Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying Scaffolding
Scaffolding is an essential piece of equipment, when you are working on building projects with high ceilings or walls. If scaffolding is properly built and maintained, it is safe and helps to comple work in a timely manner. Whether you are a contractor or a homeowner who wants to do their own DIY home projects, scaffolding will give you a firm place to stand, while completing the work, as well as provide the space you'll need to have the necessary tools on hand. When searching for scaffolding for sale, whether it is Safeway scaffolding or another brand, it is important to choose the appropriate scaffolding for the job and to ensure all pieces are safe and in good condition. Here are some tips to keep in mind when looking at new or used scaffolding for sale.
Type of Scaffolding
The first and one of the most important things to consider is the type of scaffolding you will need for the project you intend to use it for. There are three basic types of Safeway scaffolding:
- Hanging, which is suspended from the building and can be raised or lowered. This type is often used to wash windows or the exterior of tall buildings.
- Mobile, which is always independent and stands on its own and has wheels attached to the bottom.
- Fixed, which can either be independent or putlog and does not move.
Both fixed and mobile are independent types of scaffolding, which means that they stands free of the building, while putlog scaffolding is secured to the building.
Structurally Sound Scaffolding
Scaffolding generally consists of several different parts, including metal tubing for structural support, flat boards for the walkways, ladders and ropes. It is essential that you only use scaffolding that is structurally soundly and keep in mind that ladders aren't meant to be a source of support; they only provide access to reach a desired area, when working on things such as painting or stucco. Whether you are looking for new or used Safeway scaffolding for sale, it is important to physically inspect all of the different parts, including:
- Pipes to ensure they aren't bent, crooked or rusted
- Clamps to make sure that they easily open and close.
- Wood platforms, as they must be straight and not have any rotten or soft areas in the wood.
- Aluminum platforms, which should not have any indentations or deformations.
Once you have purchased the scaffolding, it is essential that you take the appropriate steps to maintain all pieces and when not in use, making sure they are properly stored in a well ventilated and dry area, at all times. Keeping scaffolding dry is the most important factor, because if the wood planks are stacked when they are wet or stacked tightly in humid areas, the wood will be subjected to wood rot and algae growth.
