Delay Classification & Claims
Excusable Delay
An excusable delay is one caused by circumstances outside the contractor's control or fault, entitling it to a time extension -- though not necessarily to additional compensation.
Definition
Excusability is typically defined by the contract itself, but commonly includes things like unusually severe weather, differing site conditions, force majeure events, and owner-caused delays. Excusable delay is a separate question from compensable delay -- a delay can be excusable (the contractor isn't at fault and deserves more time) without being compensable (the contractor isn't entitled to additional money for it), depending on the specific cause and the contract's own risk-allocation terms.
Example
A hurricane shuts down site work for two weeks -- a classic excusable delay entitling the contractor to a two-week time extension, though the contract's force majeure clause may or may not also entitle it to compensation for the idle time.