The Ultimate Guide to Aluminium Scaffold Tower Prices

Things to consider

• Size, height and type required — these will have a big effect on the cost of hiring a scaffold.
• Type of work — this will influence the number of walking levels needed, and how long the hire period lasts.
• Location of work — prices vary by region, and any restrictions on public access will have a bearing on hire cost.

Introduction

Building work on homes, commercial buildings, bridges and other structures is made easier and safer by scaffolding. Whether it’s to repair, renovate or decorate, scaffold towers provide workers with a stable and secure way of reaching areas that just aren’t accessible by ladder.

Scaffold tower hire prices vary, so it’s worth getting to know the factors that influence them. This guide will take you through the different scaffolding options available and give you some useful tips on finding the best deals.

What is scaffolding?

Scaffolding is a flexible temporary structure made up of metal poles and walking boards allowing tradesmen to work at height around a building. It’s most often used externally, but is sometimes useful for interiors as well, such as working on a vaulted ceiling. Most standard scaffold systems have a simple ‘straight up’ design, but specialist scaffold towers and equipment are available for hard-to-reach areas. The type, design, materials and number of levels are all cost influencers when it comes to purchasing or hiring a scaffold tower.

Scaffold systems have to comply with a variety of safety regulations and performance requirements. These include the European Standard BS EN 12811-1, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the safety and best practice standards set down by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA).

What is the difference between scaffolding and scaffold towers?

Scaffolding is the general term for all temporary structures made up of metal poles and walking boards. Traditional scaffolding can be extensive and labour-intensive to set up. Scaffold towers, also known as mobile access towers, are a particular type of scaffolding. They are manufactured from prefabricated components, quick and easy to erect, cheaper to hire than traditional scaffolding, and can be used internally and externally.

What affects the cost of scaffolding?

Here is a list of the main factors that play a part in the price of a scaffold tower. They range from size and flexibility to regional variations and access considerations.

• Size and height

  Unsurprisingly, the higher and wider the scaffold, the more it will cost.

• Number of walking levels

  The more walking levels you require to do the job, the more expensive the scaffold. If it’s a roof repair job, workers only need to stand at one level, so fewer boards are needed. But if you’re painting, plastering or cladding, multiple levels will be required.

• Length of hire

  Most scaffolding services specify a minimum rental period of six to eight weeks and charge a fixed sum for that period. If a project takes longer than expected, most firms will then charge an additional weekly rent (but you’ll need to make sure you agree this in advance). Other firms are more flexible. Lakeside-Hire offers minimum hire periods of as little as seven days, perfect for short-term projects.

• Location

  Regional differences can have a big effect on scaffolding costs. Scaffold hire in London is almost three times more expensive than out in the sticks in Scotland. On the other hand, Lakeside-Hire offers the same prices nationwide for all equipment hire.

• Public access

  Sometimes you have to restrict public access by erecting a scaffold on a public road or footpath, which normally requires a licence from the local council. These licences can be expensive, which makes finding a low rental price even more important.

• Special requirements

  The simplest scaffolding goes straight up. However, sometimes to complete a job you have to bridge a gap over a driveway, pathway or conservatory, traverse large objects, sloping roofs and porches, or work around doorways and fire escapes. Working in these hard-to-reach areas can be difficult and dangerous without the proper equipment. In these situations, you’ll need specialist scaffold towers and apparatus such as high clearance towers, bridge beams and cantilever sections.

• Materials

  Aluminium, steel and fibreglass scaffolds all differ in price. Steel scaffold towers are typically the strongest and cheapest, but also the most inflexible and difficult to move. They’re used predominantly when workers are dealing with large, heavy objects. Aluminium scaffold towers are more expensive, but they’re also more practical, flexible, easier to use and more durable than steel. Fibreglass scaffold towers are the most expensive, but because fibreglass is non-corrosive and non-conductive, they’re essential when working in environments where electricity is present.

