How To Paint The Outside of A House Without Scaffolding

Painting the outside of your home can be a bigger task compared to many DIY projects you may undertake and one area that can add complexity for most people is painting at heights.

If you’re planning to paint the outside of your home without scaffolding, there are a few things to consider before you get started to find the right method for you.

We’ve pulled together some advice from our Emperor Experts and Technical Team from their years of experience to help you find the best set-up for the job.

Should You Use Scaffolding?

The first thing you need to decide is whether you will need scaffolding or not. This often sets your budget for the rest of the project.

Scaffolding hire for a two-storey semi-detached house (all three walls) costs around £900 per month, according to Checkatrade. The smaller your house, the less you can expect to pay.

So, is it worth it? This completely depends on your budget, but generally speaking the larger the project, the more efficient you will be using scaffolding.

There are also two scenarios where scaffolding is the much safer option:

• If your home has more than two levels.
• If there is uneven ground, porches or extensions that make using ladders impossible.

The Alternatives To Using Scaffolding

If you are reading this guide, chances are scaffolding is either too expensive or too much hassle, so what are the alternatives?

The good news is that there are a few options you can use for your project, depending on your circumstances.

Ladders

The go-to for most exterior projects are ladders, with many of us already having some tucked away at the back of the shed.

These days, ladders come in all shapes and sizes to suit any need, so if you don’t currently have ladders that are suitable for the job, there are plenty of types available.

Types of ladders

• Step ladders – Best for working on the ground floor thanks to their stability for short reach jobs.
• Extension ladders – If you are painting two levels, extension ladders are essential. For safety, you want to ensure the ladder is long enough to extend at least three feet above the roofline.
• Telescoping ladders – Can be adjusted for compact storage, but often more lightweight than other options.
• Multi-purpose ladders – If you are painting difficult to reach areas, these are perfect thanks to their flexibility to be adapted to reach different angles and levels.

Safety on ladders

When working on a ladder, particularly if you aren’t experienced, safety should be the number one priority.

Good health and safety practice means keeping three points of contact at all times (two feet and one hand). The downside of a ladder is that it must be regularly moved each time you paint a section, but make sure not to stretch to avoid having to move the ladder again. It’s better to take your time and move the ladder regularly.

Tips for painting on ladders

• Plan before you start – this will help you find the best and most efficient way to complete the coat of paint you are applying.
• Standing on ladders for long periods can cause fatigue, make sure you take regular breaks.
• Always place the ladder on solid, even ground – wonky patios and gravel need added protection.
• Use other tools to your advantage – extension poles and other handy tools will reduce the height you are working at, even when working on the ladder.

Platforms

Work platforms are a great alternative to ladders for lower level work where you need a little bit of extra height.

Usually between 0.5m and 1m, they are lightweight, easy to store and cheaper than other options.

If you are working above the first floor of a property, work platforms will not give you enough height to paint, but for smaller jobs at ground-level, they are a safer option for those who don’t want to work on ladders thanks to their four sided design.

Tips for painting on platforms

• Combine with an extension-pole to allow you to paint across the bottom level of your home.
• Always place on solid, even ground.
• If you can’t quite reach higher areas, try using a paint brush attachment for extension poles to allow you to cut in.

Towers

Towers offer the best of both worlds, with the stability of a work platform but with the height of a ladder. Their modular design allows them to be built at various levels all the way up to two stories.

The best bit is that they often come with wheels, so once assembled you can simply move them along to the next area you are going to be painting.

Because towers have a wide working area, you can store all of your tools with you on the platform, saving you trips up and down as you paint.

While buying them upfront can cost more than a ladder, towers can often be hired for anywhere from £30 to £100 for a week, making them a cost effective alternative to scaffolding.

Tips for painting on towers

• Plan your placement – starting the tower in the right place will ensure you don’t need to move it too many times whilst painting.
• While you may naturally start lower and build to tower up as you go, it’s best to start painting at the top and work your way down to avoid any drips.
• Make sure to secure your paint while on the tower- the last thing you want is a paint spill.
• Keep the platform clear and avoid clutter to reduce the risk of trips whilst working.

While scaffolding is the option that will allow you to paint the outside of your home quickest, you can complete the job quickly and effectively without scaffolding, with the right approach.

So to sum up, generally speaking ladders suit most homes, but only if you are physically able to work at heights. Work platforms are best for ground-floor work, while towers give you the space of a platform with enough height to paint at a two-storey property.

Need some advice? Have a chat with our team who are on hand to help give you handy advice on your project, what paint is right for the job and how best to tackle it. Get in touch by calling 01254 936121 or emailing [email protected].

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