Restoring a building to its former glory requires a combination of skill, planning and the right tools. Whether you’re preserving a historic structure or modernising a dated façade, having reliable equipment can make all the difference. At Drogheda Hire and Sales, we provide an extensive range of tools and machinery designed to meet the unique demands of building restoration projects. Here’s a guide to some essential equipment to help you achieve outstanding results.

Building Restoration: Six Common Tasks and the Tools Required

Building restoration often involves a variety of specialised tasks, each requiring specific tools and equipment. Here are six common tasks and the tools you’ll need to complete them efficiently:

Cleaning Façades and Surfaces

Tool Recommendation: Power washers and sandblasting equipment. These tools help remove dirt, grime and old paint, preparing surfaces for restoration.

Repairing Masonry

Tool Recommendation: Mortar mixers and pointing tools. Essential for repointing brickwork and filling gaps in stone structures.

Restoring Woodwork

Tool Recommendation: Sanding equipment, planers and wood preservatives. These are vital for refinishing doors, windows and other wooden elements.

Painting and Decorating

Tool Recommendation: Extension ladders, paint sprayers and brushes. These tools make it easier to apply a fresh coat of paint to walls and trim.

Structural Repairs

Tool Recommendation: Access towers and powered access machines. These provide a stable platform for inspecting and repairing structural elements at height.

Roof Inspections and Repairs

Tool Recommendation: Roof ladders and harnesses. Designed for safety and stability, these tools are critical for working on rooftops.

Access Towers: A Secure Solution for Working at Heights

One of the most common challenges in building restoration is gaining safe and stable access to elevated work areas. Access towers are an indispensable choice for this purpose. Unlike ladders, access towers offer a secure platform for working over extended periods, providing stability for tasks such as rendering, painting and cleaning façades. Their modular design makes them adaptable to various heights, ensuring you can tailor the setup to the specific needs of your project. Our range of access towers includes Boss Ladderspan towers and the Boss Solo tower: an easy-to-assemble solution, designed for one worker to assemble on their own.

Powered Access Solutions:

For projects requiring greater reach or larger working platforms, scissor lifts, boom lifts and vertical mast lifts are indispensable tools.

• Scissor Lifts: These machines provide a broad and stable platform, making them ideal for tasks like plastering, painting, or cladding. Scissor lifts are available in electric models for indoor use, offering quiet and fume-free operation, as well as diesel models designed for rugged outdoor environments.
• Boom Lifts: Known for their versatility, boom lifts feature extendable arms that allow operators to navigate around obstacles and reach challenging areas. These are particularly useful for repairing windows, overhangs, or detailed architectural elements. Boom lifts come in a variety of sizes and fuel types to suit different project needs, ensuring safety and efficiency during restoration.
• Vertical Mast Lifts:  When working on interiors or areas with limited access, vertical mast lifts come into their own. These compact, powered lifts are easy to manoeuvre and provide an efficient way to reach heights without compromising stability.

The powered access solutions available at Drogheda Hire and Sales are equipped with a range of features, including non-marking tyres for indoor use and emergency lowering systems. Their versatility makes them suitable for tasks such as inspecting structural integrity, installing fixtures and repairing masonry.

Ladders: Tried-and-True Tools for Restoration Work

While access towers and powered lifts are excellent for extensive projects, ladders remain a valuable asset for quick jobs and hard-to-reach areas. At Drogheda Hire and Sales, we offer a variety of ladder types to suit your needs:

• Extension Ladders: Ideal for reaching tall structures, these ladders provide adjustable heights and are perfect for tasks like painting or inspecting roofs.
• Pole Ladders: Designed for added stability on uneven terrain, pole ladders are a must-have for exterior restoration projects where safety is paramount.
• Fibreglass Ladders: Non-conductive and highly durable, fibreglass ladders are ideal for electrical work and other tasks requiring enhanced safety and reliability. They are lightweight, weather-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Roof Ladders: Equipped with hooks to secure the ladder onto the roof ridge, these ladders provide excellent stability and safety for roofing tasks. They are specifically designed to prevent slipping and ensure a secure footing on sloped surfaces.
• Podium Ladders: Offering a stable platform with guardrails, podium ladders are perfect for tasks that require prolonged periods at height. They provide an extra level of safety and comfort, making them suitable for painting, decorating or installing fixtures.

Additional Equipment to Consider

In addition to access solutions, building restoration often involves a variety of tools and machinery. Depending on the scope of your project, you may also need:

• Power Washers: These are invaluable for cleaning surfaces such as walls, pavements and decking, removing years of dirt and grime efficiently.
• Plasterboard Lifters: An indispensable tool for installing plasterboard on celings and walls.
• Sanding Equipment: Preparing walls, doors and woodwork for painting or sealing requires sanding equipment to achieve a smooth, professional finish.
• Generators: Essential for remote locations or sites without a reliable power supply, generators ensure your tools remain operational.
• Lighting Equipment: Working during low-light conditions or at night demands high-quality lighting solutions to maintain safety and productivity.

By incorporating these tools, you can streamline your restoration process and ensure every aspect of the project is executed with precision.

Why Choose Drogheda Hire and Sales?

At Drogheda Hire and Sales, we understand the complexities of building restoration. That’s why we offer not only high-quality equipment but also expert advice to help you choose the right tools for the job. Our flexible hire terms and well-maintained inventory ensure you have access to reliable solutions whenever you need them.
Contact us today on 041 9841419 for our Drogheda depot or on 01 9108757 for our Dublin depot, use our contact form or try our Enquiry Bot at the bottom left-hand corner of our home page.