As architects and developers have become increasingly aware of local, state, and federal requirements for providing safe façade access for maintenance operations, the importance of addressing the many issues of Window Cleaning and Exterior Building Maintenance has been heightened.  By providing a well conceived and properly executed system which meets the unique needs of the building design, our clients can be assured the beauty of their buildings can be maintained in a manner that is safe and efficient.

Buildings which do not make appropriate provisions for EBM will require costly retrofits to comply with regulations and may severely limit functionality causing owners and managers to incur increased maintenance costs for the life of the building.  By examining EBM issues early in the project, designers can easily integrate the components to ensure an efficient system that blends with the aesthetics of the building.

The practice of turning over the design of the system to an EBM manufacturer as part of a Design/Build agreement invites a number of problems as the manufacturer attempts to force their “standard equipment” to fit the unique building conditions.  This often negatively affects the process and the end product.  Despite the best efforts of manufacturers to coordinate with architects and other sub consultants, more and more buildings are completed with significant code deficiencies and operational oversights.  These issues can cause significant cost overruns and substantial delays.  Buildings delivered with code deficiencies cause owners substantial liability exposure, while buildings with operational impediments result in higher operational costs.

By utilizing the services of an independent consultant to develop a cohesive design concept and coordinate with the design team, these pitfalls can be avoided.  We provide custom solutions to address the many challenges created by modern building design and ensure that maintenance operations do not conflict with mechanical equipment, architectural features, landscaping, etc.  Our unique expertise and attention to detail ensures that the final product will not only be safe, but highly efficient.

The completed design package serves as the basis of a competitive bidding process which gives owners assurance they are getting the best value for their investment.  HighLine also provides construction administration services to ensure the system is implemented properly. Typical project scope may include design of:

• Roof Tie-Back Anchors for Controlled Descent Apparatus (CDA a.k.a. Boatswain’s Chairs, Rope Descent Systems, RDS, Bosun’s Chairs)
• Roof Tie-Backs and Horizontal Lifeline (HLL) Systems for Fall Protection
• Counterweighted or Tied-Down Outrigger Beam Systems
• Standard and Flush Mounted Davit Pedestals
• Portable Roof Davit Arms
• Powered and Manual Monorail Track and Trolley Systems
• Rigging Sleeves, Cornice Hooks, Parapet Clamps, and other miscellaneous rigging
• Intermittent Stabilization Anchors (ISA) and other Sway Stabilization Systems
• Powered Platforms and Single Man Basket Systems
• Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) and Roofcar Systems

Please contact us for further information about our Design services.

A brief outline of a typical project scope is included below:

• Project Review

  A detailed assessment of the in-progress building plans including architectural, structural, mechanical, and landscaping to determine the possible options for EBM procedures and equipment.  A meeting with the client to determine project limitations and discuss EBM code compliance is an important step in this phase.

• Concept Design

  Development of a comprehensive design concept which indicates specific locations of various EBM components to safely maintain the project.  A number of viable solutions are provided along with a narrative to describe the pros and cons of each to ensure that the client makes an informed decision about the direction of the EBM design.  Information is delivered to the client on a set of EBM drawings which include roof plans, elevations, sections, details, maximum load values, general notes, and any other pertinent information needed to convey the concept design.

• Construction Drawings

  Upon receipt of comments from the project team, the drawings are further refined to integrate the EBM components into the building.  The goal is to create a safe and cost effective design which considers all of the project conditions and client input.  Includes equipment details, system configuration, drop study, power requirements, water requirements, and landscape/hardscape requirements.  A thorough review of the design document is performed prior to delivery to ensure complete code compliance and proper system functionality.

• Specifications

  A written specification formatted to match the project specification.  Includes contractor qualification requirements, design standards, submittal requirements, EBM equipment requirements, and execution requirements.

• Construction Administration

  Provides information and assistance to the client during the construction process:

  • Assist in development of RFP package
  • Perform bid review and analysis
  • Provide review of submittals including Shop Drawings
  • Respond to RFI during construction
  • Perform progress inspections and reports
  • Development of Punch List