Roof davit systems are a proven method for safe facade access in low-rise and mid-rise buildings. Used widely across North America, these roof-rigged systems combine fixed davit bases, portable davit arms, and powered platforms to provide a secure and efficient way to reach exterior facades. Each davit base is engineered to support suspended maintenance platforms, with the davit mast and davit boom designed to adapt to a wide range of roof conditions and architectural challenges.
At Facade Access Solutions North America (NAM), we draw on decades of engineering experience to supply systems built and designed for long-term performance. Every installation aligns with OSHA regulations and/or CSA safety standards. Our roof davit systems are installed across the United States and Canada on commercial, institutional, and high rise buildings.
When it comes to building maintenance on mid- and low-rise structures, safety and efficiency are non-negotiable. That’s where a davit system steps in. Designed to support window washing, exterior repairs, and suspended maintenance platforms, our davits give building teams the confidence to work securely at height.
From lifting applications to fall protection and even integration with Building Maintenance Units (BMUs), our systems are versatile enough to adapt to any building type. Whether you’re planning a new tower or upgrading an existing structure, our davit arm and davit base configurations can be cast in concrete or bolt-through mounted to meet your project requirements.
Our range of davit arm systems includes:
Roof davit systems can be configured as roof rigged or ground rigged, depending on building height and site conditions. Roof rigged davits use taller mast heights so workers can board the powered platform directly on the roof before it is lowered over the parapet. Ground rigged systems use shorter masts, and the platform is rigged at ground level before being raised into position. Both configurations use the same fixed bases and portable davit arms, and the right choice depends on your building’s layout and access needs.
As the North American division of the Alimak Group, Facade Access Solutions is backed by the innovation and expertise of global davit system suppliers like Manntech, Tractel, and CoxGomyl. We proudly serve projects across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, blending international standards with local knowledge of OSHA regulations and building codes. With us, clients gain permanent access to a cost effective partner dedicated to safety and efficiency. Our inspection and compliance services cover testing, rigging reviews, and scheduled safety checks for every davit system we support.
A roof davit system is a roof-mounted solution designed for facade access. It allows platforms or hoists to move safely along the building exterior. The davit arm is a portable, L-shaped mast and boom assembly that fits into a socket on the davit base. Workers use it to suspend powered platforms for window washing, exterior repairs, and building maintenance. The davit boom rotates 360 degrees, allowing the platform to be maneuvered over parapets and lowered along the facade.
The right choice depends on roof design, structural capacity, and load requirements. Our experts review site conditions such as available space, parapet height, and access points. For some projects, fixed davits provide the best long-term solution, while portable arms or davit cranes work well for flexibility.
Yes. Roof davits can be custom-engineered to fit narrow parapets, tight roof layouts, or challenging architectural features. Systems made from high-strength steel can adapt to unique conditions without compromising compliance. Offset arms and extended davit boom components can reach past overhangs and hard-to-reach areas of modern building facades.
Davit systems can be portable, semi-permanent, or permanently fixed. Portable davit arms are designed to move between sockets, making them ideal for buildings with multiple access points. Fixed davits, mounted on permanent bases, provide a reliable long-term solution. The davit arm can be raised, lowered, or removed completely when not in use.
A roof anchor is a single tie-off point used for fall protection. It secures a worker’s harness but does not suspend platforms or equipment. A roof davit system provides both fall protection and the ability to suspend powered platforms for building maintenance tasks like window washing and facade repairs. Davit systems include a davit base, davit arm, and rigging components that an anchor alone does not provide.
Proper maintenance is vital for long-term safety. This includes routine inspection, load testing, and preventive servicing of davit bases, davit arms, and hoist components. OSHA requires annual visual inspections and full recertification testing every 10 years for davit systems. Our team provides service and maintenance programs that cover everything from roof davit system rigging to window washing equipment setups. Do not hesitate to contact us for a compliance review or scheduled inspection of your installed equipment.
Great design starts with great resources. That’s why we provide architects and engineers with downloadable BIM files and detailed technical sheets, covering load capacities, reach, track design, and certifications. These tools make it easier to plan confidently, integrate davits into architectural workflows, and meet compliance requirements from day one. Whether you need to evaluate a davit setup or determine socket placement for a davit arm, our resources simplify the decision-making for your next project. For more information, explore our full range of products and solutions.
Investing in davits means investing in long-term performance. Our process begins with expert consultation and engineering design, followed by custom installation engineered for your building’s needs. Installation of roof davit systems involves securing a permanent davit base to the building structure. Depending on the concrete or steel roof deck, the base can be cast in, bolt-through, or welded in place. After installation, each davit system undergoes testing to verify compliance and confirm it can support the required loads.
Post-installation, our team provides:
This end-to-end approach is designed to guarantee your davit systems stay safe, compliant, and operational for years to come.
