There are numerous different types of scaffolding with each and every one of these different types used for specific builds, requirements, buildings, renovations and much more. There are a large range of types of scaffolding used in construction and for other purposes as well such as decorating, room designs and even window cleaning.
Types of Scaffolding and How They Are Best Used
Commonly seen across all nature of building and construction projects, scaffolding structures can be used for a diverse rand of purposes. It is common to see scaffolding being used for:
- repair work
- to access high objects
- for window cleaning
- tall buildings
An important stage in the project development is choosing the most appropriate form of scaffold structure and therefore it is important to understand some of the most popular and widely used options out there.
Supported Scaffolding
Supported scaffolding is the most common form of scaffolding used. It is the type typically seen being used in construction work and many other forms of work where elevation is required. It may be necessary to add extra support if the scaffolding is required to take a lot of weight or will be extra-long in size.
This type of scaffolding is built from the base upwards. It is usually used wherever possible as it is considered the most convenient, easiest, safest and most cost-effective method of scaffolding construction. There are different types of supporting scaffolding within the supported scaffolding category which are available, and they are used for all different purposes.
Suspended Scaffolding
This kind of scaffolding is usually suspended from a roof or another form of tall construct. It is most typically used when it is not possible to construct a base, or where access to upper levels is to be required, and building the scaffolding from floor to the level of requirement would be impractical.
Suspended scaffolding is commonly used by window cleaners, for example, on taller buildings. This type of scaffolding might also be seen where repairs are required to the exterior of upper levels of very tall buildings.
Rolling Scaffolding
This form of scaffolding is similar in type to that of ‘supported scaffolding.’ However, rather than offering a base that is stable, it uses castor-style wheels that enable the base to be moved around wherever and whenever necessary. Rolling scaffolding is a useful form of scaffolding when it is required to complete work over a longer distance than a single scaffolding construction would permit. It means that there is no need to build many individual scaffolds, rather the workmen and women can just move the rolling structure along as needed.
The wheels will be locked and safe when workers or materials are on it, this is in order to ensure the safety of those working on it, using it, and those around it.
Mobile Scaffolding
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to consider when determining whether to use static or mobile scaffolding. Ease of access is one thing that should be considered, along with the amount of movement on the scaffolding itself. Ideally, it is preferable to rely on the use of a single scaffolding structure or a number of single structures. This is because mobile scaffolding, while perfectly safe when well-constructed and used properly does pose more of a hazard.
Aerial Lifts
Aerial lifts are used where workers need to be able to access a variety of levels in order to be able to complete the job of the construction or other work. If building work is being completed on the exterior of a multi-story building and materials are need to be moved outside two or more floors, at different times, then this form of aerial lift scaffolding will make it safer, quicker and easier to move even large amounts of material as well as the workers themselves, to the different levels of construction.