site safety."

Importance of Coating Selection

Additionally, the survey uncovered trends in coatings selection among construction decision-makers. The cure time for coatings emerged as the top priority (27%), followed by durability and price, both receiving equal attention from 18% of the respondents. This trend indicates a shift in focus towards coating performance rather than just cost-effectiveness, signaling the industry's commitment to quality enhancements.

Delays from Field-Applied Coatings

Interestingly, the survey demonstrated a consensus among 60% of respondents regarding the delays caused by field-applied coatings due to weather, temperature, and humidity conditions, resulting in an average delay of approximately 3.4 months. Sherwin-Williams’ shop-applied alternatives directly address these issues, streamlining processes and enhancing overall job site productivity.

Final Thoughts

The insights from the Construction Insights survey illuminate significant areas of concern within the construction sector while also providing actionable solutions through Sherwin-Williams’ innovative products. Industry stakeholders are encouraged to consider these findings to develop strategies that improve project timelines, ensure safety, and maintain budgetary constraints. This report serves as a clarion call for the construction industry to adapt and adopt smarter, faster solutions moving forward.