Are your brickwork contractors reluctant to transition from scaffolding to mast climbers? 

This resistance often stems from the construction industry's long-standing practices. Many brickwork contractors are predominately more familiar with scaffolding or even own a scaffolding division themselves, which can make adopting mast climbers seem counterintuitive.  

To address this resistance effectively, early engagement is essential. It helps nurture a mutual understanding of the benefits associated with mast climbers in brickwork construction. Collaboration between main contractors and brickwork specialists is the linchpin for seamless implementation, where safety, quality, and efficiency converge. Regardless of the chosen access method, when all stakeholders collaborate to explore and adopt better alternatives available, it not only reduces project costs but also elevates overall project performance. 

 

5 Key Benefits Of Mastclimbers For Bricklayers 

Safety 

Mast Climbers (MCWPs) offer a safer working environment for brickwork contractors. The inherent height adjustability of MCWPs mitigates the risks associated with climbing up and down traditional scaffolding structures and eliminates the need for manual handling of bulky bricks and mortar. In an interview with bricklaying expert Martin Kersse, he emphasised the pitfalls of working with scaffolding,  

 

“when (working with scaffolding and) you have hop-ups, you have the risk of falling back, so you end up having to put in handrails or getting away. If you have hop downs, you have the risk of falling back into the work and tripping over.”  

 

However, MCWPs present a distinct advantage. Firstly, brickwork contractors do not have to navigate across scaffolding which is much more physically demanding, eliminating fatigue-induced accidents and falls. Secondly, they work on a secure platform that efficiently elevates both themselves and the construction materials to the required height. This allows them to operate at an ergonomic and safe height, significantly reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal issues caused by bending or overreaching  

Quality 

Mast climbers offer brickwork contractors a standout advantage – a significant enhancement in the quality of their work. They prevent typical issues commonly brought by scaffolding like "nosebleeds" and overreaching, which can both result in shoddy work, according to Kersse. 

These problems often arise when bricklayers struggle to maintain control over their work due to the challenges of "nosebleeds" or reaching beyond their comfortable working zone.  This becomes particularly evident when projects require the construction of 24, 25, or even 26 courses, whilst bricklayers typically operate most comfortably around 21 courses. 

Unlike scaffolding, where quality issues may lead to time-consuming and costly rework, mast climbers ensure that bricklayers consistently work at their optimum height for improved precision and quality of their work. This allows brickwork contractors to complete tasks efficiently and accurately, substantially reducing the need for expensive revisions and rework.  

 

 

Visibility 

If you're a project manager overseeing a brickwork project, the adoption of mast climbers can bring you substantial benefits in managing the site. MCWPs provide you with an exclusive vantage point to monitor progress and spot hidden issues on the façade right away without having to wait until the project is almost completed. 

The ability to keep the building's exterior clean and accessible allows you to oversee the work in real-time. This immediate supervision enables a prompt resolution of any problems or discrepancies that may arise, greatly enhancing the project's overall quality.  

Adaptions 

Among the most notable advantages of mast climbers for brickwork contractors is the eradication of the necessity for height adjustments. Unlike traditional scaffolding, which often requires frequent adaptations to accommodate varying heights, mast climbers offer a secure working platform with simple height adjustability.  

This eliminates delays caused by waiting for scaffolders to make adjustments, enhancing overall project efficiency. It optimises workflow and minimises unnecessary downtime, ensuring a smoother and more streamlined construction process. 

Reduced Infill Work 

The precision and stability offered by mast climbers drastically minimise the need for extensive infill work to achieve a uniform finish on the building's façade. If managed well, the minimal infill work means a markedly cleaner and more refined final result, with fewer imperfections and a diminished occurrence of "scaffold rash" – an issue that's impossible to completely clean off the building's exterior.  

 

 

Optimising Time and Cost Efficiency in Brickwork Construction Projects 

To efficiently achieve time and cost savings in brickwork construction projects, it is often advantageous to explore alternatives to traditional practices. For example, a strategic alternative involves the incorporation of mechanical brick cladding, complemented by mast climbers as a vertical access method. This combination can streamline a brickwork project and deliver noteworthy time and cost savings when compared to conventional methods of bricklaying and scaffolding. 

The remarkable benefits in safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness have made mast climbers a valuable investment to optimise your brickwork projects.  With over 1,600 machines in our rapidly expanding fleet, BFT holds the UK's largest mast climber collection.  

All BFT mast climbers comply with Work at Height, Manual Handling, and Health & Safety regulations, ready to deploy from two national distribution centres in Bedfordshire and Manchester.  

Don't settle for less when better options are available. Speak with an MCWP expert today and discover how mast climbers can help with your next project.