We’re Moving – (our blog)

Hello all!  The big day is here and we’re transferring our blog to our self hosted website – so hold on to your hats…It’s going to be fun and exciting and barely noticeable to you. Ha.

I’m telling you this because when we move our email subscribers will continue to receive email notifications as before but WordPress.com followers will only see new posts in the reader – you will not receive email updates UNLESS you subscribe to receive those on our new site. Make sense?

So, to recap. We are moving our blog to our new website so be sure to check us out there.

Easy. And as always, we are extremely thankful that you follow along with our scaffold travels.

We are thinking about keeping this blog alive for the fun adventures of Superior Scaffold. But until then we hope to see you over at the NEW SITE!!!!

Thank and have a wonderful day!

 

Superior Scaffold
http://www.superiorscaffold.com
(215) 743-2200

 

 

SWING, SWING, SWING, at The Sterling House, 18th & JFK (pt. 3)

As Louis Prima once sang, “Swing, swing, swing” – oh wait, close… “Sing, Sing, Sing – (with a swing)”.

But that’s just what Superior Scaffold did on the third phase of this project (See part 1 – and part 2) – Swing, Swing, Swing.

The Sterling Apartments is a unique building at the corner of JFK blvd and 18^th in downtown Philly. Superior had 2 36’ foot straight platforms on the front and sides of this building so crews could polish the metal on the facade. Very cool.

Here you can see crews working directly from the suspended scaffolding.

The second part of the swing scaffolding on this job came in the back of the building where they are demoing the old weight room and expanding on the 30^th floor. Superior provided 2 corner rigs so crews could work on the outside of the building at the top.

 

Most people actually associate “Sing, Sing, Sing” with Benny Goodman’s famous instrumental classic but it was really Luigi (Louis) Prima who wrote and first performed the song in 1936. I’ve included both versions her so take a listen and you chose which one you prefer.

And just for grins – here are the lyrics in case you want to belt it out!

Sing, sing, sing, sing
Everybody start to sing
La dee da, ho, ho, ho
Now you’re singing with a swing

Sing, sing, sing, sing
Everybody start to sing
La dee da, ho, ho, ho
Now you’re singing with a swing

And when the music goes around
Everybody goes to town
But here’s something you should know
Ho ho baby ho ho ho

Sing, sing, sing, sing
Everybody start to sing
La dee da, ho, ho, ho
Now you’re singing with a swing

And when the music goes around
Everybody goes to town
But here’s something you should know
Ho ho baby ho ho ho

Sing, sing, sing, sing
Everybody start to sing
La dee da, ho, ho, ho
Now you’re singing with a swing

 

And as always, if you need to Swing, Swing, Swing around your jobsite or building – call Superior Scaffold at (215)743-2200 or visit http://www.superiorscaffold.com!

 

#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade
#masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry#suspendedscaffold
#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa#electrical#2157432200#pa#de#nj#ny#md#rents
#sales#design#erection#dismantle#deliver#swingstaging#swings#stages#shoring#USA
#nationwide#national

 

The Sterling House (part 2) – “Can’t you hear me knocking?”

We showed you the brilliant landing platform on the 30th floor of the Sterling House Apartments (18th & JFK) in our previous blog.  See it here: It’s a bird.  It’s a plane.  No, it’s a crane landing platform?  (part 1)  and I promised to bring you the second part.  So here it is…

Overhead sidewalk protection all around this building.

It’s a multipurpose overhead protection system (as you will see in the following pics) not only did it have to provide protection for the pedestrians around this busy apartment building but it also had to provide support for our swing staging all around the facade.  If you look to the right on the photo below you will see the tops of the motors peeking out above the panels.

And to do this – Superior Scaffold deployed the heavy duty 767 Philly canopy frames with steel beams on top.

One of the biggest challenges was to create a canopy over the entryway to the Sterling House down over the sidewalk.  It was quite a distance and at several elevations.  To bridge the gap Superior incorporated a series of system scaffold pieces into the overall design to create the perfect overhead sidewalk protecton for the client.  It’s almost like 2 separate canopies but you can see in the pic below how the one actually rests on top of the other.

This was a creative scaffolding solution to this problem.

