Scaffolding is a huge investment, so it makes sense to closely consider the available options. In recent years, the construction industry has witnessed a significant shift from steel to aluminium, and it's easy to see why. Aluminium offers superior corrosion-resistance, while steel loses its resistance once scratched. However, the most compelling advantages revolve around the low weight of aluminium compared to steel.

Here are just a few reasons why aluminium's lightweight nature makes it a better option than steel for your scaffolding. 

Reduced Transportation Costs

When you pick up a piece of aluminium scaffolding and then pick up a piece of steel scaffolding, you'll immediately notice that one piece is lighter. Imagine how that difference plays out when whole scaffolding structures need to be transported at once. The weight really adds up, so you'll often need larger vehicles with higher payload capacities if you want to transport steel scaffolding instead of aluminium, and that's going to cost you. You'll even spend more on fuel when you need to haul around heavier scaffolding. Additionally, you may have to pay excess fees if you plan on transporting your scaffolding over roads or bridges with weight restrictions.

Reduced Labour Requirements

After your vehicles have stopped carrying your scaffolding, your workforce must take over. When you need to handle heavier scaffolding, more manpower is required, and accidents become more likely. Even when everything is moved into place, more labour will be required to erect and subsequently dismantle heavier scaffolding.

Faster Assembly

Even if you have plenty of workpeople available, it's going to be faster to move, erect, and take down lighter scaffolding. Lighter parts go together faster, and your team won't need to take as many breaks. If you can get your scaffolding up faster, you can also get each job done faster. Switching from steel scaffolding to aluminium is an easy way to improve productivity.

Reduced Stress on Underlying Ground

You'll sometimes be working on a surface that can easily stand the weight of extensive steel scaffolding, but that's not always going to be the case. The combined weight of scaffolding on the underlying surface can sometimes prove too great, so you'll need to minimize the amount you use. That's less likely to be an issue when you opt for aluminium. Even if the ground you're working on can handle the weight, a heavier piece of scaffolding is more likely to do damage to the surrounding work or area.  

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