There are many reasons a building’s façade may need to be treated with care. While it will of course be sturdy and built to last, there may be elements of the brickwork and design which need to be treated carefully and, in these instances, scaffolding simply isn’t suitable when cleaning and working on repairs. As experts in working with challenging to access buildings, we find even the most unusual and awkward access points interesting and an opportunity to show off our finest work. Working with many businesses, including listed and period properties, we regularly use rope access to ensure proper cleaning without risks to the building’s façade.
What is Rope Access?
Rope access is exactly what it sounds like, a quick, easy and safe way to access any building or structure, particularly those which are extremely tall or have access challenges. Scaffolding has been the traditional go-to for tall and unusual buildings but rope access can often be safer and more efficient, allowing works to clean and carry out any maintenance without disrupting the surrounding area or taking the additional time it takes to erect scaffolding.
Benefits of Rope Access Cleaning and Maintenance
Rope access cleaning is an effective option for many types of building, from commercial tower blocks and residential apartment blocks, to historical buildings and high-level properties. Both modern engineered and beautifully ornate historic buildings need regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and to avoid any costly damage at a later date. Rope access is often the best option for many types of building and some of the key benefits include:
Safety
Rope access technicians are highly trained and experienced in working in this way. Working at Height regulations in the UK are stringent and it is important to find the safest methods to work effectively, rope access often being the answer. Tool control, safe working practices and rescue plans are all in place before any rope access work begins.
Flexibility
The UK weather is not something we can ever rely on and with rope access you won’t face the rescheduling that can come with MEWPs and other alternatives. Rope access cleaning and maintenance can be carried out in less favourable weather.
Cost Effective
Balancing the books is important, especially if you have buildings which regularly require specialist and in-depth cleaning and maintenance. When compared to the alternatives rope access is a cost-effective choice. Rope access is much faster than alternative options available, which means the overall cost is considerably lower.
Efficient
Rope access systems are designed to be built to your needs and they can be easily dismantled and rebuilt for other work on the same building. They can be moved around efficiently and work can be completed quickly and easily, without unnecessary disruption to your core business activities.
Eco-Friendly
A surprising benefit, rope access techniques have a relatively low imprint on the environment, especially when compared with scaffolding and other alternatives. No oil, petrol or electricity is required to operate rope access cleaning systems.
Rope access cleaning is a great choice for many buildings where access is a concern and scaffolding simply isn’t appropriate. It allows for a careful yet efficient approach to cleaning and maintenance tasks, ensuring the building’s façade is treated with the utmost care and attention to detail.
