Facade scaffolding is a simple, temporary structure that allows you to renovate the façade or roof of a building – in general, performing all construction, assembly and installation work at heights. The purchase of façade scaffolding is a considerable expense and a kind of investment that may turn out to be a bull’s eye or completely unprofitable. Check what technical parameters to pay special attention to when choosing façade scaffolding.
Facade scaffolding – what is it?
Facade scaffolding is nothing more than a frame structure composed of repetitive elements on the façade. In fact, it is used at every stage of the house design. It is used for masonry, installation or finishing works. It is indispensable during various types of maintenance work at heights.
Interestingly, façade scaffolding is useful not only on construction sites. It is often used in the construction industry or in the event industry.
There are no restrictions on the use of façade scaffolding – it can be used both outside and inside the building. They can be used to build entire walls of buildings, regardless of their height and occupied area.
What are the types of façade scaffolding?
There are different types of façade scaffolding used in the construction industry. The most popular are façade scaffolding, which has system solutions. They consist of various matching elements.
Each type of scaffolding offers different possibilities and is assembled in a different way. The division of façade scaffolding is as follows:
- modular scaffolding,
- frame scaffolding,
- Pipe and coupling scaffolding,
- bushing-type scaffolding.
Frame façade scaffolding
Frame scaffolding has flat frame structures that allow you to quickly make façade scaffolding with a straight surface. They are located next to the building and connected with anchors. They are usually used in general construction.
Among them, the most popular type is undoubtedly bushing-type scaffolding, which is easy and quick to assemble, and in addition does not require the use of additional protection.
Modular façade scaffolding
Modular scaffolding has two crossbars and uprights that are separate elements in them. A space (module) is inserted between the uprights for connecting other parts of the scaffolding. Profiled heads and wedge locks are used to connect the remaining elements.
This type of scaffolding allows for the implementation of more complex structures. Such universal modular scaffolding is used in the organization of mass events.
Pipe and coupling façade scaffolding
Pipe-coupling scaffolding is not a so-called system solution. Their attachment is more difficult, which is why fewer people decide to install them. However, the laborious nature of construction takes a back seat when buildings with non-standard shapes are built. In such places, pipe-coupling scaffolding is worth its weight in gold.
An alternative to the above options is aluminum façade scaffolding. This is a very universal solution that is often used by custom-exterior.com professionals on the construction site. It is durable, relatively light and easy to use. They are used even on small areas, which is why they work well for interior renovations.
Facade scaffolding – what does it consist of?
The façade scaffolding must contain the appropriate components. Among them are:
- Frame
- platforms,
- Ladder
- Anchors
- Railings
- Concentration
- adjustable feet.
What to consider when choosing?
Before choosing a façade scaffolding, you should think carefully about what activities you will need it for. The type of facilities at which it will be erected is also of great importance. Before we make the final decision, we need to carefully analyze the following technical parameters:
- Maximum permissible load – the vast majority of frame scaffolding available on our market is adapted to a platform load of 200 kg/m2. During most works, this load capacity is fully sufficient. However, if you plan to store heavy materials on the scaffolding platforms, you should consider increasing the load on the scaffolding by shortening the width of the platforms and reducing their number vertically;
- maximum height of the scaffolding – depending on the system, the scaffolding can be from 15 to 60 meters high. If needed, it can usually be increased without any problems. However, it should be remembered that as the permissible height of the scaffolding increases, its price also goes up;
- Types of connections – you can choose from solutions using ratchets, wedge and clamp connections. Ratchets guarantee quick assembly without the need for additional tools, while wedge and clamp connections, although more difficult to install, provide greater stability to the scaffolding;
- Width and length of the platform – when it comes to width, the optimal solution is 70 cm, although you can find both shallower and deeper platforms on the market. Wider platforms will work well, for example, when we plan to store materials on them. In turn, in terms of length, platforms with a length of 2.5 meters have the most applications. Longer elements reduce the maximum load of a single platform.
Only by specifying your needs will you be able to determine what parameters the entire structure should have.
How to set it up?
How the individual elements of the façade scaffolding will be installed is of great importance in terms of the stability of the entire structure. The assembly of façade scaffolding can only be carried out by people with appropriate qualifications and training in this field.
How to set up façade scaffolding? The structure must be placed on a profiled and stabilized surface. Its tilt should not be greater than 1%. The longitudinal spacing of the frames and the width are determined by the maximum load. For platforms at a height of at least 1 meter, handrails should be used. In order to better stabilize the scaffolding, it should be anchored to the façade of the building.
How to assemble façade scaffolding? Given that the structure is metal, it needs to be grounded and equipped with lightning rods. The exact installation instructions for façade scaffolding depend on its type. Before you start using the scaffolding, you still need to carry out its technical acceptance.
The acceptance is carried out by the site manager or other authorized person. It is also worth mentioning at this point that each façade scaffolding should undergo a technical inspection regularly, at least once a month. The visual inspection of the structure should also be carried out after precipitation or strong wind.
