The worst week I had last year was when a whole set of custom window frames warped after a sudden rainstorm hit before I got the sealant on

I had to rip out $600 worth of poplar and start from scratch because I trusted the forecast that said no rain for three days, and now I always keep tarps on site even when the sky looks clear, has anyone else had a weather surprise ruin a job like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_susan1mo ago

You mentioned trusting the forecast that said no rain for three days, and I think that's really the bigger issue here that gets overlooked. We put so much faith in weather apps and forecasts but they're just predictions, not guarantees. The problem isn't the rain itself, it's that we treat these forecasts like facts instead of educated guesses. I've learned the hard way that the only weather report you can truly count on is the one you get by looking up at the sky and using your own judgment. Those apps have made us lazy about paying attention to actual weather signs. Poplar is especially unforgiving with moisture too, so I feel your frustration with that material choice for something so exposed.

calebc401mo ago

I get what you're saying @the_susan about not treating forecasts like guarantees, but I push back a little on the idea that weather apps have made us lazy. A good forecaster is looking at the same satellite data the apps use, just with more context. The real issue is that people check one app once and call it good. If you look at the radar loop, check the wind direction, and see if anything's building on the horizon, you can usually spot a surprise storm coming. Poplar definitely soaks up moisture like a sponge, but even a careful look at the sky won't tell you the humidity level or dew point. There's room for both a reliable forecast and your own eyes.

the_olivia1mo ago

My buddy Jake had almost this exact scenario play out last summer lol. He checked his phone, saw "0% rain" for the whole weekend, left his poplar Adirondack chairs out on the deck without a second thought. Woke up at 3am to a surprise thunderstorm and spent the next hour dragging soaked cushions inside while muttering about how the sky had looked a little hazy at sunset.