Rope access for facade maintenance: The smartest way to clean

As a building owner or facility manager, you face a recurring challenge: how to keep facades and windows clean in a way that’s safe, efficient, and cost-effective? Rope access for facade maintenance might give the best solution.

Traditionally, Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) or aerial work platforms (AWPs) are used. However, rope access — performed by IRATA-certified technicians — is increasingly proving to be the better, and more economical, choice. This guide compares the three methods across efficiency, flexibility, cost, and limitations, helping you make the most informed decision.

1. Building Maintenance Units (BMUs): Fixed But Inflexible

Many modern buildings are fitted with permanent BMUs — rooftop-mounted gondolas that allow window cleaners to descend along the facade. While safe and practical when used correctly, BMUs come with significant limitations.

Advantages:

Permanent, built-in solution
Safe for work at great heights
Provides a stable working platform for window cleaners

Disadvantages:

High upfront investment and annual maintenance costs
Downtime during malfunctions or strong winds
Not every building is suitable for a BMU
Technical issues can cause significant delays

Cleaning Efficiency:

Average of 500–800 m² per day, depending on weather, façade complexity, and system condition
60–100 m² per hour per gondola (1–2 workers)

If a BMU is unavailable or not functioning, aerial work platforms are often used as a backup—but this method also has its downsides.

2. Aerial Work Platforms: Logistically Demanding and Costly

AWPs are a commonly used alternative, especially for low- to mid-rise buildings. However, their effectiveness drops significantly with complex or high-rise structures.

Limitations

Time-consuming to set up and reposition
Often requires street permits
Inaccessible for hard-to-reach areas
Requires multiple personnel (operator + window cleaner)
Limited reach; not all sides of the building may be accessible

Average Daily Output:

400–600 m² per team

Recurring rental and permit costs make this a costly long-term solution.

3. Rope Access for facade maintenance: Fast, Flexible, and Surprisingly Affordable

Rope access, executed by IRATA-certified professionals using secure anchor points like the modular XSRail system, offers a safe, modern solution for high-rise facade maintenance.

Advantages:

Up to 1,000 m² per technician per day
Lower cost per cleaning session
Minimal disturbance for residents or users
Ideal for complex, narrow, or hard-to-reach facades
No need for heavy equipment, permits, or ground space
Geen machines, vergunningen of grondruimte nodig

Average Daily Output:

700–1,000 m² per technician

Combining safety with speed, flexibility, and low operational costs, rope access is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for real estate and maintenance professionals.

Weather Resilience at Height

At high altitudes, wind speeds are significantly higher than at ground level, posing safety risks and limiting method viability.

Method	Usability in Wind >6 Bft	Downtime Risk
BMU	❌ Not usable – shut down for safety above 6 Bft	✅ High – dependent on mechanics, software, and maintenance
Aerial Work Platform	❌ Not usable – most models restricted above 5–6 Bft	⚠️ Average – hydraulic/electronic issues under intensive use
Rope Access	⚠️ Limited – can often be used on sheltered facades up to 6 Bft, but stopped in stronger winds	✅ Very low – few mechanical parts, minimal failure risk

Important Notes:

BMUs and Aerial Work Platforms are strictly regulated regarding wind loads. Wind force 6 (Bft) is often the absolute limit, with immediate shutdown beyond that point.
Rope access for facade maintenance offers more flexibility due to its lightweight nature and ease of interruption/resumption. However, safety always comes first. Rope access is also halted during strong gusts, downdrafts, or rain.

Complete comparison (including time spent))

Average daily performance for facade maintenance methods:

Method	Accessibility	Efficiency (m²/day)	Cost per Use	Limitations	Time per 1,000m²
BMU	High	500–800 m²	High (purchase + maintenance)	Fixed system, sensitive to wind and malfunctions	1,25–2 days
Aerial Work Platforms	Limited	400–600 m²	High (per deployment)	Logistical burden, permits, limited reach	1,5–2,5 days
Rope Access	Very High	700–1000 m²	Low (per use)	Requires certified anchor system like XSRail	1–1,5 days

Explanation:

BMUs: Despite providing a stable workspace, they require setup, repositioning, and favorable wind conditions, which slows productivity.
Aerial Work Platforms: Time is lost to positioning, moving, and permitting procedures, which lowers efficiency.
Rope Access: IRATA specialists can get to work quickly and cover more surface in less time due to high mobility.

Conclusion: Rope Access is the Smart, Future-Proof Investment

For buildings without a BMU or where speed and flexibility are key, rope access is the smarter solution. With lower operational costs, high output, and minimal disruption, rope access offers long-term value.

Pairing this method with the XSRail system enhances safety and flexibility, enabling IRATA professionals to work seamlessly across façades with certified, modular anchor rails — even on existing structures. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to smarter facade maintenance.

Reach out to us at [email protected], call us at +31 (0)183 56 91 11, or request a quote via our online form.

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