Renovating your home?s exterior will significantly add to the resale value of your home, but it may also increase the level of pride you feel about it. Improving your curb appeal helps on so many levels, but the exterior home repair process (which is necessary for this) is not so easy to handle. Some of these tasks happen on height, which is why you might need a working platform in the form of a scissor lift. Here?s how you can choose the right one for your project.
1. Determine the height
The first prerequisite when choosing an exterior home lift is to check the maximum height that you?ll need it operational at. Just think about it; you?re hiring a scissor lift in order to help you with work on great heights, which means that ignoring how high it reaches might be an absurd mistake.
Now, the majority of lifts reach between 6 and 10 meters. This means that if you need the work done on the 10 or 12 meters of height, you might have to look a bit further. Also, while the best scissor lift rental agencies have these larger lifts on offer, it?s possible that the one that you?re currently talking to lacks these machines. In a way, the offer helps you choose who you?re working with, as well.
Lastly, make sure that you fully understand how this lift is going to be used. As a working platform, for instance, you also need to consider the height of the worker standing on it. At the same time, you don?t want it to be barely enough, seeing as how reaching too far on these heights may have a catastrophic outcome.
2. Capacity and weight
Another thing you should take into consideration is the weight capacity of the lift. You see, it?s not just about being able to take 1 or 2 people. The whole point of a working platform is that it?s a place on which you can place the tools and materials (in order to avoid unnecessary trips). So, the weight and personnel capacity are the second things you need to take into consideration.
In terms of personnel capacity, the standard is two people. Still, some lifts are optimized to carry three people. Now, keep in mind that a scissor lift is not a crane; it?s there to lift a couple of workers and provide them with some materials (in order not to have to come down for every plank and brick individually).
Also, the majority of these lifts can actually withstand a capacity greater than is advertised, but this is something that you should never practice. First of all, you need to ensure that everything is in agreement with OSHA standards. The safety and legality of your work comes first.
3. Pragmatism and loading
Previously, we?ve mentioned the importance of the physical properties and capabilities of the scissor lift in question. While crucial in your selection, these are not the only thing you need to worry about. The way in which the platform is going to be used is just as big of a problem.
The biggest problem with accessing this is that it requires a subjective estimate. You see, when looking for height, you have the metric expressed in meters/feet. When asking about weight, you?ll see the results expressed in kg/ton/pound. The problem with this particular inquiry is that you need to access the loading method, the safety of the rail, etc. All of this is complicated even further by the fact that you might lack experience in construction and renovation.
Overall, it?s essential that you do your research, as well as consult someone who is well-versed in construction works. Also, the loading method is of huge importance when repairing and future-proofing your roof.
4. Power supply
Lastly, this is a choice that won?t affect you as much as you think. While the power supply is a significant question for the manufacturer and the construction crew, a homeowner might not even pause to consider the ramifications. However, safety is always a massive concern.
Speaking of safety, there are two types of power supply lifts: electrical and fuel (diesel or gas) powered. The main difference lies in the fact that battery-powered lifts are safer for indoor use, seeing as how there are no hazardous emissions. Keep in mind some of the work will take place indoors, as well. Still, seeing as how we?re mostly focusing on the exterior repair in this guide, it may not be as relevant.
While there?s no law prohibiting battery-powered lifts from being used outdoor, the truth is that fuel-powered lifts tend to be more durable. This makes them better for extreme weather conditions (which is less relevant, seeing as how there?s no construction during this type of weather) and better for working long hours.
In conclusion
In the end, it?s important that you pay attention to safety and ensure that the lifts are used the way they?re supposed to be used. Remember, every lift is designed for safety, but construction workers are known to make mistakes or cut corners. No, it is not safe to load more on the lift in order to spare yourself a return run. Yes, you have to pay attention to these guidelines all the time. By ensuring this and picking the right lift, your exterior home repair will be well on the way.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
