Modern-day architecture is often characterized by glass buildings – like the Marina Tower in Melbourne, Australia . Many find them attractive because they are transparent; they bring more daylight inside and offer great views. In terms of maintenance, however, they are a challenge.
Building maintenance units (BMUs) are used to keep the outside of a building in good condition. Question is, how do these systems meet the demands of such unique glass structures? Let’s see how BMU’s are used for maintenance work on glass facades.
Understanding maintenance for glass buildings
To be able to withstand wind, snow loads, thermal stress and impacts, strengthened glass is used on the outer surface of glass buildings. But, in extreme conditions, even strengthened glass could break. In most cases, broken glass cannot easily be repaired and therefore needs to be replaced.
A BMU should therefore facilitate workers to easily execute window replacements, and allow for safe transport of glass panels to the place of the repair.
Also, glass on the outside of buildings is frequently exposed to rain and dust. If nothing is done about that, ugly stains appear on the surface of the glass. Dirty windows spoil the light and the view inside glass buildings, which has a negative effect on the whole ambiance. Therefore, cleaning work on glass buildings occurs more frequently than on other buildings – glass needs to be kept clean and clear as much as possible.
This means that Building Maintenance Units for glass buildings should be designed for frequent use and minimum downtime. For glass facades, anything less than top quality facade access equipment will not suffice.
Customized BMU’s
And even when an extensive system is needed to provide access to heights, it is not impossible to put BMU’s out of sight when they are not in use. Some of the best examples of fully customized BMU’s can be found here.
We create a diversity of different BMU’s for any mid- and highrise building
The National Bank of Kuwait
Contact us to find out how our BMU’s can make facade access easier for you.
One of our fully customized BMU’s