NAM - English
Innovative architecture often presents unique challenges when it comes to maintenance and window cleaning. Davit systems have emerged as a practical and versatile solution for safely accessing building facades, particularly when permanent equipment is either impractical or visually intrusive.
A davit system consists of a permanent base or pedestal, which is typically welded to the building’s structural steel or attached via embedded plates in a concrete slab, and a removable arm that cantilevers over the edge of the building to suspend a work platform or bosun’s chair. In essence, it functions like a lightweight crane arm that can be installed as needed and stored away when not in use. Due to their simplicity and flexibility, davits are widely used on everything from mid-rise office buildings to high-rises with difficult-to-reach areas, offering a safe facade access solution without permanent visual impact on the skyline.
Not all buildings require a full-fledged roof car or Building Maintenance Unit (BMU). In many cases, davit systems offer a more practical alternative. Here are a few scenarios where davits excel:
In densely built urban areas or sites with landscaping and high foot traffic, ground-based access like boom lifts or scaffolding may not be feasible. Roof-mounted davit arms provide facade access without disturbing ground-level activity. This makes them ideal for buildings situated in tight city blocks where minimizing street-level disruption is essential.
Structures with irregular geometries, setbacks, or delicate parapets often pose challenges for fixed facade access systems. Davit systems offer flexibility—their removable arms can be shifted between multiple pedestal bases, allowing comprehensive coverage of various facade sections. Since they transfer loads to the roof structure, davits are especially suited for buildings with fragile elements like decorative cornices or glass railings, where heavy cradles from BMUs may pose a risk.
For buildings requiring periodic but not frequent facade work—such as window cleaning or minor repairs—davits offer a cost-effective solution. They fulfill OSHA safety requirements while eliminating the need for costly permanent equipment that might remain idle for much of the year. As a result, many mid-size commercial and residential buildings opt for davit systems.
Early consultation with facade access experts is key. They can assess the roof’s suitability and plan pedestal placements to ensure full facade coverage. Proper structural coordination ensures load reinforcement under each pedestal and includes anchor points or tie-backs on the facade below.
Davit systems offer secure, anchor-supported suspension for platforms, reducing fall risks for workers at height. Each component—base, mast, and arm—is engineered to meet rigorous safety standards. When paired with certified platforms and fall protection gear, davits provide a safe, compliant solution. Involving experts early helps ensure alignment with OSHA and other regulatory requirements, giving building owners confidence in ongoing maintenance operations.
Designed for quick assembly and ease of use, davit systems typically include modular components that bolt or pin together rapidly. For example, a davit arm can be inserted into a rooftop sleeve and a platform deployed within minutes—far faster than constructing a scaffold. Their efficiency minimizes building downtime during maintenance and encourages more frequent facade cleaning or inspection. Systems can be fabricated using lightweight materials like aluminum alloys, streamlining handling and setup.
Architects appreciate davit systems for their low profile. Unlike bulky rooftop equipment, davits are removable, leaving only discreet base pedestals on the roof. This maintains the building’s original design integrity, a major advantage for historic or high-profile buildings. During operation, davits are temporary and visually unobtrusive—once removed, the structure’s architectural lines remain untouched.
To maximize the benefits of a davit system, early design integration is essential. Structural engineers must account for load-bearing requirements and pedestal placements from the outset. Concrete rooftops, for instance, may require embedded plates or steel subframes to accommodate the davit bases. Early planning also helps coordinate with other rooftop elements like HVAC units, terraces, or green roofs to prevent layout conflicts.
Facade access consultants can assist by developing a davit layout drawing that maps the location and coverage of each unit, ensuring full reach with redundancy built in. They also help address practical considerations—such as where to store the davit arms when not in use, how workers will safely access the roof, and how to stabilize platforms using tie-backs or suction anchors in windy conditions.
Crucially, all davit systems must be certified and meet safety standards. A certified OSHA consultant or maintenance safety team should be involved in design reviews to preempt compliance issues. The result is a building that’s not only aesthetically impressive but also equipped with a robust, efficient, and safe maintenance system.
Davit systems are a flexible, cost-effective, and architecturally considerate approach to facade maintenance. When integrated early and paired with expert planning, they transform the way buildings are maintained—offering easy, safe access to even the most challenging exteriors. For many projects, this means no more compromise between bold architectural vision and practical upkeep—thanks to smart davit technology.