Scaffolding FAQ | Answers and Info

Author: Geym

May. 13, 2024

Scaffolding FAQ | Answers and Info

How do I figure out what I need?

Determine the height at which you need to stand. Measure this height for accuracy, as guessing isn't reliable. This is called the "platform height." All our packages are quoted with the platform height listed, representing the height where your feet will be. "Working height" is typically calculated by adding 6 ft to the platform height. After determining the height, decide on the length you want. More length is usually better.

Go to Gongde to learn more.

All our packages have a standard length of 7 ft. Widths are standardized at 5 ft, but we offer narrow packages for specialty or "tight" areas. Hence, our basic platform is 5 ft wide and 7 ft long. This is the area for walking around and working.

If you need a longer work area, the increments are 7 ft. The next size in length is 14 ft, followed by 21 ft, 28 ft, and 35 ft. The same approach applies to height. Think of scaffolding as building blocks where each set adds 5 ft of height. For our 5×5 sets, which are 5 ft high and 5 ft wide, each set adds 5 ft of height.

Why do you offer packages?

We offer packages so you don't need to be a scaffold expert. Everything is included. There's no need to worry about stack pins, spring rivets, or the correct number of walkboards. We have already designed the packages to make it easy to decide what you need. Just figure out the height and platform size as discussed above, and we likely have a package ready for you.

Do our scaffold products match other brands?

Our main pattern follows the industry standard of 1.625 inches in Outer Diameter with a 27.75 inch lock spacing, which protects your investment. When you buy from us, you get a product that is interchangeable with the leading, most popular brand in the USA. It ensures peace of mind, as you can add to your investment from thousands of locations. Unlike some competitors, we adhere to this philosophy to keep your scaffold investment versatile and future-proof.

We also offer other patterns. Older patterns, like Mighty, aren't interchangeable with most scaffolds in the USA. Buying the leading US pattern means you'll never face compatibility issues. Customers often switch to leading patterns after finding out their previous purchases don't fit anything else. We recommend our yellow pattern if you don't currently have scaffolding.

Waco/Safway

We now stock these patterns. If you have Waco or Safway scaffolding, we can match it. This ensures you don't need to disassemble halfway to remove a mismatched part.

Is your scaffolding heavy duty?

Yes, we do not carry "light duty" scaffolding. Our sets are rated to collapse at over 60,000 lbs. OSHA allows manufacturers to rate their products with a 4 to 1 load safety margin. We prefer a 16 to 1 margin, making our sets rated at 3,750 lbs. This ensures the utmost safety and confidence for one or two men working at height.

What about the quality of your product given the astounding price?

We hear positive feedback every day. Skeptical customers often become satisfied after placing an order and receiving their products. We are a small southern company and are "user friendly." Conversing with us over the phone usually eases any concerns. Our relentless efforts in improving every small flaw assure the quality of our products, resulting in consistent customer satisfaction.

Why are you so much less than everybody else?

When you deal with us, you are dealing directly with the company that designs, engineers, assembles, sells, processes, palletizes, and ships your order. We source raw materials and parts from the best suppliers globally. By cutting out dealers and middlemen, we can offer pricing lower than what other companies charge their dealers.

Mimicking Michael Dell's direct-to-consumer model, we provide the most efficient way to buy scaffolding. Rental companies and scaffold dealers often have to mark up their products significantly due to incoming freight and overhead costs. They also have to charge sales tax, leading to higher prices. By purchasing directly from us, you avoid these extra costs. For example, Home Depot's prices on similar packages are roughly 80% higher due to middlemen and sales tax.

Do you charge sales tax?

Due to recent changes in interstate commerce laws, we must now charge sales tax on a state-by-state basis.

How fast do you ship?

Generally, we ship within 2 days. Sometimes high demand can cause slight delays. We strive to ship orders as quickly as possible. With our newly installed automated wrapping machinery, most orders ship within 1 to 2 days. Note any damage or missing items on the driver's receipt and inform us as soon as possible.

When should I order caster wheels versus leveling jacks?

Order wheels for indoor use. We do not recommend them for outdoors unless on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. We carry caster jacks for uneven surfaces to level a rolling tower. Use level jacks both indoors and outdoors; they offer 24 inches of height adjustability. Consider adding jacks or wheels to any tower package for increased versatility. When ordered with the package, they ship for free.

What does a set consist of?

A set includes 2 frames, 2 cross braces, 4 stacking pins, and 4 spring rivets to secure the stack pins in the frame.

How quickly can my order arrive?

Arrival time depends on your location and site traffic. Your salesperson can provide an estimated time of arrival at the time of order placement.

Can I track my order?

Yes, you will receive tracking information once your order is placed.

Where will the freight company drop my order?