How modern scaffolding works

The basic components of modern scaffolding are tubes, couplers and boards. Rudimentary scaffold-like structures have been around in some form since ancient times, but David Palmer-Jones is the man who created scaffolding as we know it. He invented the “scaffixer”, a coupling device that was more robust than rope and drew lots of attention in 1913 when it was used in the reconstruction of Buckingham Palace. In 1919, Palmer-Jones improved the scaffixer’s design and invented the “universal coupler”. This became the industry standard coupler and still is today.

Other 20th-century advancements included tubular steel water pipes instead of timber poles, allowing for easy interchangeability of parts and better structural integrity. Diagonal bracings were also introduced, improving stability, particularly on very tall scaffold towers. In 1944 Palmer-Jones’s company, Scaffolding Great Britain Ltd, created the first scaffold frame system, which was used extensively in post-war reconstruction.

Modern scaffold systems like the Scaffold Tower Hire are manufactured using state-of-the-art laser cutting and robotic welding technology. Many are enhanced with additional safety and ergonomic features such as easy-grip ribbed tubing, integral ladder systems and deck board edge protection, as well as floating spigots and double-action, trigger-operated locking claws for fast and easy assembly and dismantling. Their design also complies with the ‘through-the-trapdoor’ method of assembly recommended by the Health and Safety Executive, which means workers are never exposed to risky drops.

How to get a great quote for scaffolding?

Once you’ve considered the above-mentioned cost variables, you’re going to want to seek out the most cost-effective quote available. There are many companies out there claiming to offer competitive prices for scaffold hire. However, Lakeside-Hire has come out 69% cheaper than all its competitors for a wide range of access equipment.

We supply to all parts of the UK a broad selection of high-tech scaffold systems, specialist equipment, scaffolding accessories and other access equipment like combination ladders and scissor lifts.

Apart from our hire prices being 69% lower, two additional benefits make Lakeside-Hire the most cost-effective option for scaffold hire:

• 1. For long-term hires of three weeks or more, we offer free delivery.
• 2. Our minimum hire period is only seven days, much shorter than most scaffolding companies will offer.

And while we don’t erect the towers, each one comes with straightforward instructions, colour-coded components and features specially designed to make building and dismantling a fast, easy process.

Tips before hiring

A secret that many building contractors don’t want you to know is that you can hire your own scaffolding for their job. Contractors would prefer you to use their scaffold towers so they can charge you for using them and make an additional profit. You’ll also find that the cost of the scaffolding is often a large chunk of the overall budget for a job.

Hiring a scaffold tower independently is a key cost-cutting measure that everyone should consider. This is keeping in mind that expected finish dates are often delayed and extra charges rack up quickly. Hiring your own equipment will free up a hefty portion of your budget for such an eventuality.

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FAQs about scaffold tower hire prices

1. What are the main factors that affect the cost of scaffolding?

Size and height and type of work have probably the biggest bearing on scaffold costs. The taller or wider the building, the larger and more expensive the scaffold tower will be. At the same time the type of work will determine the scaffold materials, the number of walking levels, how long the hire period will last, and whether you need specialist equipment.

2. How do I know whether a scaffold tower is safe?

All scaffold towers must comply with the European Standard BS EN 12811-1, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and the safety and best practice standards set down by PASMA. Here at Lakeside-Hire, we inspect, check and clean all scaffold stock pre-delivery to make sure every safety standard is carefully observed.

3. What are the minimum hire periods for scaffold towers?

Most scaffolding companies set down minimum rental periods of six to eight weeks and charge a fixed sum. Lakeside-Hire offers a much more flexible seven-day minimum period for scaffold towers and equipment, which makes us an ideal option for short-term projects.

4. Why should I hire a scaffold tower from Lakeside-Hire?

Firstly there’s our previously mentioned hire period flexibility and thorough compliance with safety standards. Then there’s the fact that we’re 69% cheaper than our competitors and offer free delivery for hire periods of three weeks or more. In effect, we make your budget go further.