Commercial rope access
Commercial Rope Access in Edinburgh
We provide rope access for commercial buildings where scaffolding, towers or a MEWP would be slow, expensive or in the way: occupied offices, shops, hotels, warehouses and managed blocks. We work for facilities managers, property managers, factors and main contractors who need a specific defect inspected, repaired or made safe without closing off the building.
- Occupied buildings
- Façades & sealant
- RAMS for every job
- Fully insured
When rope access makes sense
- the job is localised: a leak, a failed joint, a loose panel, a single penetration
- the building stays open and scaffolding would block entrances, loading bays or car parks
- access is restricted: rear courtyards, plant areas, atriums, lightwells
- you need a close look before deciding what to spend
For long programmes of work, heavy materials or a whole elevation, scaffolding or powered access is often the better option. We will tell you if that is the case.
What we do
Façade inspection and repair
Close-up inspection of stone, render and cladding, with photos and a written summary. We carry out localised repairs, remove loose material and clear vegetation and debris.
Sealant, mastic and leak investigation
Failed sealant around cladding joints, windows, flashings and vents is one of the most common causes of water getting into commercial buildings. We cut out failed sealant, prepare the joint and reseal it, and trace leaks back to the point of entry.
Service penetrations, ducting and vents
Gaps around pipes, ducts, cables and vents let water into the wall. We inspect and seal penetrations, and provide access for mechanical contractors working on external ducting, louvres and vents.
Glazing, rooflights and atriums
Access to high-level glazing, rooflights and atrium spaces for inspection of seals, fixings and drainage points, and for glaziers who need to reach them.
Internal high-level access
Warehouses, plant rooms, stairwells and atriums where a tower or MEWP cannot reach or cannot be set up: lighting checks, cable support and high-level inspections.
Gutters and roof drainage
Clearing and repairing gutters, outlets and downpipes on commercial buildings. For full replacement see gutter replacement.
Recent commercial work
Working on occupied buildings
We agree working areas and times with you before we start, set up exclusion zones below the work, and keep entrances and fire routes clear. Before and after photos are provided for every job.
Safety and insurance
Rope access technicians on our jobs are IRATA trained, and all rope access work is supervised by IRATA Level 3 technicians and carried out to the IRATA International Code of Practice. Risk assessments and method statements are provided for each job. We hold £5 million public liability and £5 million employer’s liability insurance, and certificates are available on request.
Areas we cover
Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, including Leith, the city centre, Edinburgh Park, South Gyle, Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Loanhead and Midlothian.
How a commercial job runs
Enquiry and photos
You send the location on the building, photos and any access restrictions. We confirm whether rope access suits the job.
Survey and RAMS
We check anchor points, the drop and the ground below, then send a quote with the risk assessment and method statement.
Agree the working window
Dates, hours, exclusion zones and any permits are agreed with you or the building manager before we start.
Work and report
The work is carried out and you receive before and after photos, with any further defects we found noted for you to plan.
Who we work with
Facilities and property managers responsible for offices, retail units and mixed-use blocks; factors managing shared commercial and residential buildings; and main contractors who need a rope access package on a larger project. We can invoice the building owner, the managing agent or the contractor, whichever suits the job.
Planning the work around your building
Most commercial rope access jobs are short, but the planning matters. We need to know about building entrances, deliveries, fire routes, roof access and any alarms or plant that could be affected. Where work over a pavement needs a council permit we will tell you, and work can be scheduled early, late or at weekends where the building use requires it.
Written quoteThe work, materials and access method explained
PhotosBefore and after photos of the work
GuaranteedWorkmanship guarantee confirmed in writing on your quote
£5 millionPublic liability and employer’s liability insurance
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is rope access cheaper than scaffolding?
For short, localised jobs it usually is, because there is no scaffold hire, erection or permit. For long programmes of work the difference narrows, and scaffolding can be the better choice.
Can you work while the building is open?
Usually, yes. We plan exclusion zones and working times around the people using the building.
Do you provide RAMS?
Yes. We provide a risk assessment and method statement for each job before work starts.
Can you work outside normal hours?
Yes, where the building use requires it. Early starts, evenings and weekends can be agreed when we price the job.
Can you work for a main contractor?
Yes. We can work as a subcontractor providing rope access and the repair work itself.
Related services
Get a commercial rope access quote
Send us photos and a rough location on the building. We cover Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.