Talk to anyone in the scaffolding industry and you’ll find that there are varying opinions on how many different types of scaffolding exist. However, if you break it down, they all fall under two types.
First, you have the standard supported scaffolds. These are the ones you see at most building sites and they consist of structures that are built from the ground up. The second type is suspended. These scaffolds are hung from the top of a building or from a boom, or other type of moving arm. Both scaffolding types are useful, but they offer a variety of options, too.
Supported Scaffolds
This type is the most commonly used and throughout the UK, you’ll find systems or modular scaffolding, which is basically a number of pieces that clip or otherwise connect together to quickly create the platforms needed. For most buildings, this type of structure is the most useful and commonly found.
Frame and brace scaffolds can also be built from regular aluminum tubing and wooden boards as platforms. This may be used where strength and height is not the primary concern. For lower buildings, such as a regular home or commercial space, the frame and brace method is often used.
Suspended Scaffolds
You’ve likely seen this type of scaffolding being used for repairs or maintenance on tall buildings. They look like swings and are usually suspended from two points. While this type of platform may be less stable, it has a number of advantages over stationary options.
One of the biggest advantages is simply having the ability to raise or lower the platform and even move it around to best fit the building and the task at hand. In very delicate cases, this may be the preferred method of working. The swing scaffolding may be suspended from systems set up on the roof, or from something like a crane, depending on how fragile the building is.
Another type of scaffolding that is used and is similar to suspended options is the mast climbing scaffolding, which uses poles on either side of the building and suspends the platform between them. The platform may be moved up and down as required and is useful for managing heavy loads and for working on taller buildings where regular structures might not be the best choice.
Which type of scaffolding will work best for your project? That depends on a number of factors, including building age and previous maintenance on it. It’s best to have a professional company like DH Scaffolds manage everything, since a poorly structured scaffolding can be quite dangerous.
If you’re not sure which option will work best for you, the scaffolding rental company will be able to advise you. They have the necessary experience to recommend the best system for the project.