The sight of scaffolds around buildings is familiar due to their significance in meeting construction needs. Therefore, before you begin laying the foundation for the works, the type of scaffolding should be a critical decision. One of the decisions is the type of scaffold you wish to have for the project.
It is crucial to define workspace safety, project completion, and other success factors pertaining to the build. Whether you buy or use scaffolds from third parties, you must select the perfect one to create a platform for builders to do their jobs efficiently.
Also, remember that not every scaffold available will be suitable for the build. Since you have more options, the selection should not take too long. However, if you are worried about it, here are some tips to help you buy or outsource the best one.
1. Maneuverability and Flexibility
Since scaffolds are needed for various building and construction projects, you should choose ones that are easy to assemble and disassemble. The team should assemble everything on-site without requiring special machinery.
They can only rely on the machinery to lift the pieces to a certain height. Scaffold assembling systems and methods should be simple, with joints and equipment to join all the pieces.
For smaller construction projects like real estate, you need mobile scaffold that are easy to disassemble and assemble to move to the next project. They should be made of light materials and fit perfectly, enabling the team to spend less time on assembly and removal processes.
When selecting mobile ones, adjustability should also be considered. The adjustability will enable the team to customize the setting based on the construction phases. They can keep adjusting the height as they construct different floors.
2. Durability and Longevity
There is a probability that you will likely use a scaffold for more than ten projects in its entire lifespan. Therefore, you should prioritize getting quality versions that will last that long and satisfactorily meet all your project needs.
Before you begin your selection, know that scaffolds are made from different materials. The nature of the material determines how long it can last and its ability to withstand and fulfill all the project needs. Therefore, consider those made from steel but coated to prevent rusting and corrosion.
Ideally, most people would mistake the heaviest ones for the most perfect for durability. However, the heavier it is, the more difficult it is to assemble.
Instead of settling for iron or steel, consider aluminum, which is lighter and weather-resistant. Despite its lightness, it can also withstand the weight of builders and the construction materials on the scaffolds.
3. Adjustability
A rigid scaffold will require the team to assemble everything to a certain height, affecting construction. Remember, the scaffold should not hinder the project by delaying it. Instead, it should leave room for cranes to operate and builders to lay bricks without obstacles.
Whenever the teams want to proceed to the next phase, they can easily adjust the height by adding more scaffolds or certain height features.
4. The Nature of The Terrain
Before laying the scaffold, consider the ground and its ability to withstand certain weight. Remember that scaffolds must accommodate the weight of the workers and different construction materials.
If they were to sink into the ground by a few centimeters, it could lead to safety concerns like tilting, which can endanger everyone. Therefore, ensure the ground can withstand the weight, and if not, select unique scaffolds best suited for specific grounds.
If you are building on rough terrain, you need scaffolds with larger casters. You need scaffolds with smaller casters to fit into the limited spaces. If the ground is solid enough to withstand the weight, you can use different scaffolds without worrying about sinking.
However, if the ground is unstable, you should consider those with larger bases to increase the stability. This will allow the team to build upward without overwhelming the base pieces.
5. The Type of Project
The nature of the project dictates the perfect scaffold to use. For instance, the pieces you need for commercial and high-rise buildings should differ from those used in smaller and real estate builds. Secondly, the location and local geography also dictate the type of scaffold to use. Therefore, before selecting, consider the project specifications, such as the manpower needed, material to use, and height.
These factors will help you select one that can rise to higher heights, withstand all the weight, and guarantee the safety of everyone standing on the assembled scaffolds. For large projects, an ideal type should be the double-width scaffold. It guarantees stability and can increase the working space, allowing you to accommodate more workers working simultaneously.
A single-width option would suffice for smaller projects, primarily if you work in tight spaces with only a few on-site machines and workers.
6. Stability and Decking Options
While selecting the scaffolds, consider the decking type you wish to use and one that is perfect for the project. You have two main options: plywood or metal decks.
Ideally, the weather and other conditions should determine the decking option. The deck should have a secure and non-slip surface. Therefore, natural materials that can withstand local weather conditions should be considered.
Secondly, the decking also adds some weight to the entire setting. If you use smaller, single-width scaffolds, do not use metal decks to avoid adding more weight. For heavy-duty needs, consider steel scaffolds paired with metal decking for safety and stability.
Summing Up
Before setting up your scaffold, you should consider safety and the implications on the project.
Consider the scaffolds based on the materials, natural factors, terrain suitability, project needs, and general workplace safety. With all that in mind, you can easily select the most suitable scaffolding for your project.
