Human beings are small creatures compared to the animal kingdom’s giants, but that hasn’t stopped us from reaching for something far bigger than ourselves. Through our sheer ingenuity, we managed to build towering structures that stood the test of time. Structures such as cathedrals and skyscrapers are testaments to people’s ingenuity. Of course, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish these things without tools.
Throughout history, scaffolding was a universally common sight whenever structures were constructed. In ancient Egypt, scaffolding fashioned out of lashing and timber was used when stone temples and the great pyramids were built. Timber continued to become the material of choice until the Industrial Revolution when it was supplanted by steel.
After steel came aluminum, which was valued for its durable and lightweight attributes. Then aluminum replaced steel as the preferred material for scaffolding. Scaffolding is most commonly connected with mega construction projects such as dams, skyscrapers, and bridges, but they are often used for minor projects such as houses and low-rise buildings.
What is scaffolding?
The main purpose of using scaffolding is to provide a temporary support structure for workers doing construction and renovation work or performing repairs and maintenance. Scaffolding is designed to be easily assembled and dismantled to minimize the disruption and work needed.
They come in many designs, each one more complex than the last, and are made in a wide variety of materials, from timber to aluminum. As a general rule, the larger and more complicated the construction is, the more complex the scaffold required.
Millions of people worldwide scaffolding for their work, including maintenance personnel, painters, and construction workers. Many homeowners use a scaffold for reaching places such as gutters and roofs. Let’s say you’re looking for interior window shutters for your home. You’re going to need scaffolding to reach upper-floor windows.
Where can I buy scaffolding?
You’d think that only contractors and handyman have access to scaffolding. But even an average homeowner easily buy scaffolding at home improvement stores. You can even go online if you want to buy or rent scaffolding. However, if you need quality scaffolding for an upcoming project, you need to do some research first to get the best one for your needs.
Unlike groceries and small tools, scaffolding is not something you buy every day or even once a year. If you’re a homeowner who only needs a scaffold for the seasonal gutter cleaning or roof repair project, you may not even need an industrial-grade scaffolding. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, you will follow the same basic guide when buying scaffolding.
To buy or to rent?
You may be tempted to rent scaffolding instead of buying them outright to save money. Sure, you may save money now when renting, but it may be more cost-efficient in the long run to buy scaffolding.
If you’re planning to use the scaffold at least a few times a year, then you’re better off buying one. Renting scaffolding will eventually become more expensive than buying it outright, and you will have to pay sky-high fees if the scaffolding gets damaged or stolen. Set a budget and stick to it.
When buying scaffolding, you must be familiar with national and international standards. Ensure that the scaffolding you’ve chosen has met or surpassed those standards to ensure safety and durability.
Know your scaffolding
Educate yourself about the primary kinds of scaffolding. After that, choose between a standard or folding model. Standard scaffold needs manual assembly but is more stable and durable than the folding scaffold. Folding scaffold, on the other hand, is easier to set up but cannot be used for high-rise structures.
Some scaffolding types can only be used with indoor work, so you might want to check that out if you need one. The indoor scaffold has wheels that improve portability, but the frame is less resistant to moisture damage.
You should also spend some time comparing multiple manufacturers to check their scaffolding specializations. Most companies have a specialized niche within the market to help consumers with specific jobs. You should also know the types of components that are supplied by these manufacturers. For instance, if you need to repair or replace a scaffold, you want to make sure that the company offers spare parts.
The bottom line
Whether you’re doing construction or repair work, scaffolding ensures you can safely reach upper floors and high places. We hope that this guide will help you make the right decisions regarding scaffolding for your home or business. Finally, always put safety first when using any tool or equipment. Tools make our lives not only more convenient but safer as well.
