Brick & Concrete Houses: Challenges & Importance of Scaffolding

In New Zealand, the construction of new houses using bricks and concrete blocks is a popular choice due to these materials' durability and aesthetic appeal.

However, building with these heavy, permanent materials comes with its own challenges, particularly in terms of construction safety and efficiency. Scaffolding is crucial in addressing these challenges, ensuring construction projects are completed safely and effectively.

Industry Challenges in New Zealand

Material Handling and Logistics: Bricks and concrete blocks are heavy and require careful handling to prevent injury and ensure structural integrity. The logistics of delivering and storing these materials on-site can also be complex, especially in areas with limited access.
Weather Conditions: New Zealand’s varied climate can significantly impact construction. Wet conditions can affect the curing of mortar and concrete, while high winds can pose risks to workers and materials, especially at height. Scaffolding equipped with weather protection systems is essential to mitigate these issues.
Compliance with Building Standards: New Zealand has strict building codes designed to ensure the safety and durability of structures. Compliance with these standards is critical, particularly when working with masonry, as it must support the loads imposed by the building design.
Workforce Skill Requirements: Brick and concrete block structures require skilled masonry workers. There is a need for continuous training and certification, especially in the proper use of scaffolding and other safety equipment.
Cost Efficiency: Managing costs is crucial, given the materials and skilled labour expenses. Efficient use of scaffolding can help minimize labour hours and reduce the overall duration of construction projects.

The Importance of Scaffolding in Masonry Construction

Scaffolding is vital for several aspects of constructing houses with bricks and concrete blocks:

Safety: Scaffolding provides a safe and stable platform for masons to work at various heights, which is crucial given masonry materials' weight and handling requirements.
Efficiency: Properly designed scaffolding systems allow for easy movement and access, significantly enhancing workers' productivity by reducing the time needed to move materials and tools.
Quality: Stable work platforms ensure that masons can perform their work precisely, leading to higher quality brickwork and blockwork that meets regulatory standards and aesthetic expectations.

Scaffolding Solutions for Masonry

Specific scaffolding setups are required to meet the demands of masonry:

Brickwork Scaffolding: This is typically a heavy-duty system that provides robust platforms capable of supporting the weight of bricks, blocks, mortar, and the masons themselves. It often includes guardrails and toe boards to prevent tools and materials from falling.
Masonry Scaffolding: Similar to brickwork scaffolding, this is designed to support the specific needs of constructing with concrete blocks, accommodating the additional load and providing space for storing blocks and mortar at the work level.
Single Scaffolding: Commonly used for brick masonry, this type of scaffolding consists of a single row of standards with ledgers and putlogs. It’s directly connected to the wall being constructed, simplifying the setup, but it requires careful integration with the building process.
Scaffolding to Hire: Many construction firms hire scaffolding rather than purchase it, benefiting from the flexibility of tailored solutions for specific projects and assurance of compliance with the latest safety standards.
Safe Scaffolding: Ensuring the safety of scaffolding setups involves regular inspections, adherence to manufacturer instructions for assembly and disassembly, and training workers in safely using scaffolding.

Conclusion

Scaffolding is not just a convenience in the construction of houses using bricks and concrete blocks in New Zealand; it is a necessity. It ensures workers' safety, enhances construction efficiency, and contributes to achieving high-quality results in masonry. With the challenges posed by local conditions and regulatory requirements, safe and efficient scaffolding systems are indispensable in the masonry construction industry.

If you're in need of scaffolding for your brickwork, look no further than Sidewall Scaffolding. Contact us today to get started.