Why Renting Aerials is Better Than Scaffolding in Ontario
When it comes to restoring a building’s exterior, the right access method can make or break your project.
Whether you’re cleaning a historic brick facade, repairing concrete, replacing picture windows, or updating finishes, your talented restoration team needs safe, efficient, and cost-effective access to all elevations.
While scaffolding has long been the traditional choice, more contractors and property managers are discovering that aerial equipment offers significant advantages.
Let’s take a look at why more people are choosing aerial lifts over scaffolding for their façade restoration projects.
Lower Setup Time Gives Aerials an Easy First Win
Scaffolding takes time to plan, erect, inspect and eventually dismantle. For larger buildings, this process can take days or even weeks, adding significant cost to your project timeline.
Aerial lifts and work platforms, on the other hand, can be delivered and ready to use within hours. With minimal setup, teams can get to work almost immediately. Whether it’s an articulating boom lift for reaching high spots or a telescopic forklift to move materials higher faster, these machines eliminate unnecessary downtime.
Time Comparison – Aerial Equipment vs. Scaffolding
Choosing aerials over scaffolding can shave a week or more off your timeline.
| Project Task | Scaffolding Setup Time | Aerial Equipment Setup Time |
| Planning & Engineering | 1–3 days | 0.5 day |
| Delivery & Setup | 2–5 days | 0.5 day |
| Inspection & Approval | 1 day | 0.5 day |
| Dismantling & Removal | 2–4 days | 0.5 day |
| Total Time | 6–13 days | 1.5 days |
Aerials Can Give Your Crew the Flexibility and Reach Needed
Scaffolding is immobile and rigid. Once it’s in place, your team can only access what has been built out. If you need to shift to a different elevation or around a corner, it could mean days of teardown and reassembly.
Bercon Rentals’ aerial lifts give you versatility! With our articulating boom lifts, your operators can easily reach over and around obstacles. Telescopic lifts provide long horizontal outreach, perfect for accessing the middle of wide facades.
Increased Jobsite Safety is #1 With Aerials
While scaffolding is often considered safe when properly erected and inspected, it does come with risks, especially if it remains in place for long periods, exposed to the weather or tampering. Falls from scaffolding remain a leading cause of construction injuries.
Bercon Rentals’ aerial lifts come with advanced safety features that include:
- Guardrails and harness tie-off points
- Emergency lowering capabilities
- Non-marking tires and stabilizers
- Easy-to-use controls and tilt sensors
Our in-house team of technicians ensure every piece of equipment is thoroughly inspected before delivery.
We also offer aerial lift training and safety guidance to help your crew feel confident using our aerial lifts.
Reduced Disruption to Surrounding Areas, Especially in Urban Centres
Scaffolding often takes up large portions of sidewalks, parking lots and public accessways. In urban environments, this can lead to pedestrian rerouting, traffic issues, and frustrated neighbours or tenants. It also becomes an eyesore for weeks, months or even years.
Aerial lifts require far less space and can be moved daily or even hourly. This makes Bercon Rentals’ aerials an excellent choice for these Ontario facade restoration projects:
- Historic properties
- Retail stores
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Condos
Costs for Scaffolding Can Spiral Out of Control
Although scaffolding may appear cost-effective on paper due to low daily rental rates, the hidden costs add up quickly:
- Labour for setup and takedown
- Engineering approvals and inspections
- Permits for sidewalk and road obstruction
- Delays due to weather or schedule changes
Aerial equipment is often a smarter long-term investment. With faster setup, quicker work, and lower labour involvement, you can stick to your schedule and avoid costly overruns. Bercon Rentals offers flexible rental terms, competitive pricing, and fast delivery throughout many key development locations in Southern Ontario.
Bercon Rentals is Your One Partner for All Your Facade Restoration Access Needs
Bercon Rentals is more than a rental company—we’re your project partner. From helping you select the right lift for your unique needs to providing delivery, training, and ongoing support, we make façade restoration simpler, faster, and safer.
We offer:
Ready to Lift Your Project Better, Faster and Higher?
Scaffolding has its place, but for many projects, aerial access equipment offers superior speed, safety and flexibility.
At Bercon Rentals, we’re ready to help you elevate your project with the right lift and expert support.
Contact our team today to discuss your façade restoration project.