 

And I wanted to point out our two latest safety features.  You might have already noticed the long yellow banners attached to the legs of the frame scaffold in the photos.  These say “warning tripping hazard” and are in response to the number of people walking the streets while staring down at their cell phones.

And the second safety change we’ve made recently comes at the bottom of the frame jack where the plate meets the concrete.  We now cut off the sides of the wood to fit the size of the jack plate completely – no more overhanging area for people to get caught up on while they walk and text and surf the web.  We are always looking for ways to make our scaffolding safer to the general public.  We will be constantly updating and improving as new insights become available.

Save some brain power for the Sterling House Pt 3 (“Swing, Swing, Swing”) coming real soon!

Call Superior Scaffold today at (215) 743-2200 for all of your scaffold, scaffolding needs.

 

#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade
#masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry#suspendedscaffold
#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa#electrical#2157432200#pa#de#nj#ny#md#rents
#sales#design#erection#dismantle#deliver#swingstaging#swings#stages#shoring#USA
#nationwide#national

 

Mast Climber Rental Division – Superior Scaffold, Philadelphia, PA

In the previous post we talked about our Suspended Scaffold Rental Division – and today we are going to look at our Mast Climber Rental Division – which is also a part of our Powered Access Division (along with Suspended Scaffolds).

Mast climbing work platforms (MCWP) or Mast Climbers are particularly useful when access to a long span is needed so workers can quickly and easily move across the entire width of the wall or surface, at varying heights.

Marquis de Lafayette, Cape May, NJ

These powered access platforms are popular with masonry contractors because they provide a safe, affordable, efficient access solution.  Superior Scaffold rents mast climbers that come in single, double or custom configurations depending upon the length and shape of the work platform needed.

By using different size platform decks you can erect a mast climbing work platform to fit the lengths of just about any facade being accessed.

Virtua Hospital, Voorhees, NJ

When to use Mast Climbers:

• When working from the ground up is preferable
• Supports from 2,000-8,000 pounds (from 2 to 8 times the capacity of a suspended scaffold)
• Wheelable base unit allows for easy maneuvering and set up

Some places to use mast climbers:  Medical center, school, hospital, factory, silo, church, prison, residential project, casino, warehouse, super market and more.

Some uses for Mast Climbers:

• Inspection
• Window replacement
• Bricklaying
• Construction
• Maintenance
• Renovation
• Painting
• Glazing
• Cleaning
• Concrete repair
• Cladding
• Restoration
• Curtain Walling
• Roof Edge Protection

The Golden Nugget Casino, Atlantic City, NJ

Here are some popular rental items from our Mast Climber Division.

Heavy duty Mast Climber line (MC-3615) Shown in twin configuration.

Light duty Mast Climber line (MC-10) shown in single mast configuration.

Please call (215) 743-2200 and ask for Bob (Ext. 105) or visit: http://www.superiorscaffold.com.

We also rent a full line of decorator scaffold (painter scaffold, baker scaffold), debris chutes, netting, safety equipment, and much much more.

Go to our website and check it out for yourself or stop by our shop at:

Superior Scaffold Services
520 East Luzerne Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 423-2200
For a map click here:

For more information on our mast climbers click on the pics below.

 

Or you can download some of our catalogs for your own reference:

  

 

As Dave says, “When it’s time to rent equipment – rent from the best.  Superior Scaffold.”

 

 

 

#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade
#masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry#suspendedscaffold
#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa#scaffoldrentalphiladelphia#scaffoldingrentalphilly

 

Superior Scaffold Suspended / Swing Rental Division

In the last post we talked about our Scaffold Rental Division – but today we are going to look at our Suspended Scaffold or swing department – which is a part of our Powered Access Division.

Suspended scaffolds or swing stages are often used to provide access and working platforms in the construction, alteration, inspection, repair, refurbishment and maintenance of high-rise buildings, industrial plants, bridges and other large structures.

Suspended scaffold is ideal for projects where traditional scaffolding is not practical or cost effective.  We carry the Altrex Modular Suspended Platform System that is super flexible and allows for access to the building at many locations simultaneously, allowing work to be done faster and more efficiently.

Suspended scaffolds  (swing staging, suspended platforms) are great for working safely at heights.

