Meet us at ARCHIDEX in KL from 29 July to 01 August. Join us and connect with our team!

Meet us at ARCHIDEX in KL from 29 July to 01 August. Join us and connect with our team!

Meet us at ARCHIDEX in KL from 29 July to 01 August. Join us and connect with our team!

Access Solutions for Commercial Buildings and High-Rise Towers

Facade Access Solutions

Commercial buildings and high-rise towers demand permanent, reliable facade access solutions that protect your investment and keep your property operating safely. Having the right facade access system is critical for ongoing cleaning, inspection, and facade maintenance.

Modern commercial architecture pushes design boundaries with curved glass curtain walls, stepped setbacks, sloped rooftops, and irregular geometries. Each of these features creates a specific challenge for facade cleaning access systems. At the same time, building owners and facility managers must meet strict safety regulations that vary by jurisdiction. Without a properly engineered access system, buildings face non-compliance risks, rising maintenance costs, and accelerated facade deterioration.

Facade Access Solutions brings over 120 years of combined experience across our brands. As part of Alimak Group, we deliver end-to-end facade access equipment capabilities from initial design consultation through manufacturing, installation, and lifecycle service support. Our team works directly with architects, facade access consultants, structural engineers, and building owners to deliver systems that integrate with your building and perform for decades.

INQUIRE TODAY

Access Equipment for Commercial Buildings and High-Rise Towers

The right facade access equipment depends on building height, facade complexity, roof configuration, and your long-term maintenance strategy. Our engineers evaluate each project individually to recommend the most cost-effective and operationally efficient solution.

Building Maintenance Units (BMUs)

If your commercial tower has complex facades, limited roof space, or heights above 30 meters, temporary access methods become impractical and expensive. A permanently installed building maintenance unit eliminates recurring scaffolding costs, reduces scheduling delays, and gives your maintenance crews safe, repeatable access to every facade surface. Our BMUs are designed with integrated safety systems, concealment options, and the structural flexibility to handle curved, sloped, or irregular building profiles.

Monorails & Trolley Systems Davit Systems

For routine cleaning, inspection, and glass maintenance on low- to mid-rise commercial buildings, davit systems offer a practical, purpose-built façade access solution. They use permanently fixed base points and portable arms that deploy quickly and lower out of sight when not in use. Davits provide permanent, code-compliant access without the cost or structural demands of a full BMU installation.

Monorail and Railscaf Systems

Glazed atriums, interior facades, and soffits are among the most difficult areas to access for cleaning and inspection. Monorail systemsuse track-mounted platforms or rolling ladders that follow fixed rail paths to reach these surfaces safely. Manual or power-operated, they blend with the building’s architecture and eliminate the need for disruptive temporary access methods.

Tiebacks and Lifelines

A facade access system is only as safe as the anchor points supporting it. Non-compliant or missing tiebacks expose building owners to regulatory penalties and serious liability. Our safety tieback anchors and horizontal lifeline systems are designed to international standards including OSHA, ANSI/ASME, BS EN 795, and AS/NZS 1891.

Powered Platforms

For low- to mid-rise commercial buildings with consistent facade profiles, powered platforms offer a cost-efficient permanent façade access solution. Modular sections adapt to different facade lengths. Built-in emergency descent, tilt detection, and slack cable detection protect operators while corrosion-resistant construction keeps maintenance costs low over the system’s lifespan.

Access Solutions for Commercial Buildings

Facade Access Solutions supports the full building lifecycle. Whether you are breaking ground on a new development or upgrading an aging property, we deliver facade access solutions that align with your project timeline, budget, and operational goals.

New Construction

Adding a facade access system after construction is complete often means costly structural modifications and compromised aesthetics. Ournew construction services bring access planning into the design phase with 3D BIM modeling and FEA structural analysis. This reduces cost, avoids coordination conflicts, and delivers a system that integrates seamlessly with your building’s architecture from day one.

lang=”EN-US” xml:lang=”EN-US” data-contrast=”none”>Specifying facade access early in the design phase prevents costly structural changes later. For new airport terminals, our engineering team works alongside architects, engineers and consultants to integrate new construction solutions from day one. This includes roof load calculations, track routing, BMU parking positions, and cradle deployment strategies mapped to the terminal layout.

Integrated Design Services

Facade access challenges that are not resolved during design become expensive problems during construction. Our integrated design services provide early-stage facade access consultancy, including BMU placement studies, structural load analysis, concealment strategies, and cleaning cycle planning. We work within your project team to resolve access challenges before they impact your schedule or budget.

Retrofit Services

Older commercial buildings with outdated or absent facade access systems face growing safety risks and rising maintenance costs. Our retrofit services deliver modern, code-compliant access systems for occupied buildings with minimal disruption to tenants and operations. We handle structural assessments, system design, manufacturing, and installation so your building meets current standards without extended downtime.

Infrastructure Access Solutions

Large commercial developments often include podium levels, parking structures, connecting bridges, or atrium spaces that also need permanent access. Our infrastructure access solutions address these secondary structures with purpose-built systems that meet the same safety and performance standards as the primary building equipment.

Access Services for Commercial Buildings

Facade Access Solutions provides comprehensive service and support backed by factory-trained technicians and a global service network spanning over 100 countries.  

Service Maintenance

Unplanned equipment failures disrupt building operations and create safety exposure. Our service maintenance programs range from ad-hoc call-out repairs to fully planned preventive maintenance contracts at a fixed annual cost. Scheduled servicing catches wear before it becomes a breakdown, keeping your building maintenance units, davit systems, and powered platforms running reliably.

