Scaffold towers are a portable, flexible version of traditional scaffolding, making them extremely popular. But how much do they cost? And should you invest in one? Let’s take a look.
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The Cost Of Hiring A Scaffold Tower
The price of scaffold tower hire in London starts at approximately £30 to £45 per week, depending on the make and model. However, how much you pay relates to the size of the unit and construction quality. The bigger and stronger it is, the higher the price will be.
Contractors usually use scaffold towers for small-scale projects, such as window painting or exterior repairs. However, professionals sometimes use them at festivals and sporting events, too.
Scaffold towers aren’t suitable for larger projects on multi-storey buildings because they are not tall enough. They are also unsuitable for supporting the weight of large groups of workers.
Current rules state that the maximum height of scaffold towers is 12 metres indoors, and 8 metres outdoors. Therefore, you shouldn’t use them on taller buildings, even if you secure them in place.
How To Hire The Right Scaffold Tower
Construction contractors and other firms regularly hire scaffolding towers. However, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Here are some of the factors you should consider:
Safety
You should begin by considering safety. UK scaffold towers should conform to EN1004 and EN1005 access tower standards. Attaining these means the scaffolds meet various safety requirements, such as having in-built ladders and guardrails to prevent falls.
Material
You should also consider the construction materials used in the scaffolding. Aluminium towers are the most common because they are cheap and lightweight, lowering rental costs. However, you can also get fibreglass towers that are safer when working with electricity because of their non-conductive properties.
Steel is another option. Because of the metal’s strength, towers tend to be more robust and last longer than their aluminium counterparts. However, they weigh more and cost more to hire.
Height
You’ll also need to consider the height and size of the tower. The taller and heavier it is, the more it will cost to rent out.
When renting a tower for outdoor use, always choose one less than 8 metres tall to comply with regulations. Ensure the platform is at least 0.85m wide and 1.8m long. If you go smaller than that, it may be too cramped for workers and increase fall risks.
Number
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the number of towers you hire. You may need several, depending on your project.
Remember, some towers come with adjustable platforms, letting you move them up or down depending on your needs.
Further Cost Considerations
Prices for scaffold towers vary considerably depending on platform size. You can expect to pay:
- £45 per week for small towers with 2-metre platforms
- £90 per week for medium towers with 5-metre platforms
- £160 per week for large access towers with 10-metre platforms.
Always get a quote from local scaffolding professionals to see how much the hire will cost.
