How to Mount Scaffolding for a Chimney Repair

Select the right type of scaffolding by following some basic structural guidelines. These vary by local jurisdiction so contact your local building code authority for restrictions, but generally speaking, your scaffolding needs to be able to support four times its weight. Take the weight of the brick stack into consideration when calculating weight load; for example, if you’ll need more brick to completely overhaul a chimney, the weight demand will be greater. Also, the railing on the scaffold needs to be able to withstand at least 200 pounds of direct force. However, some jurisdictions do not require railings, so you may not need them. You may also need to purchase a work permit.

Clear an area next to the house that’s flat and free of shrubbery so that the scaffold’s feet will anchor properly into the soil. You don’t want the ground to be overly soft, which could cause the scaffold to pitch and possibly cause work materials to fall. Place the first two scaffolding fixtures on the ground, connect them with cross-braces and gently shake the unit to ensure it is firmly on the ground. If you need to level off this section, slide the scaffolding feet underneath the outermost posts to balance it out.

Continue adding additional scaffolding until you reach the needed height of the roof then lay a long 2-inch-thick board across the roof that extends from the peak to the scaffold. This board needs to be perfectly straight. If necessary, add more scaffolding above the roof line to ensure that this board is level. Add additional boards to create walkways to the chimney, as well as platforms for the work materials.