Scaffolding contractors are adding a new revenue stream to their businesses through a partnership programme that allows them to profit from building wraps without taking on the work themselves.
Surrey-based Lavastar manages the entire building wrap process, from survey and design through to printing and installation, all whilst enabling scaffolders to earn commission on referred work or mark up the service within their tender packages.
The arrangement means contractors can turn what might otherwise be lost opportunities into profitable additions, responding to the growing number of tenders that specify building wraps without needing their own graphics capabilities.
Growing demand creates opportunity
Building wraps have become increasingly common on construction sites across the UK, serving multiple purposes beyond hiding scaffolding. They contain dust and debris, reduce noise pollution, provide weather protection and create advertising space.
Clients now regularly specify building wraps in their tender documents, particularly for high-profile developments where site presentation matters to planning authorities and local communities.
For scaffolding contractors, this represents a commercial opportunity. However, taking on unfamiliar services without the right capabilities can bring complications.
How the partnership works
Lavastar’s model removes those complications. When a scaffolder receives a tender requiring a building wrap, they contact the company for pricing, which can be included in their overall package.
The scaffolder marks up the service as they would any subcontractor element. If the work must be quoted directly through Lavastar, the company builds commission into its costs for the referring contractor.
Once a contract is won, Lavastar conducts a free site survey and provides drawings showing what framework will be added to the scaffolding structure, along with calculations for the additional loading.
The scaffolder’s only responsibility is ensuring their scaffold design can accommodate those loads, which is standard practice for any structural addition.
Everything else, the artwork development, client liaison, printing, framework installation, and wrap fitting all remain with Lavastar.
In-house capability
The company handles all stages internally. Its design team works with clients’ marketing departments to develop graphics at no extra charge. Printing uses ultra UV-resistant inks on PVC mesh materials that allow wind and light through whilst reducing structural loading.
Installation teams fit Kee Klamp framework systems 300mm proud of the scaffolding, creating what the industry calls a drum-skin finish. This taut, professional appearance extends the wrap’s lifespan by preventing contact with scaffold tubes.
All projects include risk assessments and method statements meeting site safety requirements.
Recent work includes a collaboration with Sky Scaffolding on a wrap for Warwick Castle, where Lavastar’s services were included in the scaffolder’s tender package.
Track record
Based on the outskirts of London, Lavastar has worked on building wraps for over 25 years. The firm recently won gold at the UK Sign & Graphic Awards for transforming scaffolding around Wakehurst’s Elizabeth Mansion during roof restoration.
Other projects include 2,400 square metres of wrap at Mayfair’s Lazari Building and various heritage sites requiring trompe l’oeil treatments—photographic reproductions of building facades used during restoration work.
The company operates nationwide, covering Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Glasgow.
Different installation methods suit varying budgets and project durations, from premium long-term solutions with full framework systems to simpler direct-fix approaches for shorter contracts.
Scaffolding contractors can contact Lavastar on 01252 850818 or visit: https://www.lavastar.co.uk/building-wraps/ for more information.
