❄️ Groundwork Services You Need in the Winter
Keep Your Projects Moving Through the Cold Months
Winter has officially arrived — the temperatures are dropping, the ground is wetter, and daylight hours are at their shortest. While many assume this is the quiet season for groundwork, the reality is quite the opposite. Winter often creates the biggest need for essential groundwork services, especially when frost, heavy rain, and standing water begin affecting construction sites, private properties, and commercial environments.
At Kernahans Contractors, we work throughout the winter to keep sites safe, accessible, and structurally sound. Here’s a breakdown of the most important groundwork services you may need during the colder months, and how we help keep your project running smoothly.
🔧 1. Winter Drainage Solutions
When the weather turns, drainage issues become crystal clear. Saturated ground, blocked gullies, and overflowing soil beds can quickly lead to flooding if left untreated.
Popular winter drainage services include:
French drain installation
Soakaways and attenuation
Gully clearing & replacement
Land drainage for gardens and paddocks
Pipework repair or installation
Winter is the best time to tackle drainage issues because you can see exactly where water is gathering. Fixing it now prevents much bigger (and more expensive) issues in spring.
🧱 2. Foundation Preparation & Reinforcement
Winter ground conditions can be challenging — soft, wet, or frost-affected soil makes foundation work more technical.
We frequently undertake:
Strip foundations
Concrete pads and bases
Reinforced concrete slabs
Footings for extensions & outbuildings
Our team works with weather-resistant materials and adjusts excavation depths to account for frost heave, ensuring solid and stable foundations even in the cold.
🚧 3. Access Track & Driveway Stabilisation
Wet winter ground can quickly turn driveways, construction access routes, and private tracks into muddy hazards.
We supply and install winter-friendly aggregates for stabilising any surface:
MOT Type 1 – excellent for driveways & foundation bases
6F5 / Crushed Concrete – ideal for temporary access routes
Scalpings – great for compacting in wetter conditions
These aggregates are designed to lock together tightly and shed water effectively — essential for reliable winter access.
❄️ 4. Hardstanding & Car Park Repairs
Frost damage and heavy rain expose weaknesses in commercial and domestic hardstanding areas.
Winter is a key time for:
Pot-hole filling
New hardstanding construction
Edging & kerb reinstatement
Yard resurfacing
We use durable materials suited for winter compaction and long-term resilience.
🌲 5. Site Clearance & Preparation
With plants dormant and leaves cleared, winter is ideal for preparing land for spring projects or new builds.
Our winter clearance services include:
Removal of vegetation and green waste
Excavation of topsoil
Levelling and grading
Preparation for new garden layouts or constructions
This time of year allows for easier machinery access and improved visibility, making site prep quicker and cleaner.
🎄 6. Winter Aggregate Deliveries
Certain aggregates are more in demand during winter — whether for improving site accessibility or preparing for January projects.
Our most-requested winter aggregates include:
MOT Type 1 for sub-bases in wet conditions
Sharp Sand for concrete & blockwork in colder weather
6F5 recycled aggregate for tracks and temporary surfaces
Ballast for all-weather concreting
Topsoil for winter garden repairs (and pre-spring prep)
All aggregates are available for collection from our yard or fast local delivery.
🛠️ 7. Emergency Groundwork Support
Winter can create unexpected issues such as burst pipes, sudden flooding, collapsed ground, or structural movement.
We’re able to provide:
Emergency excavation
Temporary shoring & support
Flood response
Compaction & reinstatement
This ensures disruption is minimal and the site remains safe and compliant.
⭐ Summary: Why Winter Groundworks Matter
Winter isn’t a time to pause — it’s a time to pre-empt, protect, and prepare.
Whether you’re dealing with drainage challenges, unstable ground, washed-out access, or preparing for a project in the new year, Kernahans Contractors offers reliable, all-weather groundwork services across Kent.
If you're planning winter works or need urgent support, our team is here to help — even in the coldest months.
