When planning a construction project, choosing the right access solution is critical. Two popular options are alloy towers and traditional scaffolding, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The blog post will compare alloy towers and traditional scaffolding, discussing the key differences between the two options and the factors to consider when choosing the right one for your project.
Alloy Towers Vs. Traditional Scaffolding- Factors to Consider
The job at hand is the major factor that determines the type of scaffolding tower to get. Still, there are plenty of other things to check as well, especially when you’re deciding between using an alloy tower or traditional scaffolding. Whether you’re buying one for your construction company or talking to a company that offers access equipment for hire, the following are key considerations.
Cost
Alloy towers are great investments for construction projects. Many scaffold towers are made from durable non-corrosive metal components. As long as they are frequently maintained, they can remain adequately useful and safe to use for several years. Unlike traditional scaffolds, alloy towers have other cost-effective benefits apart from their long operational lifespan. They are easier, cheaper, and more efficient to transport due to their lightweight and portability. Unlike traditional scaffolds, less specialised vehicles with lower fuel consumption can be used to move alloy towers.
Since it takes a relatively short period to erect and dismantle the equipment on site, more productive time is spent on the actual job, greatly reducing labour costs. To further cut down project costs, you can opt for scaffolding hire from a company that offers access equipment for hire instead of purchasing one.
Ease Of Use
Setting up a traditional scaffold can be both time-consuming and labour-intensive. Every installation step must be flawless to reduce safety threats since the individually adapted connectors are more liable to errors during the assembling process. Standard alloy scaffold towers, on the other hand, are very easy to assemble and use.
They require no special set-up training which is the case in more permanent traditional scaffolds. Ideally, they come with guides to save installation time and labour without compromising safety, making it an excellent alternative for construction newbies. A single individual can erect and dismantle an alloy tower effortlessly. For that reason, alloy towers are great pieces of construction equipment for DIY projects and more professional use.
Versatility
Traditional scaffolding like the tube and clamp scaffold is better suited for complex structures such as cooling towers and refineries because of its higher load-bearing capacity. However, the technique ranks really low when it comes to adaptability. In terms of versatility, alloy towers are better. There are some situations during the construction process that may require some additional use that ladders and more permanent scaffolds are not convenient for. Most times, scaffold towers are better befitting in these kinds of cases.
Due to their mobility and ease of setup, they are more applicable to a wider variety of jobs. Alloy scaffold towers can be used for indoor jobs (around places like stairwells and garages) as well as in outdoor spaces such as porches. Alloy towers also provide great access solutions to constrained spaces and grounds with uneven terrain. So, when you are considering scaffolding for a job on a landscape you are uncertain of because you could not pay a preliminary visit first, an alloy tower would be a great idea.
Safety
With alloy towers, you’ll always need additional measures to ensure the safety of workers and property. Suspension supports either in the form of ropes or chains are required for scaffolds irrespective of the type. The heavier a scaffold structure is, the higher the number of needed supports.
Since Alloy towers are relatively lighter in comparison with traditional scaffolding. This makes the erection of alloy structures such as the aluminium tower ideal because it requires lesser suspension points thereby posing fewer threats to onsite workers.
The towers also provide the workers with a stable platform where they can safely stand and efficiently use both hands for work. The platform is designed in such a manner that it reduces the possibility of the user falling off by accident. More recently, guardrails are now assembled with scaffold towers to keep operators safe while working.
It is also highly unlikely that the structure will blow over under strong winds. An alloy tower is a great option for delicate glass structures and building restoration projects because it has a lower chance of causing damage to your projects.
Conclusion
Traditional scaffolds are still popularly used for construction projects despite their seemingly numerous downsides. But in recent years, more and more people and businesses are choosing more modern ways to build scaffolding. Apart from alloy towers, some scaffold towers come in materials that do not conduct electricity such as fibreglass. easyToolhire offers a wide range of options and our experts will also guide you through the process of selecting one for your project. Check out our website or contact us to find out more about the access solutions we offer for construction projects.
Here is a list of where to get alloy towers and accredited PASMA training courses in your region.
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