How To Treat And Weatherproof Scaffold Boards (Wooden, Aluminum, and Steel Boards)

The entire scaffolding sector relies on one important terminology, i.e., precision. The more accuracy, the more stability, and efficiency in the construction work. From antiquity, wooden scaffolding has been very prominent and can be used at every construction site. 

But recent approaches to scaffolding have brought aluminum and steel scaffolding systems that make work more efficient. Still, there is one scaffolding component that is made from wood.

Scaffold boards are usually made from wood that delivers robustness and allows safe access. However, wood is vulnerable to the element. Scaffold boards outside have no bark, thus they are exposed to harsh elements. In addition, insect infestations might destroy them. Moreover, the steel planks settle rust and get damaged.

Many think they may avoid these concerns by using waterproof or coated scaffold boards. However, treatment is ongoing. It requires long-term upkeep. This post will cover how to treat, waterproof, and renew both improvements to wooden scaffold boards, steel, and aluminum boards including a no-do solution.

How can scaffold boards turn faulty?

Before getting to know the solution to treat the scaffold boards, let’s first review how the boards turn faulty.

    A. Wooden Decks

The wooden decks get marked by:

    1. Wet Rot: Fungal infections like wet rot occur in humid conditions. The board will be discolored and darker than the rest. Rot weakens the board, diminishing its load capacity. Boards improperly stored often suffer from this. Covered, spaced, and off-the-ground boards provide airflow.

    2. Wood Warp: When exposed to fluctuating temperatures, wood tends to warp into irregular shapes. This can even occur with your home’s flooring. This frequently results in dangerous shifts in equilibrium when utilized at a height

    3. Damaged Sections: This is quite straightforward. If the board sustains structural damage as a result of incorrect handling (such as broken knots, end bands, etc.), it becomes weakened and should not be utilized.

    4. Infestation: Some insects flourish by consuming or just inhabiting wood. Examine the board for wormholes, and if any are found, discard the board.

    5. Distortion: As scaffold boards are exposed to all types of weather, the wood is subjected to sunlight as well as soaking and drying cycles, which can cause boards to warp. A warped board is hazardous because it can shift in service. The standard establishes restrictions on cup, bow, spring, and twist.

      B . Steel and Aluminum Decks

     1. General Deterioration

Commercial and industrial work sites with elevated multi-level work platforms are suited for scaffolding systems. Consequently, the equipment endures severe impacts throughout the course of a typical workday. Transporting the equipment causes the piled components to collide with one another. To reduce this effect, appropriate work-piece piling procedures must be implemented. Aluminum Scaffold Decks Are An Ideal Choice For Scaffolding and it has been the material of choice for most construction projects because it has several advantages over traditional wood and other alternatives. 

    2. Corrosion

Components of a scaffolding system that have corroded or rusted might compromise its structural integrity, leading to catastrophic failures and scaffolding collapses. Most susceptible to rusting are non-galvanized scaffolding systems, specifically wedge-shaped painted steel scaffolding systems.

How to treat different scaffold boards?

– Wooden Boards

    1. Linseed Oil

It is easy to use. Clean your scaffold board, then uniformly coat it with oil. After soaking, apply another application of oil. Every few months, lubricate your board for the best results. After that, they fade. Linseed is just one therapy oil. Linseed, walnut, and tung oils are used for this, often blended with turpentine and apple cider vinegar for a greater impact.

    2. Sealants

The most effective approach for protecting scaffold boards from scratches and warping is to seal the wood. In addition to washing the board prior to applying the sealant, it must be sanded to provide a uniform surface. Before applying your sealer with a delicate brush to the entire surface of the wood, stir it. Then, allow the wood to dry, lightly sand it, and reapply. Continue until pleased.

    3. Wood Stain and Dye

Staining scaffold boards have two primary benefits: it improves the boards’ appearance and increases their resilience to insects and water damage. The finest application for stained scaffold boards is outdoor furniture, such as scaffold board planters. The treatment will improve the wood’s natural grain and boost its resilience to cracking, blistering, and peeling.

– Steel and Aluminum Decks

    1. Galvanizing

Galvanizing is a technique for preventing corrosion. This is performed via hot-dip galvanizing or electroplating. The iron or steel object has a thin layer of zinc coating. This prevents oxygen and water from reaching the underlying metal, while zinc functions as a sacrificial metal. Zinc is more reactive than iron, hence it oxidizes in preference to the iron thing.

    2. Bluing

Bluing steel parts in a potassium nitrate, water, and sodium hydroxide solution provides minimal rust prevention for tiny steel items. This method is called “bluing” because the finish is blue-black. Firearms employ it to resist corrosion. Fine clocks and metalwork use it.

    3. Powder Coating

A powder coating is the uniform application of a dry powder to a clean surface. The object is then heated, which transforms the powder into a thin coating. Available powders include acrylic, polyester, nylon, vinyl, epoxy, and urethane. Using an electrostatic spraying technique, powders are applied. A charged, non-conducting powder is sprayed on the electrically conductive object.

So, there’s a way to keep scaffold boards intact.

It is difficult to identify a single significant reason for the harm that all of these issues might cause to the scaffolding structure and equipment. Other than organizing an effective maintenance program, nobody has any control over atmospheric conditions. In order to prevent the above-mentioned major issues, the following procedures are essential:

• Program of scheduled upkeep
• The presence of qualified, professional, and experienced individuals
• Appropriate training for all employees

AAIT is a leading scaffolding parts manufacturer in the USA. We provide aluminum decks, steel planks, and OSHA-compiled wooden boards that are galvanized and color coated. These boards can be used for ample work for many years.

Get in touch with us now!