Over time, building maintenance units face wear that affects safety and reliability. Full replacement is not always necessary. Facade access refurbishment restores critical safety systems to peak performance, extends operational life, and brings existing equipment up to current OSHA, CSA, and/or ANSI safety standards.
Our refurbishment solutions reduce downtime, deliver improved safety, and provide building owners with a cost-effective alternative to replacement. With the combined expertise of Tractel, Manntech, and CoxGomyl under the Alimak Group, we deliver engineered custom facade access solutions backed by global experience and regional support across North America.
BMU refurbishment provides a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to full system replacement for building owners and contractors. Each project begins with a comprehensive inspection to evaluate the condition of existing facade access systems. Worn or outdated components are replaced or upgraded with manufacturer-approved OEM spare parts, restoring full functionality and extending the system’s service life.
Our refurbishment solutions have proven effective across regions. At the 59-year-old BMU at Frankfurter Ring 162 in Munich, the existing system was re-engineered to accommodate a lighter, more advanced facade access system while preserving the original track. This approach reflects the kind of careful and precise planning required for complex refurbishment projects. At the 36-year-old BMU at Cityplace Tower in Dallas, outdated electrical systems were replaced and safety standards upgraded to prepare the building for its new InterContinental Hotels & Resorts transformation.
By upgrading electrical systems, control stations, and gondola designs through a partial or complete overhaul, refurbishment minimizes waste, downtime, and cost while improving reliability, safety, and sustainability. Whether the facade access challenge involves outdated controls or structural fatigue, our service teams apply high quality German engineering principles to every project. This approach reflects our global expertise in extending the lifespan of facade access systems and delivering high-value results with minimal disruption to building operations.
Timely facade access repair is critical for keeping building maintenance units, davits, and powered platforms in safe operating condition. Our repair services cover emergency support, OEM part replacements, and system troubleshooting to restore full functionality.
Whether supporting ongoing facade access maintenance, window cleaning operations, or refurbishment projects, our repair programs provide reliable maintenance solutions. Each repair is performed with approved components and engineering oversight from our highly skilled technicians, extending existing equipment life and reducing the risk of premature BMU replacement.
We combine decades of global engineering expertise with regional knowledge to support projects throughout the United States and Canada. Our service teams understand the demands of high-rise buildings, complex facades, and urban construction, providing safe access solutions that address both performance and compliance requirements.
Speak with our team to discuss maintenance or compliance support for your facade access systems. You can also explore our inspection, safety, and compliance services to develop a preventative maintenance schedule for your building.
Effective building maintenance relies on proactive issue awareness and timely resolution. Preventative maintenance and routine inspections identify wear patterns before they develop into costly failures. Our service teams perform scheduled assessments that evaluate structural, mechanical, and electrical components of your BMU systems.
By addressing issues pre-emptively, building owners achieve significant cost savings and improved safety across their facade access systems. A structured preventative maintenance program also supports compliance with local regulations and safety requirements. Learn more about our asset management programs designed to protect your investment over the full lifecycle of the equipment.
Request a consultation to discuss refurbishment, repairs, and upgrades that improve safety, compliance, and reliability.
Professional routine inspections should be conducted at least annually. Regular checks identify issues early, preventing major problems and costly downtime. A well-maintained facade access system can serve a building for an average of 25 years. However, it may need replacement as building demands change or local regulations evolve. We can help design a preventative maintenance schedule specific to your building and equipment.
Yes. Retrofit and modernization offer a cost-effective alternative to full replacement, extending the life of existing facade access systems while improving safety, reliability, and performance. Typical upgrades include new control systems, electrical and mechanical components, advanced safety features, and structural enhancements. These upgrades bring older BMU systems in line with current safety standards and help maintain continued compliance.
No. Maintenance refers to regular servicing and inspections that keep facade access equipment in working condition. Refurbishment is a more comprehensive process that involves a partial or complete overhaul of the system. This can include replacing worn structural components, upgrading electrical and safety systems, and aligning the equipment with current OSHA regulations and local building codes. While preventative maintenance helps avoid breakdowns, refurbishment addresses deeper issues and significantly extends the system’s service life.
Refurbishment can resolve a wide range of issues in building maintenance units (BMUs), including worn mechanical parts, outdated electrical systems, structural fatigue, and obsolete safety features. A comprehensive evaluation involves inspecting the structural frame, boom, tracks, winches, electrical systems, and safety devices. Rigorous load tests confirm that refurbished machines meet original strength requirements and current safety regulations. Supporting structures must resist at least 4.0 times the rated load of the hoist for standard maintenance during refurbishment. By revitalizing aging equipment, refurbishment restores reliability, delivers improved safety, and supports full compliance with current safety standards. Contact our team to schedule a professional condition assessment of your existing or custom facade access system.
Project duration depends on the scope of work. Minor repairs are typically completed within a few days, while full refurbishments can take up to several months depending on system complexity and site conditions. After a detailed assessment, we provide a clear project timeline designed to minimize disruption to building operations.
Yes. Refurbishment delivers improved safety and compliance by integrating modern safety features such as load monitoring, emergency brakes, and monitoring technologies. These upgrades meet or exceed current regulatory standards and help building owners maintain compliance with OSHA, ANSI, and local building codes. Establishing a maintenance plan that includes regular safety checks for the refurbished system is a recommended best practice post-installation. These improvements support continued safe operation and extend the system’s service life.
