Scaffolding for rendering: what to expect

What affects the cost

• Height and number of elevations.
• Access: narrow side passages, conservatories and slopes.
• Duration of hire.
• Licences and sheeting.

Licences and neighbours

If the scaffold stands on the public highway, the scaffolder applies for a licence from the highway authority. If it needs to stand on a neighbour's land, you need their permission. See party walls and neighbour access.

Safety and security

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, scaffolds used for construction must be inspected by a competent person before first use and at intervals not exceeding seven days. Ask for a handover certificate. Scaffolds can give access to upper windows, so consider alarms and lock ground-floor ladders.

Sheeting

Scaffold sheeting protects fresh render from rain, wind and sun, and is essential for lime and cold-weather work.

Typical scaffold for a house

For a render job the scaffold usually wraps all elevations being rendered, with working platforms at each lift and enough clearance from the wall for the renderer to work. Ties fix the scaffold to the building; they leave small holes that are made good after the scaffold comes down, which is one reason a good crew finishes each elevation carefully around tie positions.

Who arranges it

Most rendering contractors arrange the scaffold through a scaffolding firm they work with regularly. Check that:

• the scaffold firm has public liability insurance;
• the scaffold is designed to current industry guidance for its use;
• a handover certificate and inspection record are provided;
• the hire period and any extra weeks are priced clearly.

Conservatories, extensions and roofs

Where a conservatory or flat-roofed extension sits against a wall to be rendered, the scaffold may need to bridge it or stand on protective boarding. This adds cost and should be discussed at survey.

Keeping costs down

Doing all elevations in one programme avoids paying twice for scaffold. Combining other high-level work, such as fascias, gutters or roof repairs, while the scaffold is up can also be good value.