What Are Temporary Gantries?
Definition: A temporary gantry, also called an outrigger gantry stand or rolling roof rig, is a portable steel frame placed on a roof to support the outrigger beams that suspend a swing stage or powered platform. The gantry raises the beams high enough to clear parapet walls and rooftop equipment, carries the counterweights that balance the suspended load, and — on rolling models — travels on casters so the entire rig can be moved from one drop location to the next.
Conventional swing stage rigging uses outrigger beams resting on the roof or parapet, counterweighted at the back end and tied back to the structure. When a parapet cannot support those loads, or when walls, HVAC units, and other rooftop equipment are in the way, a gantry stand carries the beam instead. Manufacturer gantry stands are designed to clear walls up to about 6 feet tall, with telescoping support heads that adjust for different parapet heights.
Gantries come in two main types. Rolling gantry stands ride on heavy-duty casters, so crews can partially reduce counterweights and roll the rig to the next drop instead of dismantling and rebuilding it — a major time savings on long facades. Fixed gantry stands sit on screw jacks and base plates for a stable, stationary setup. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find vendors across the U.S. who rent, sell, and install temporary gantry rigging and compare their inventory, rental rates, and availability in your area.
Key Components of a Temporary Gantry Rig
A temporary gantry rig combines gantry stands with outrigger beams, counterweights, and tiebacks to create the roof-level suspension point for a swing stage.
Gantry Stands
The steel frames that hold the outrigger beam above the roof. Rolling versions use heavy-duty casters; fixed versions use screw jacks and base plates for leveling.
Outrigger Beams
Steel or aluminum beams that cantilever past the building face to suspend the wire rope. Outreach and counterweight requirements vary by beam type and length.
Telescoping & Rotating Heads
Support heads that telescope vertically to clear varying parapet heights and rotate to adjust beam angle, allowing rigs to fit into corners and around rooftop equipment.
Counterweights
Manufacturer-supplied, non-flowable counterweights secured to the gantry frame or beam to balance the suspended load and resist tipping.
Tiebacks
Wire rope tiebacks secure the outrigger beam to a structurally sound anchorage on the roof, providing a backup if the counterweight system shifts.
Common Applications & Job Site Uses
Temporary gantries are used wherever a swing stage must be rigged on a roof that cannot support standard outrigger beams, or where crews need to move quickly between drops. They are common on construction, restoration, and maintenance projects throughout the United States.
Rigging swing stages over tall parapet walls
Roofs where parapets cannot support outrigger beam loads
Clearing HVAC units, antennas, and other rooftop equipment
Long facades requiring frequent drop relocations
Inside corners and angled facade sections
Facade restoration, sealant, and window replacement projects
Buildings with no permanent davits or roof anchors
Short-term inspection and maintenance access
How Temporary Gantries Compare to Other Rigging Systems
Temporary gantries are one of several ways to rig a swing stage at roof level. Here is how they compare to other motorized access rigging options and which projects each suits best.
Temporary monorail rigging
- Track fixed along the building edge
- Platform travels horizontally along the track
- No re-rigging between drops
- Best for continuous or curved facade runs
Temporary overhead trolley hoist
- Hoist travels along a beam or rail
- Moves loads horizontally as well as vertically
- Installed for the duration of a project
- Best for positioning loads along a work area
Rolling and fixed outrigger stands
- Lifts beams clear of parapets and obstructions
- Rolling models move between drops intact
- No load on parapet walls
- Best for roofs unsuited to standard outriggers
Permanent sockets with removable davits
- Engineered anchor points built into the roof
- No counterweights required
- Installed for the life of the building
- Best for buildings with recurring access needs
Fixed anchor points
- Permanent tieback and lifeline anchorages
- Used alongside temporary rigging
- Lowest installed cost of permanent options
- Best for basic, infrequent access needs
Find Temporary Gantry Rigging Vendors Near You
Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by location, filter by equipment type, and connect directly with local suppliers who rent, sell, and install rolling and fixed gantry rigging for swing stages.
OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards
Temporary gantry rigging used on U.S. construction sites must comply with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.451, which sets requirements for suspension scaffold supports including outrigger beams, counterweights, and tiebacks. A competent person must confirm, before use, that the roof surfaces and structure can support the loads imposed by the rig. Follow the manufacturer's outreach and counterweight tables exactly, and never roll a rig with more counterweight than the manufacturer permits during relocation.
- Supports able to resist four times the tipping moment of the scaffold
- Counterweights non-flowable and mechanically secured to the rig
- Counterweights not removed until the scaffold is disassembled
- Outrigger beams secured with tiebacks to a sound anchorage
- Roof bearing surfaces evaluated by a competent person before use
- Scaffold inspected by a competent person before each work shift
1926.451
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