Definition
Hoardings are panels made of wood or metal that usually surround a construction site. Hoarding is used to provide safety, security, and protection around construction sites for both the construction workers and members of the public and can also serve as a great advertising tool. Most hoarding stands at about two meters in height to be able to act as a barrier between the construction site and the outside world.
The main difference between hoarding and scaffolding is in their use. While scaffolding is used as a means of support for construction materials and construction workers working at heights, hoarding is used to create clear boundaries between construction sites and the outside world.
Scaffolding is usually set up around specific areas of the building where active construction is going on while hoarding is set up around the entire premises.
How much is a hoarding license
A hoarding license costs £155 per month and you’ll also need to pay a similar amount for a one-month renewal. If you want to put up or renew the hoarding for three months, it will cost £210. From the above prices, you can see that the duration in which hoarding will be needed has a significant impact on the overall cost.
Whether it’s a domestic or commercial project, hoarding is put around the perimeter of the construction site to protect it from outside view and prevent authorised access. If you are to have hoarding or scaffolding on or next to a highway, you will need to get a hoarding license. Another requirement is having a public liability insurance cover with an indemnity limit of £5 million.
It’s advisable to apply for a hoarding license at least three working days before putting up the hoarding. This is because the license can take between three to 21 days for processing. You also need to pay £71 for site inspection if you want to put up hoarding. If you’re going to use any conveyor or skip, you should ensure that there’s hoarding around both to protect the public against any eventualities.
You should renew your hoarding license at least five days before your current license expires. Renewal will depend on factors such as any events or planned works in the area. If your license has been revoked, you’ll have to remove the hoarding immediately.
Advantages of hoarding
Hoarding provides an effective barrier that prevents anyone from the public from accidentally getting into an active construction site with dangerous materials and tools all over.
Hoarding also provides an effective visual break between the environment and the constructions. This is because most people consider construction sites a “blight” on the environment. With hoarding, the local ambience is maintained without having to do too much.
Hoarding also offers a business numerous branding and advertorial impacts. This applies to the contractor, a local business, or an involved party. By having a print supplier create a series of graphics, one can transform simple hoarding into a work of art.
Hoarding vs. scaffolding
| Hoarding | Scaffolding |
| It refers to panels made of wood or metal that usually surround a construction site to provide safety, security, and protection. | It’s a sturdy structure that provides a secure working platform when working at height. |
| Most hoarding stands at about two meters in height to create protection around the construction. | The height of the scaffolding depends on the height of the building. |
| Provides an effective visual break between the environment and the constructions. | With scaffolding, you have to use scaffold netting. |
The type of project you’re working on will determine whether you need hoarding or scaffolding. In some instances, you can require both for the project.