What to Remember When Renting Scaffolding for Your Repair Project

While scaffolding is often used for new construction projects, this equipment can also make it easier and safer to reach and then repair a home's roof, exterior walls, or chimney. Note a few tips on choosing the right scaffolding pieces for use during your home repair or renovation project.

Ask about a permit

You may need a permit for rented scaffolding, depending on where it will be erected and on the type of scaffolding itself. Lightweight scaffolding you'll need for a project inside your home may not require a permit, but exterior scaffolding often requires a permit for its use, even on your own property. This is especially true for scaffolding that will be located near a sidewalk, or if it's placed over a home's walkway.

The company from which you rent scaffolding may be able to assist with your permit application, and may also be able to advise you if you can save money on that permit by choosing a different type of scaffolding setup or location. You can then make the best choice of scaffolding, according to your equipment needs and overall budget for your project. 

Keep it secure

When renting scaffolding, consider your own safety, and the safety of anyone who might be working around the scaffolding as well. A set of stairs inside the scaffolding will mean not having to climb a ladder outside the scaffolding, and thick planks along the scaffolding floor will mean fewer tools and other equipment that might drop on someone below. 

Casters can also make it easier to move scaffolding from one location to another, but if you'll using this equipment outside, those casters might make the scaffolding more dangerous on sloped or uneven pavement. Scaffolding without casters might be more cumbersome to move, but might stay in place more readily and be safer for you overall. 

For very uneven ground, choose scaffolding with adjustable poles. You can then tilt or slide one side of the scaffolding up or down, to compensate for it being placed on a hill or slope. This will provide a level and even workspace, keeping you and your tools safe and secure.

If you'll be working around obstructions, such as a chimney or set of stairs, ask about flexible scaffolding. These pieces may be set in an L-shape so that you can actually walk around or over these types of obstructions, rather than reaching or bending. This will ensure you keep your balance while on the scaffolding, and reduce your risk of falling.