Above the Scaffold: Simplify Home Improvement by Assembling ...

By Lisa Humbert

Any respectable home improvement project dealing with height isn?t complete without scaffolding. Working on a scaffold provides a stable platform for you, your materials and tools?whereas precarious ladders only hold you and must be moved every couple of feet.

Preparations
Generally, scaffolding and its setup are the same wherever its assembled, though minor variances are sure to exist between manufacturers. Consider something like renting scaffolding at SunBeltRentals.com and make sure that you adhere to the instructions that are provided with your rental. On average, the scaffold?s frame size measures five feet wide and five feet tall. Before assembly, ensure that the ground conditions are conducive to the scaffolding foundation. Do not set the foundation on loose ground, snow or a warped foundation. If setting the scaffolding on a level area isn?t possible, FamilyHandyman.com suggests using the shovel to level an area. Place the scaffolding on top of shimmed 2?10 blocks of lumber?this prevents the frame from sinking into soft ground. A solid, level foundation is crucial in constructing the scaffold.

Base Assembly
Begin assembling the frame and base near your work site. Lay out the two end frames approximately seven feet apart, and slide on the base plates and adjustable screws. Mud sills should be used in lieu of base plates when the scaffold is constructed on a dirt surface. To secure the adjusting screws to the base plate, use a securing pin (pigtail or toggle) to lock them in place. After piecing the scaffolding frames together, lift the two end frames. Place the two cross braces on either end of the frames. The braces should fit and lock over the pins, binding the entire frame together. The cross braces prevent the staging from swaying to and fro. Push the scaffold frame into position, and slide the 2?10 blocks of lumber beneath each base plate or mud sill. Here is where the adjusting screws come into play: turn the screws until the scaffold is level. Make certain that the frame is parallel to the ground with a carpenter?s bubble level.

Guardrails
Now that the frame and base are assembled, you?ll need a surface to work on. Scaffold planks should be included in the rental (don?t use your own). Stand in the center of the staging, and lift the planks up and over the frame. Swivel locks on either side of the planks hook over the end frames.

Use those same pigtail or toggle pins from before to install the guardrail corner posts on the scaffold frame. Fasten top and bottom guardrails between the two corner posts. According to FamilyHandyMan.com, the side that faces your house doesn?t require a guardrail if it?s less than 14 inches from the building.

Lisa Humbert is a freelance writer.

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Source: http://blog.construction-today.com/?p=1077

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