Types of Scaffolding: Which One Does Your Job Need?
Independent, chimney, loading bay, birdcage, tower and temporary roof scaffolds explained, with what each is used for.
Read Guide →Storm Damage and Emergency Scaffolding: What to Do
If your roof or building has been damaged and needs urgent access, here is what to do first and what to tell us.
The Short Answer
Stay off the roof, keep people away from the damaged area, and call a scaffolder as early as you can. Axis Scaffolding prioritises urgent enquiries and takes emergency calls out of hours. Tell us the address, what needs access, and whether the scaffold will need to go over a pavement, and we will tell you what is possible and how quickly.
What to Do First
Keep people clear
Keep people and pets away from the damaged area and from anything that could fall.
Stay off the roof
HSE says all roofs should be treated as fragile until a competent person has confirmed they are not. Do not climb up to look.
Take photos from the ground
Photographs of the damage help your roofer, builder and insurer, and help us understand what access is needed.
Call early
Urgent access can need planning, especially if it goes over a pavement. The earlier you call, the more options you have.
What to Tell Us When You Call
- The address and a rough idea of the building (house, flat, shop, unit)
- Which part is damaged (roof, chimney, wall, gable) and how high it is
- Whether scaffold will be on or over a pavement or road
- Who is doing the repair, and when they can start
- Any access issues: narrow driveway, gates, parking
What Happens Next
We assess access and the scaffold needed, give you a clear quote, and schedule erection as quickly as the job allows. Out-of-hours and same-day attendance may carry a premium. Once the repair is complete we dismantle and clear the scaffold. If a temporary roof is needed to keep the weather out, see temporary roofing.
More detail on our emergency scaffolding service, or read what HSE guidance says about roof work.
Sources checked October 2026: HSE — roof work
Common Questions
Keep people away from the damaged area, stay off the roof, take photos from the ground and call a scaffolder early. HSE says all roofs should be treated as fragile.
Yes. Axis Scaffolding prioritises urgent enquiries and takes emergency calls out of hours. Call 01702 820468 and tell us the address, what needs access and whether scaffold will be on a pavement.
Out-of-hours and same-day attendance may carry a premium. We give you a clear indication of cost and availability when you call.
Why Call Axis Scaffolding?
- CISRS-qualified, fully insured scaffolders based in Rayleigh
- 5.0 from 31 Google reviews
- A scaffold inspection certificate handed over on every job
- Free, no-obligation quotes — call 01702 820468 or request one online
Related Guides
What a Safe Scaffold Looks Like: A Homeowner's Checklist
The basics you can check yourself, what the law says about inspection, and what to do if something looks wrong.
Read Guide →Do I Need Scaffolding for My Project?
Practical guidance on when scaffold access is required and when a ladder may be sufficient.
Read Guide →