Before you look at anything to do with the use of scaffolding, you need to understand what it is. You’ve probably seen scaffolding outside of construction sites and buildings that are undergoing a renovation of the exterior.
Scaffolding is essentially a structure that has both supports and platforms to make it possible for workers to stand at a higher level than usual, in order to build. This is how walls are made, as well as anything that requires higher construction.
It’s nearly impossible to lift concrete blocks or hammer and drill above your head and this certainly isn’t sustainable. Therefore, working on higher levels of construction is very difficult unless you have a scaffolding.
If you’re still wondering what types of scaffolding there are, let’s take a look.
Types of Scaffolding Erections
There are a number of different styles of construction scaffolding so they can fit just about any project need. Some are made of metal, but many are done entirely of wood. Wood is easy to replace and cheaper to start out with, whereas metal can be very costly. It’s possible to add on more elements as time goes on. For example, if you have enough scaffolding to cover one floor, you can start with this and later purchase enough to add up to a second or third story.
With ability to expand whenever you need to, these scaffolding erections are impressive and worth the money. However, since most companies can’t afford to purchase their own scaffolding sets, they opt to use scaffolding companies to help them out. This is a very easy way to get everything set up so you can use it for your company, without actually stocking all that inventory.
Trestle Scaffolding
Best used for indoor work, this scaffolding is made up of tripods or ladders. These form the base of the support and then you can lay boards or planks across the top. In general, trestle scaffoldings are only used to heights of roughly five metres. They are not very stable after that height, so are best for painting low walls and ceilings.
Suspended Scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is frequently seen being used by window cleaners. The platform, instead of being raised from the ground, is suspended from the roof and hangs down over the building. It can be moved up and down on wires to reach the designed height and has a built in braking system so that it can’t fall. The biggest downside to this method is that a platform is only so wide and it’s difficult to cover the entire front of the building in just one go.
Steel Scaffolding
Another sturdy method of building scaffolding is to use steel tubes. These use couplers to hold them together and can be assembled quickly. They also come apart quickly, though they are stable while built. The simplicity of these structures makes it easy to move them from construction site to construction site, so you can enjoy the ease of building without worrying about the scaffolding.
Cantilever Scaffolding
Designed for use in areas where the ground can’t support a scaffolding, this type uses a chain of needles that are set into holes in the wall. This can be less stable than other methods of scaffolding, so it’s a good idea to use it only in situations that call for it.
Single Scaffolding
When homes are being built from bricks, this is the most common type of scaffolding’s used. It involves inserting supports into holes or inserts in the walls and using supplementary supports to create a solid base.
Double Scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is most frequently used for stone walls. It’s also called independent scaffolding, since it stands on two rows to keep it nice and steady. There are also cross beams and braces to help keep the whole thing standing without any wobbling.
Kwikstage Scaffolding
Made of galvanised steel, this type of structure is useful for very large projects. It can be built to an adjustable height and is very simple to take apart again. It can be used in place of any regular scaffolding, and it offers a sturdier look than other types of scaffolding.
There are dozens of different options when it comes to scaffolding. No one scaffolding is right for every job, so you’ll need to pick and choose according to the needs of each individual construction project.
When to Use Scaffolding
The point of scaffolding is to make it simpler to move up and down the wall. Often, if there’s no scaffolding, a ladder is the alternative. However, it’s not very practical to constantly be hauling items up and down, as you’ll end up doing with construction. Scaffolding makes it a little easier to do this.
These temporary structures also make it simpler to move back and forth once you’re up to a certain level. A ladder would need to be moved around constantly and it’s just too difficult to keep up for a larger construction site. Scaffolding gives you the structure necessary to get it all done with minimal stress on your workers.
Scaffolding Prices
Scaffolding prices will depend on the type of scaffolding you are using, as well as how tall the building is and how much weight the platforms need to hold. All of the details will determine just what prices are quoted.
In general, the company providing the scaffolding will need to come to the work site to see what they’re dealing with and to ensure their quote and design will work for what you have in mind. They will look at the plans for the site, walk it, and then decide what type of scaffolding would work best and how much they’ll need. This will all factor into the quote and will determine what the price is.
Safety Precautions with Scaffolding
Working without scaffolds can be dangerous, but if you’re not careful, these structures can also be dangerous. It’s essential that you take the proper safety precautions when using scaffolding.
First, be sure to wear all necessary safety equipment, including a hard hat. This protects against falling objects and could save your life. However, paying attention to what is going on around you, both at eye level and higher up, will help you stay safe, too.
Second, you’ll want to be sure the scaffolding is correctly built. If there are any loose boards or poorly placed pieces, be sure to let the scaffolding company know. They’ll want to fix everything before it is used.
When using scaffolding over water, such as on an oil rig, you’ll want to wear a life vest, as well. It’s important to look at the area you’re in and take appropriate precautions. For example, if it’s very windy, wear a harness at all times.
Finally, you want to be sure to secure any workers who are more than a few feet above the ground. This can be done with guardrails, but the workers should also wear a harness to prevent unexpected falls, particularly when several stories off the ground.
The Benefits of Scaffolding Companies
As you’ve seen, there are many different scaffolding types and they each have their own purpose. If you’re trying to manage with your own scaffolding, you’ll need to invest a massive amount of money into each type in order to have a range for your projects. If your company has more than one project going at once, it can be even more expensive.
This is where scaffolding companies come in. They can provide you with the scaffolding you need and put it up for you, as well. It’s a quick, easy solution to trying to manage it all yourself. Instead, you can put your workers to work on other areas of the construction.
Aside from the obvious benefit of not having to assemble massive scaffolds, you will also have the option for custom builds and design. The company will assess your project, make some suggestions and models to help you understand exactly what you’ll be getting. Once you’ve come to an agreement, it will be possible to come up with a timeline and arrange for the construction of the scaffolding.
These helpful structures have been a boon to the construction industry and will only continue improving their effectiveness as time goes on. More and more construction sites are trying the newer versions of scaffolds and finding which ones work best for each type of construction.
If you’ve been searching for “scaffolding near me,” you’re in the right place. Contact us today to schedule a site visit and quote.