Typical applications for our suspended scaffolds are:

• Inspection
• Construction
• Maintenance
• Renovation
• Painting
• Cleaning
• Concrete repair
• Cladding

Altrex offers solutions for various complex access situations.  With the wide variety of components for the Modular Suspended Platform System many custom-made configurations can be built.   (see above)  The experienced Altrex user can design a platform for safe access to even the most complex contours of any structure and height.  For example maintenance platforms for football stadiums, oil-tankers and silo’s.  (see our blog on adapting to a building’s shape)

Benefits:

There are a multitude of accessories, such as corner and angle sections, double decker & double width kits that can be used to find a solution for almost any access situation.

Flexibility – The user can build any configuration necessary to fit the structure precisely and allow close access to the working surface.

Compact Transportation and Storage – The modular construction saves space and makes transportation easy.  A complete 40 foot swing stage fits in the back of a small truck!

Light Weight – High capacity – The smart design of the Altrex system results in high load capacities despite its light weight.

Fast Assembly and Disassembly – The complete Altrex platform can be disassembled quickly and without special tools.

Meets or Exceeds the most stringent Safety Standards.

Here are some popular rental items from our Suspended Scaffold (Swing) division.

We carry the entire Altrex modular staging line and every conceivable part that goes with it.  Check our website or call Bob (215) 743-2200 (ext. 105)

BisoMac 210 Motor  – Is a super strong hoist that has a 1500 pound capacity and can lift tremendously long platforms.

PC1 Power Climber Motor – is a light weight, compact hoist that has 1000lb capacity and is perfect for most situations.

Superior Scaffold is an authorized dealer for BisoMac, Power Climber, Sky Climber and Tractel and supports their entire lines of products.

Whatever you have in your fleet we can service and get parts for it.

We also rent a full line of decorator scaffold (painter scaffold, baker scaffold), debris chutes, netting, safety equipment, and much much more.

Go to our website and check it out for yourself or stop by our shop at:

Superior Scaffold Services
520 East Luzerne Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
(215) 423-2200
For a map click here:

Or you can download some of our catalogs for your own reference:

  

As Dave says, “When it’s time to rent equipment – rent from the best.  Superior Scaffold.”

 

 

 

#scaffold#scaffolding#rental#rent#superiorscaffold#restoration#inspection#contstruction#facade
#masonry#canopy#protection#howto#erection#install#emergencyservices#masonry#suspendedscaffold
#mastclimber#canopy#philly#philadelphia#pa#scaffoldrentalphiladelphia#scaffoldingrentalphilly

 

Stop and smell the construction site – Philadelphia, PA

I am a reminded of a quote by Prince Phillip, “I declare this thing open – whatever it is,” while opening a new annex at Vancouver City Hall…  Now, why you say?  Well, because when I first saw this – I really didn’t pay much attention to it – other than what it would seem to be, on the outside; a couple of  mast climbers and some overhead protection. (which really worked well – see pic 5)

But if you dug deeper into the first photo you would see, as I did, a much more complex set of circumstances at play here.  Not only did Superior Scaffold master estimator, Tom Cruise, aka Tony Pini, have to get the mast climbers up to the sky and into the stratus to do facade restoration but he had to build a custom entryway that would allow delivery trucks to maintain their daily routes in and out of the back of The Dorchester Apartments.

So, you will see two different levels of overhead protection going on here.  Subtle, yes, but there nonetheless.  If you look carefully, there are two sections of the loading dock that needed constant access, the main dock and smaller trash pickup area.  And then the mast climbers sit on top of the overhead protection – all out of the way.

 

If you actually take a minute to stop and smell the roses or construction dust – you might see something deeper than it appears on the surface.

Like this shot.  Seems simple right?  You bet.  The debris netting that is put up to capture falling debris and prevent it from landing on the ground has done it’s job.

 

Here you can also see the single mastclimber MC-10 (with platforms) on the left that fits nicely into the smaller recessed area of the building.  And to the right is the larger mastclimber that provides access to the entire wall and even around the corner with the added return.

 

I am reminded of this quote:  “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m schizophrenic, and so am I.”
Oscar Levant

The Dorchester on Rittenhouse Square sits directly in the middle of the world famous Rittenhouse Square, 226 West Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 546-1111

People just rave about The Dorchester – but don’t take my word for it – or mine… read this:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-dorchester-condominiums-philadelphia

And if you should require custom built overhead protection while doing facade repair or mast climbers call Superior Scaffold (215) 743-2200  or go to www.superiorscaffold.com

Cool Technology X-Ray for a facade renovation at the Golden Nugget Hotel Casino! Why?

