If you are planning on construction work for your building, scaffolding may be required. It provides a stable and safe platform for workers to carry out their duties at height. Whether this is your first time looking into a scaffolding system or your hundredth time, it’s crucial to choose the right scaffolding system for your project. Using the wrong scaffolding system could jeopardise the project and risk the safety of workers. In this article, we will discuss the types of scaffolding systems and the factors you should consider before making a final decision. 

Types of Scaffolding Systems

While modern scaffolding systems are made from steel, not all of them are used for the same purpose. There are many different types of scaffolding systems, each designed for various projects and needs. Some of the common types include:

1) Single & Double Frame

Also known as brick layer scaffolding, single frame scaffolding consists of ledgers, putlogs and standards (vertical poles) which are placed parallel to the wall, approximately 1.2 metres apart. This one frame system supports one side of the scaffolding, whilst the other side is supported by the structure itself. Double frame scaffolding is much stronger than single frame scaffolding because it consists of two rows of standards, instead of one, and the frame is independent from the structure. Both scaffolding systems are mostly used in brick and stone masonry projects.

2) Cantilever

Also known as needle scaffolding, cantilever scaffolding involves the addition of a series of fully braced needles which extend outward from the building, providing a stable foundation for the scaffolding. Cantilever scaffolding is used in construction projects where work needs to be carried out on a side of a building, but the ground surface isn’t suitable for a traditional scaffolding system. 

3) Suspended

Suspended scaffolds have a platform suspended or hung by a cable system from an overhead structure such as a roof, which can be electronically raised or lowered by a motor to the required level. It is commonly used for minor repairs and maintenance work such as window cleaning and painting. 

Scaffolding in Derbyshire & Surrounding Locations

Now that you are aware of the different types of scaffolding systems, the next thing is to consider the following factors: project requirements, load capacity, safety, accessibility, ease of assembly and budget. For instance, if your project is a large renovation and requires the need to carry heavy materials or equipment, double frame scaffolding will offer better support than suspended scaffolding.

If your project is based in Derbyshire or the surrounding locations, Network Scaffold Services is one of the leading scaffolding providers in the Midlands. Our services include scaffolding, access scaffolding, scaffolding erecting, alloy towers, edge protection and sub-contract labour only work for domestic and commercial projects. Our team will be happy to speak to you about the right scaffolding approach for your project needs. Contact us today for a no-obligation quote via phone or email.