Heat wave takes a toll on Windsor businesses
Sales are up for a pool company but construction workers get a hit in morale
It's hot in Windsor and two businesses are feeling the heat wave — in their respective ways.
Ted Daher, owner of Reno Pros Windsor Inc., said he frequently hears from his employees that the heat is reducing their output.
Projects such as fixing a tar roof can be difficult in the heat because the tar could start melting while the workers walk on it.
"We finish them in a timely manner, but of course, the window to work in, you're talking 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.," Daher said.
His staff would also have to take more frequent breaks because of the heat. Also power tools don't work as well because the batteries start draining.
Project delivery dates may need to be pushed back, but Daher said that's not affecting his business too much.
"When [the customers] see us working in the heat, sympathy plays a big factor in allowing us to give a little bit more time to get the projects done," he said.
'It was like Christmas'
While productivity is a bit slow for some working outside with humidex in the 40s, those wanting to stay cool at home are driving pool sales up.
"It's been crazy," said Adriana Antogiovanni, assistant manager at Pools by Angelo. "We sold out of so many different chemicals ... just people trying to keep their pools up and going."
"It was like Christmas, Boxing Day season."
She said they received over 20 inquiries about in-ground pools over the weekend, a number more typical for what they'd see in a few weeks.
There has also been an influx of calls for pool maintenance from people who haven't been keeping their pools fresh for the season.
"They're calling, they're like 'I need my green pool to be clear like yesterday'," Antogiovanni said.
But the demand is so high for all aspects of the business that she said they're "booking into mid to end of August" even with several crews working.
There is a heat warning in place for Windsor, Essex County and Chatham-Kent that is expected to persist through Thursday. Separately there is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect for the same regions.
Wednesday has a high of 32 C, but feels like 42. On Thursday is expected to have a high of 32 C.