Anybody that works in the construction industry will be familiar with scaffolding, but most home owners also need to know how to erect scaffolding for routine maintenance and painting purposes.
Most professionals agree that it is better to use scaffolding than using a ladder to reach higher places, regardless of the task at hand. Scaffolding is safer than ladders, and even if it takes more time to erect, it allows for a greater degree of versatility.
Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Contractor?
There are many companies that will be happy to supply all the necessary materials and erect the scaffolding at the same time. This may be counterproductive, however, because it would be necessary to move the scaffolding, and it could become very expensive to have the scaffolding dismantled and re-erected time and time again. It is not really difficult to erect scaffolding safely, and most do-it-yourself enthusiasts quickly learn how to perform this simple task.
Learn How To Erect Scaffolding
The first and most important consideration when setting out to learn how to erect scaffolding should always be safety, and it is important to wear protective clothing, especially heavy gloves and a hard hat when erecting scaffolding or when working on it. It is most important to ensure that the surface where the scaffold is to be erected is completely level. In some instances, it may be necessary to dig to ensure a level surface for the base plates. In cases where there are drastic slopes, it may even be necessary to obtain leg extensions. If the scaffolding is going to be moved around much, it may be wise to use castors.
The next step is to assemble the scaffolding frame, an important step when learning how to erect scaffolding. First attach a cross brace to one end piece, followed by attaching the upper cross brace to the second end piece. The ends of the cross braces are then secured to the bottoms of the opposite end frames. It is important to ensure that the structure is level and secure at all times.
Once the basic structure is erected, the planks can be lifted in place. Care should be taken to ensure that the planks are secure and that they are properly supported by the scaffolding frame. The following steps are concerned with securing safe access to the scaffolding, and professionals warn that it is best and safest to use ladders specifically designed for the type of scaffolding used. In most cases, it is highly recommended that guard rails are attached to the scaffolding to ensure safety and to prevent falls.
Before using the scaffolding, and every time that it is moved, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that the scaffolding remains stable and level. The higher a scaffolding structure is, the bigger the potential for injury, and time spent on ensuring safety is time well spent.
A Word Of Caution
Experts advise that only one type of scaffolding frame is used when erecting a frame, because frame sides from different sets can easily lead to an unstable structure that may be unsafe. It is also considered unsafe to use rubble or scraps of wood to help level the scaffolding. With some caution and a little bit of patience, it is easy to learn how to erect scaffolding.
