I have been reviewing threads to find a good way to get onto my 1969 Airstream roof for major reworking. I didn't find anything I felt good about that didn't cost a lot of money. At 68 years old and feeling the aches and pains and remembering how bad it is when I fall, I knew I needed a work platform that was wide, safe and stable.
Here's what I came up with: The first photo shows the completed scaffold/platform up against the side of my 69. I used 2X6's for the 12 foot verticals and the 8 foot runners. I realize it could have been 2X4's to cut the weight some. The 12 footers give me a good hand hold when I'm going up and particularly as I'm coming down. I lapped, glued and screwed the 2X6's for a rigid joint (2nd image) and let in 1X5 horizontal bracing-this so I could put a 1X5 diagonal brace flush to prevent racking. You will notice I put the 2X4 bracing for the upright on the outside so the interior stayed open for the platform and ladder. The runners will get curved ends cut in when I move it so it will slide more easily to the next position. Next you can see how my work platform is supported by the scaffold. The weight is carried by the 2X4 and I put a 1X4 up 4-¼ inches on the other side to keep the platform in place. I also attached the platform ends to the scaffolding with 3 inch screws. The platform itself has a sharp tapered bottom with a ½ inch plywood bottom to spread the load over the flimsy roof. This way I'm always sure to be over a rib somewhere. Next I put two sheets of ½ inch ply on top to make a ruffly 4X4 platform. With My Little Giant ladder (which has been a godsend with it's flexibility) extended it is an easy climb to the top and the platform give me room to work and keep a lot of tools close at hand. This rig has proven indispensable in removing the old AC which was a real bitch and could never have been done from a ladder. It will also come in handy as I cover the whole roof (except for the double skylight) with large household solar panels. Since I've killed the AC and will be completely off grid, the panels will play the dual roll of heat shield, keeping most of the suns heat off the roof, and plenty of power to run an almost total electric trailer. I'll be using gas for the range and a small vented catalytic heater only. Even the water heater will be only electric. I also plan to invest in a Sun Frost refrig and LED lighting. I should have plenty of power year round as this will be my permanent home.
Here's what I came up with: The first photo shows the completed scaffold/platform up against the side of my 69. I used 2X6's for the 12 foot verticals and the 8 foot runners. I realize it could have been 2X4's to cut the weight some. The 12 footers give me a good hand hold when I'm going up and particularly as I'm coming down. I lapped, glued and screwed the 2X6's for a rigid joint (2nd image) and let in 1X5 horizontal bracing-this so I could put a 1X5 diagonal brace flush to prevent racking. You will notice I put the 2X4 bracing for the upright on the outside so the interior stayed open for the platform and ladder. The runners will get curved ends cut in when I move it so it will slide more easily to the next position. Next you can see how my work platform is supported by the scaffold. The weight is carried by the 2X4 and I put a 1X4 up 4-¼ inches on the other side to keep the platform in place. I also attached the platform ends to the scaffolding with 3 inch screws. The platform itself has a sharp tapered bottom with a ½ inch plywood bottom to spread the load over the flimsy roof. This way I'm always sure to be over a rib somewhere. Next I put two sheets of ½ inch ply on top to make a ruffly 4X4 platform. With My Little Giant ladder (which has been a godsend with it's flexibility) extended it is an easy climb to the top and the platform give me room to work and keep a lot of tools close at hand. This rig has proven indispensable in removing the old AC which was a real bitch and could never have been done from a ladder. It will also come in handy as I cover the whole roof (except for the double skylight) with large household solar panels. Since I've killed the AC and will be completely off grid, the panels will play the dual roll of heat shield, keeping most of the suns heat off the roof, and plenty of power to run an almost total electric trailer. I'll be using gas for the range and a small vented catalytic heater only. Even the water heater will be only electric. I also plan to invest in a Sun Frost refrig and LED lighting. I should have plenty of power year round as this will be my permanent home.
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