The freight company handles curbside delivery only. They cannot bring the product further than the curb. Though not standard, you may ask the driver for additional help and offer a tip. R&L employees are known for their willingness to help.

Do you accept purchase orders or credit accounts?

No, we do not accept credit, charge accounts, or purchase orders to minimize bad debt. This cost-saving is passed on to you in the form of the industry's lowest pricing.

Pricing

Prices are subject to change without notice. We strive to keep our site updated and correct, but we are not responsible for typographical errors.

What forms of payment do you accept?

  • Credit Cards (see below for details)
  • Wire Transfers
  • Cashier's Checks (major bank)
  • Money Orders
  • Financing
  • Personal Checks

We require payment upfront before shipping your order.

Credit Cards

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards. We do not accept credit card payments for orders over $4,000.00.

Wire Transfer

Wire transfer is an efficient way to transfer money. Simply visit your bank, and they can send the money electronically for a small fee. We will provide the necessary details for the transaction. Once received, we can process your order immediately. This method is excellent for rush orders.

Financing

We offer financing through FaaStrak, allowing you to get the equipment you need with affordable monthly payments. Learn more about Financing and how to apply.

Personal Checks

Personal checks will delay the order for 14 days to ensure they clear.

COD

For larger orders, we occasionally offer COD for customers wanting to see the product before payment. Payment for the freight both ways is required upfront, along with COD fee charged by the freight company. A certified check is required upon delivery. We have never had a customer decline the product upon arrival; many are impressed by the quality.

Scaffolding Components

Standards

A standard is the long pipe or tube running vertically, connecting the scaffold to the ground. The base of each standard is connected to a base plate or sill, distributing the weight each standard bears. Taller scaffolding requires connecting these pipes, using a pin and socket joint to lock successive pipes together.

For more Scaffold Swivel Base Jack information, please contact us for professional answers.

Pairs of standards are placed at the back (nearest the building) and at the front of the scaffold, forming bays with specific dimensions.

Standards, also called uprights, are vertical tubes transferring the structure's weight to the ground. They rest on a square base plate to spread the load. Tubes are made from steel or aluminum; composite scaffolding with filament-wound tubes is also available. Steel tubes are either 'black' or galvanized and come in various lengths, typically with a standard outer diameter of 48.3 mm. Steel tubes are heavier but more durable than aluminum tubes. Large companies often brand their tubes for theft deterrence.

Galvanized steel scaffold tubes form the framework and base for working platforms. They come in lengths ranging from 5 ft to 21 ft. Standards are generally 21 ft (6.4 meters) long, acting as the upright components connecting the scaffold. For heavy-duty works, place standards a maximum of 1.8 meters apart. If scaffolds need to be higher than 21 ft, standards are connected using a joint pin.

To create a scaffolding bay, you need two pairs of standards: inside standards near the building and outside standards directly opposite, forming the bay. Dimensions vary based on scaffold type.

Thickness of tubes: Galvanized tubes typically have a 4mm wall thickness.

Diameter: Tubes usually have an outside diameter of 48.3 mm (1.90 inches).

The galvanizing process: Tubes are hot-dipped in molten zinc, sealing them from corrosion and oxidation. Galvanized steel tubes are environmentally friendly, strong, hard-wearing, and resistant to rust.


Standards are:

  • Made from metals with adequate strength and free from defects
  • Suitable and safe for their intended purpose
  • Subject to monthly inspections by a Scaffold Supervisor and prompt replacement of damaged materials
  • Checked quarterly by HSE coordinators along with Scaffold Supervisors
  • To be replaced by the Scaffold Contractor upon the request of the HSE department
  • Not considered scaffold tubes if flame-cut, cross-cut, mushroom-headed, split-ended, bent, welded, or rusted

Ledgers

Running horizontally between each standard, ledgers provide additional support and weight distribution. Ledgers connect multiple bays at the back and front, defining the height of worker platforms. Joints in ledgers should be staggered and made with sleeve couplers, not more than one-third distance away from points in ledgers on the same lift. Adjacent lifts should not have joints in the same bay unless there's an unjointed guardrail.

Spacing of ledgers (lift heights):

Independent tied scaffolds – 2.0m

Putlog scaffolds – 1.35m


Some system scaffolds don't require ledger/cross bracing unless:

  • Ties can't be located as required or are likely to be removed
  • The scaffold height is 4m or more above the last line of ties

For tube-and-fitting scaffolds, brace alternate pairs of standards, forming triangles from bottom to top. Install bracing from ledger to ledger or standard to standard. For clear access on base lifts, omit cross bracing or knee brace the first lift. Note that omitting cross bracing reduces the scaffold's loading capacity.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Scaffolding Sleeve Coupler.

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