Now I’ll be honest with you.  I’m a sucker for cool technologies being used in innovative ways (just see my previous blog entry about the hanging scaffold system).  But when I learned what Superior Scaffold had to go through to get their giant mast climbers up to do the renovation work, I had to blog about it.

Did you  know that they actually had to X-Ray the cement on the side of the building to locate floor slab tie locations?  Yep.  And after having it explained to me it makes total sense.  You see the tall (dual) masts for the Mast Climber 3615 have to be anchored to the building at their highest point (for obvious reasons) while also being stabilized on the ground.  This allows for the platform to climb up and down the masts effortlessly.  Now, I never gave much thought on how they did it – just that they had to be attached somehow.  But logically, you just can’t go drilling into any place on the side of a building.  You need a very sturdy anchor point.  But since the Trump Marina was constructed with post tension floors there was the possibility of having steel reinforcements inside the slabs. Thus – the X-RAY machine!

The X-Ray technician had to xray specific points on the building to determine if they were free of steel so the anchors for the mast climbers could be installed.  And while he was up there, he also Xray’d the masonry condition of the exterior so they would have a better idea of what needed to be repaired before they put the new facade on.

Once the technician gave the approval for the mast climbing anchor point – the crew had to cut out the exterior brick exposing the cement floor slab tie location so they could install the fasteners – and then the masts.

Here’s a great shot of the crew installing one of the masts at the Golden Nugget.

And here’s the underside of the MC-3615 platform.

And once both masts are anchored and the platform is in place – it can be put into service.  Here it is going up for the first time.

And once all of the 8 masts were anchored to the exterior of the Golden Nugget.  This is what it looks like.

If you look carefully, you can see the fourth unit on the right side of the building.  An X-Ray machine?  Who would have thought a scaffolding company would be so hip.

The work continues on the facade renovation.  The workers used the mast climbers to install a unique scratch coat of a new type of material (specifically designed for this job) over the existing brick – essentially giving it a facelift.  I’ll have more shots in my next entry.

How we got Press for our Company – Part 3 (Success)

Everyone will tell you, that in business you need a bit of luck once in a while – and this was no different.  We had everything together and ready to go but who would we get it to?

And as bit of luck would have it, while going through our contacts, we remembered an email we had gotten from Vince Brennan, the editor at Scaffold Industry Magazine a few months prior, asking what we had going on.  Bam.  We gave Erik Highland, our photographer and marketing guy,  Vince’s name and number and said – “have it him.”,  which he obviously did, because a week later we were answering a list of questions he had prepared for us about our roll in the Independence Hall renovation.  Erik sent him some of the photographs (with and without the scrim) and Vince thought they might even be good enough to garner the cover shot!  How cool would that be?    We were all very excited about this opportunity.

For several weeks we went back and forth with the photographs and text that Vince had written for the article.  It was a terrific story and the photographs really helped accentuate the work we had done.

We crossed our fingers that our scaffold and scrim project would make it onto the cover of one of the biggest magazines in our industry.  But as fate would have it – we lost out to a man wearing a safety harness.  The issue was all about safety so they went with a logical choice.  But Vince did an awesome job with the article!  Superior Scaffold from Philadelphia got a 4 page spread on the inside of the magazine.

 

It worked.  Our small idea about documenting the job we did and then finding an angle for the story paid off.

And that wasn’t the end.  There was more to come!

See part 4.

Exterior renovation begins at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City

The former Trump Marina hotel and casino, in Atlantic City has been purchased by Landry’s Inc., an international gaming and restaurant operator and is being rebranded with the Golden Nugget name.

Superior Scaffold has been brought in as part of the $100 Million renovation to help restore the facade with an EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finishing System), restoration of the 90′ high Crystal and 220′ high Bay Towers of the Golden Nugget.

Superior’s rental department will be installing 18 swing stages and 4 mast climbing platforms!  They will also install 170′ of overhead protection for the Atrium glass on the pool deck and stair towers for access to the sixth floor roof.

We will post pictures soon – as it should be quite a site.

Here is an artist rendering of what the finished renovations will look like.