Inspection, Safety, and Compliance

Missed inspections put your building at risk of regulatory penalties and, more critically, worker injuries. Our routine inspection programsidentify wear, structural issues, and non-compliance before they become incidents. We inspect your commercial facade access equipment against applicable standards, including BS EN 1808, ANSI/ASME A120.1, AS 1418.13, and local codes, so it stays operational and compliant.

Refurbishment Solutions

Replacing an aging facade access system is a major capital expense. In many cases, refurbishment can restore your existing equipment to full performance at a fraction of the replacement cost. We assess your current system’s condition, replace worn components, upgrade controls, and recertify the equipment to current standards, extending its operational life by years.

OEM Spare Parts

Generic aftermarket parts are a common cause of equipment failures and voided warranties. Our genuine OEM spare parts for Tractel, Manntech, and CoxGomyl equipment are manufactured to original specifications. We also maintain and supply parts for third-party machines, keeping your equipment running to the standard it was designed for.

Asset Management

Without visibility into equipment condition and lifecycle costs, building owners make reactive decisions that cost more in the long run. Our asset management programs provide condition monitoring, maintenance planning, and end-of-life replacement strategies. You get the data you need to make informed capital decisions and maximize the return on your facade access investment.

Training

Untrained operators are the leading cause of facade access incidents. Our training programs cover safe operation, maintenance procedures, and installation protocols for commercial building maintenance teams. All training is delivered by qualified, factory-trained technicians and can be customized to your specific equipment and site requirements.

Our track record on landmark commercial projects reflects the depth of our engineering capability and global reach.

20 Fenchurch Street

20 Fenchurch Street, London

System Type: Custom BMU

The building’s distinctive curved and expanding facade profile demanded a building maintenance unit capable of reaching all exterior surfaces despite significant overhangs. Our team designed a custom BMU solution with full facade coverage and discreet rooftop parking. 

1 word trade center

One World Trade Center, New York

System Type: Custom facade access BMU for supertall application

At 541 meters, this is one of the tallest commercial buildings in the Western Hemisphere. The project required a high-capacity facade access system engineered for extreme wind loads, full-height drops, and strict local building codes. 

three allen center houston

Three Allen Center, Houston

System Type: Retrofit BMU replacement 

The existing building maintenance unit had reached end of life and required full replacement on this 208-meter occupied tower. Our team designed and delivered a new custom BMU via helicopter, minimizing disruption to tenants. Learn more about our retrofit capabilities. 

how-to-design-a-bmu-system

Compliance and Standards for Commercial Building Access

Commercial building owners are responsible for providing safe access for facade maintenance workers. Applicable codes and standards vary by jurisdiction, and non-compliance can result in project delays, failed inspections, liability exposure, and increased insurance costs.

Facade Access Solutions designs all systems to meet or exceed applicable international codes and standards. Key regulations that apply to commercial facade access include:

  • BS EN 1808: Safety requirements for suspended access equipment. Widely adopted across Europe and referenced internationally for the design, testing, and certification of building maintenance units and cradles.
  • ANSI/ASME A120.1: Safety standard for powered platforms used for building maintenance in the United States, covering design, manufacture, installation, and operation.
  • AS 1418.13 / AS/NZS 1891: Australian and New Zealand standards covering building maintenance units and industrial fall-arrest systems applicable to facade access equipment.
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.66 / 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M: U.S. federal regulations for powered platforms and fall protection in building maintenance operations.
  • ANSI/IWCA I-14.1: Safety standard for window cleaning operations, addressing equipment requirements and safe work practices.
  • BS 8213-1: British standard providing guidance on the design of windows and facade access for cleaning and maintenance.
  • Local building codes: Jurisdiction-specific requirements that vary by country, state, and municipality. These often dictate system specifications beyond what international standards require.

For a comprehensive reference on applicable codes and regulations, visit our codes, regulations, and standards resource page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a building maintenance unit and why do commercial buildings need one?

A building maintenance unit (BMU) is a permanently installed mechanized system that gives maintenance crews safe, repeatable access to a building’s exterior facade for cleaning, inspection, and repair. For commercial buildings above 30 meters, temporary methods like scaffolding and rope access are impractical for routine maintenance. A permanently installed BMU reduces long-term costs, improves worker safety, and helps building owners stay compliant with local facade access regulations.

How do you select the right facade access system for a high-rise tower?

The right facade access system depends on building height, facade geometry, roof configuration, structural load capacity, cleaning cycle frequency, and local code requirements. High-rise towers typically require a track-mounted building maintenance unit. Buildings with complex facades may need custom BMUs with telescoping jibs, climbing capabilities, or multi-zone configurations. Our engineering team evaluates each project and recommends the most effective approach based on your specific conditions.

Can facade access equipment be installed on an existing commercial building?

Yes. Many existing commercial buildings either lack a facade access system or operate outdated equipment that no longer meets current safety standards. Facade Access Solutions specializes in retrofit installations for occupied buildings. Our process includes structural assessment, system design, equipment manufacturing, and professional installation with minimal disruption to building operations and tenants.

What safety standards apply to facade cleaning access systems on commercial buildings?

Several international codes and standards govern facade cleaning access systems. BS EN 1808 covers the safety of suspended access equipment in Europe and is widely referenced globally. ANSI/ASME A120.1 governs powered platforms in the United States. AS 1418.13 applies in Australia for building maintenance units. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.66 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M set powered platform and fall protection requirements in the U.S., and ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 specifically addresses window cleaning operations. Local building codes may impose additional requirements depending on the jurisdiction.

Why choose Facade Access Solutions as your facade access consultant?

Facade Access Solutions is part of Alimak Group, the global leader in vertical access solutions. With more than 16,000 completed projects on some of the most recognized commercial buildings worldwide, we have the technical depth, product range, and experience to serve as a trusted facade access consultant on projects of any scale or complexity.

    SIGN UP FOR OUR LATEST NEWS
    Service Office