Add My Company
What are alloy scaffold towers
Scaffold towers are structures that are used to provide a safe and stable platform for workers to perform various tasks at height.
Scaffold towers are usually made of metal, such as aluminium, steel, or various alloys that are strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Alloy scaffold towers are usually made of aluminium alloys, which is a combination of aluminium and other metals, such as copper, magnesium, silicon, or zinc.
Aluminium scaffold towers are lighter and easier to transport than steel scaffold towers, but they may also be more expensive to buy or rent (we offer aluminium scaffold tower hire at great rates)
Aluminium alloy scaffold towers have the advantages of being light, strong, corrosion-resistant, and easy to assemble and transport. However, they may have lower load-bearing capacity and stability.
Steel scaffold towers are heavier and more stable than aluminium scaffold towers, but they may also be more prone to rusting.
Some scaffold towers may also have wooden components, such as decks or toe boards, that provide a slip-resistant surface for workers to stand on. Wooden components may need to be treated with preservatives or fire retardants to prevent rotting or burning.
Are alloy scaffold towers regulated?
In the UK, scaffold towers are regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and must comply with the British Standard BS EN 1004:2005.
This standard specifies design, performance, and safety requirements for scaffolding, mobile access and working towers built using pre-made elements.
Scaffold towers must also be erected, used, and dismantled by competent and trained personnel, following the manufacturer’s instructions and the 3T (Through The Trapdoor) or AGR (Advanced Guard Rail) methods. See our guide on scaffold tower safety standards for more info.
Who makes alloy and aluminum scaffold towers in the UK
Keep in mind – all of these products are pricey, which is why most construction sites in the UK are using rented scaffolding.
We at Lakeside-Hire offer a wide range of alloy aluminium scaffold towers for hire, and we can help you find the safest and the most cost-effective option for your project. All our equipment is safe, well-maintained, and comes with professional usage consultations.
There are several top manufacturers of alloy scaffold towers in the UK – and all of them offer great quality of products:
Lewis – Scaffold Towers UK
Lewis is a British manufacturer of scaffold towers and other access equipment since 2004. They offer a range of alloy scaffold towers, including industrial ladder scaffold towers, trade folding towers (Miniscaff), advanced guard rail towers, stairwell scaffold towers, and liftshaft towers. They also provide scaffold safety and debris netting, Youngman boards, tower accessories, and spare parts.
Aluminium Scaffold Towers Limited
One of the UK’s largest supplier of scaffold towers, ladders, loft ladders, and access equipment. They offer a range of alloy scaffold towers, including industrial span towers, trade span towers, trade folding towers (Miniscaff), stairwell scaffold towers, lift shaft towers, podium steps, and tower accessories. They also provide free next day delivery and a no quibble lifetime guarantee.
Boss Scaffold Towers UK
Their professional website dedicated to the full range of BoSS Scaffold Towers and Components. BoSS is a leading brand of access equipment in the UK and Europe. They offer a range of alloy scaffold towers, including the 700 range designed to help you easily select the right tower system for your needs. They also supply a comprehensive range of Werner Ladders and steps and access products.
Alloy vs steel scaffolding – what should you pick?
The best scaffolding option may vary depending on the needs of each specific project. You can always give us a call for a consultation on scaffolding.
Here’s a quick checklist on how alloy scaffolding compares to steel towers:
Weight
Alloy scaffold towers are lighter than steel scaffold towers, which makes them easier to transport, assemble, and move around. However, this also means that they may have lower stability and load capacity than steel scaffold towers, especially in windy conditions.
On the other hand, steel scaffold towers are heavier and more stable than alloy scaffold towers, but they also require more effort and equipment to handle and install.
Durability
Alloy scaffold towers are more resistant to corrosion than steel scaffold towers, which makes them suitable for outdoor use and humid environments. However, they may also be more prone to denting and bending than steel scaffold towers, especially if they are not handled properly.
Steel scaffold towers are stronger and more rigid than alloy scaffold towers, but they may also rust over time if they are not galvanized or maintained well.
Costs
Alloy scaffold towers are generally more expensive than steel scaffold towers, both in terms of purchase and hire. This is because aluminium is a more expensive material than steel, and manufacturing alloy scaffold towers requires more precision and quality control.
Steel scaffold towers are cheaper and more widely available than alloy scaffold towers, but they may also incur higher maintenance and transportation costs in the long run.
Safety
Both alloy and steel scaffold towers must comply with the British Standard BS EN 1004:2005, and they must be erected, used, and dismantled by competent and trained personnel. As long as you follow the instructions and best practices, all scaffolding is safe.
Alloy scaffold towers may have lower electrical conductivity than steel scaffold towers, which may reduce the risk of electrocution if they come into contact with live wires or power lines.
There is no definitive answer to which type of scaffold tower is better for your project.
The choice depends on various factors such as the height, duration, location, budget, and complexity of your work.
For more information on Alloy scaffold towers vs aluminium or steel picking the best option to hire talk to Lakeside Hire