Why abseil surveys are becoming a go-to solution for facade inspections
Inspecting tall or complex buildings has always come with a key challenge — access.
Facade inspections are crucial to keeping buildings safe, compliant, and performing as they should. But gaining close-up access to every part of the exterior isn’t always straightforward.
As more buildings move away from built-in cradle systems — often removed or decommissioned due to high maintenance costs — the demand for alternative access methods has grown. In many cases, abseil surveys are emerging as the most practical, cost-effective solution.
The case for abseil access
Unlike MEWPs (mobile elevated work platforms), which can be restricted by weight, reach, or ground conditions, abseil access is highly adaptable. It also avoids the delays and expense involved in road closures or scaffold permits, enabling faster mobilisation — particularly useful where urgent safety inspections are required.
Where buildings have no cradle or where access is heavily restricted, abseil surveys offer an immediate and flexible way to investigate issues. They’re particularly useful after a facade defect is identified, or if a component has fallen — giving building owners rapid insight into safety risks.
When abseil access is the right choice
Abseil surveys are well suited to:
- Buildings with no cradle or restricted access systems
- Urgent inspections following reports of falling components or visible defects
- Ongoing maintenance regimes for hard-to-reach or irregular facades
More than just access — the Cladtech difference
At Cladtech, we go beyond just providing access. Our abseil surveys are carried out by experienced technicians alongside qualified facade specialists. This ensures every inspection is guided by real engineering expertise, not just rope access capability
By combining physical access with technical oversight, we’re able to provide condition reports and remedial advice in a single service — saving time, cost, and effort for our clients.
What abseil surveys can uncover
- Close-up and hands-on inspection of difficult-to-reach areas
- Early identification of safety issues such as loose panels, broken glass or degraded fixings
- Verification of installation standards — ideal for snagging or independent QA checks
- Collection of detailed photographic evidence to support ongoing records
- Independent insight for insurance or legal claims
- Condition assessments to inform planned maintenance programmes
Supporting facilities managers and building owners
Abseil surveys are especially useful for facilities managers and asset owners who need to maintain facade safety and long-term performance. By detecting issues before they escalate, they help avoid costly emergency repairs and unplanned capital spend.
Our inspections also support better budget planning — providing practical advice on how to schedule both critical and non-critical repairs as part of a structured PPM strategy. Compared with alternative access methods, abseil surveys are often the most cost-effective and least disruptive option.
Conclusion
Abseil surveys offer a fast-response inspection service with credible technical oversight. Ideal for responsible building owners and operators, they enable early intervention, clear reporting, and long-term value protection.
If you’re looking to gain visibility of hard-to-reach areas or strengthen your facade maintenance regime, we’d be happy to help.
