scaffolding or ladders-construction suggestions

[archie]

Planning for spring repairs around the house/garage and will be doing some work about 15-20 feet above the ground. I was considering buying scaffolding for the project but thought ladders and planks would do similar duty. I like the idea of ladders because I could use it on other shorter projects and are easier to store. I have worked around scaffolding and like the stability and saftey but hate the larger storage needs and moving it (need to dismantle and reassemble). I have never worked on the ladder/plank system and wonder if it would be a good idea. I will be working on relatively easy access area with level ground with another worker. Looking for good product brands and even possibly links for homemade (wooden)scaffolding plans off the web.I would not use the scaffolding much after the project unless I build my artificial climbing wall, so homemade would be the ideal( no storage,wood could be used for other projects). If I use scaffolding I would hate to rent (rather buy and resell if storage is a problem). Please provide your opinion and experiences. thanks!

 

[bigndn]

scaffolding on casters can be moved around on some fairly rough terrain without the need to break it down and reset it. For lots of high work, I would take scaffolding anyday over ladders/planks. Check your local CL for used. Renting isn't too expensive, either, if it's only for a shot time.

 

[agomez]

I vote for renting the scaffolding...

 

[KLF]

Some of it depends on what you're doing. Installing windows? You can't do that on ladders, too flimsy. But if you're just doing some patching on siding or painting stuff like soffits or fascia you could get away with them. But I also vote for scaffolding.

 

[Weedhopper]

You can also rent a scissors lift for heights like that. Nice and safe and you can rent by the day, week or whatever.

Nice and safe..........................

 

[archie]

Not installing windows( but could be improved later-currently old wooden double hung single pane with storm). Mostly painting and tuckpointing, possibly re-roof the garage and add gutters . I think I'll buy used and resell the scaffolding. I could take a loss on the sale/purchase and call it a rental. I would like to take my time so that's why rental would cost too much in the long run. Thanks for you input!
I rebuilt the old windows about 16 years ago so I don't think I want to put in something new yet. Do they have triple paned windows with LCD shading yet .

EDIT- I guess they do http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/windows/windows_future.html

 

[haystax]

You should be able to come up with some scaffolding pretty easily in this economy. The worst part is finding decent aluminum planking to go with the frames. That is the most valuable and most often stolen or missing components. Wood planking is a bear at the heights you are planning - two tall frames high.

I am very spoiled, had a telehandler with a large work platform and a scissor lift when I built my house. I did all the interior with scaffolding and it was tough to reach 14' peaks without another ladder or bench. You might consider staking solid feet and leveleling each setup if you are gonna be at 20'.

If you are really interested in the best solution look for some aluma-pole scaffold jacks. You might be surprised at what you can get into a decent setup for given the current construction market. Hell you might be able to just hire the job and buy a lawn chair, some beers and a bullhorn...

 

[CruisinGA]

You need one of these, buddy scored it for $200-

Doesn't go quite as high as you need though.

 

[D'Animal]

Nice Diahatsu with a scissor lift!

 

[jellyroll]

With scaffolding you can stock the top with material, tools, chairs, helpers, buckets, ice chests, microwave, set part of it up at a workbench height, all sorts of interesting stuff, then walk away not having to set it all up again when your ready continue your project. Additionally you can plank over to other scaffolding or roofs.

 

[bigdaddy]

I agree with above, use Craigslist. if you buy it used you can usually resell it and recoup most/if not all your costs, depending on the economy........

Sample:1999 SkyJack 32-19>> Electric Scissor Lift