Skyscrapers or high-rise buildings are some of the most impressive construction undertakings out there. They are extremely high that people wonder how their glass windows stay clean, let alone how they were built. Advancements in industry and technology made all of these possible.
If you are a high-rise building owner in need of window glass servicing, you will be glad to know that industry professionals have ways to perform such procedures in compliance with safety standards. Here’s what you need to know.
Window Services High-Rise Building Owners Need
Before we talk about how contractors can service your skyscraper, you should know what kinds of procedures you will need to do depending on the state of your glass windows.
It is important to find out what type of service you need to get for the safety of the building’s occupants and passers-by on the streets below. Check out your options.
Cleaning
The thing about skyscrapers is they are as impressively tall as much as they are high maintenance. They are visible even from afar, especially as the glass windows catch the sunlight. Plus, they often get in the way of birds, the droppings of which can definitely make the glass material look filthy.
To avoid becoming an eyesore, you want to make sure that your building is always spotless through regular maintenance that is up to code and legal standards.
Repair and Refurbishing
High-rise building glass walls and windows are made of ultra-strong material to ensure not only the safety of occupants but also passers-by. You want to make sure that your building’s glass materials are always in good condition.
However, the force of gravity, wear and tear, and accidents can cause your glass walls and windows to show signs of weakness over time. Add birds that sometimes crash into your building, and you have most of the causes of damage.
Any signs of damage, weakness, or breakage should be addressed immediately to avoid untoward incidents that could lead to serious injury, even fatal accidents. Repair and refurbishing are the services you need if these are your concerns.
Replacement
You can only do so much when it comes to addressing glass materials that need repair or refurbishing. There are times when these services would not enough and you might need to replace all the panels of concern.
Skyscraper Window Replacement Options
The thing about replacement is that it needs the expert hands of professionals to make sure that the process is done properly, safely, and efficiently. There are several options for high-rise building window replacements. Here are the most common ones.
Replacing the Glass from Inside
You can replace the panel from within the skyscraper. However, there are several factors you need to consider, the first being that the panels fit the elevators going to the right floor. Service freight elevators are your best bet if you choose this option.
This one is the most suitable if you are replacing a small window or wall panel. However, if the pane you need to is pretty large, then you need to use another option.
Using a Mobile Elevated Platform or Crane
You can use a crane or a mobile elevated platform to replace your skyscraper glass. The crane can help bring the panel up to the right level, while workers hand along the walls with the help of a scaffold or a mobile working platform.
This is one of the most surefire ways to access and repair the problematic window. Nevertheless, this comes with its own challenges, especially with the use of such heavy machinery.
The first thing is that most skyscrapers are located in a high-traffic areas, which can be a problem because machinery needs to be parked somewhere near the window that needs replacing. It may be difficult to find the right timing, and when an opening comes forth, the crane will block foot and vehicle traffic.
Another thing you should take into account is the height of your building. Cranes come in different heights, for some machinery, this could only do so much. You need a crane that is high enough to reach the window’s level.
Aside from this, you need to make sure that the workers are securely attached to the mobile elevated platform to avoid hazards.
Building Maintenance Unit and Glass Replacement Unit
A building maintenance unit (BMU) is vital if you want to replace your glass windows from the outside without using a crane. BMUs are permanent equipment built on the building’s roof that aims to provide safe access to the façade for cleaning, repairs, and replacements.
This is used in combination with a glass replacement unit (GRU), which is an additional system that carries large or heavy components using a hook.
Without a GRU, you cannot use the BMU to replace your windows.
What’s Your Best Choice for High-Rise Building Window Replacement?
If you need glass replacement services, you should make sure that you use the method that is most suitable for your high-rise building.
Small panels can be replaced from inside the building, so if this is the case, this method is your best bet. For high-rise buildings that do not have access to a GRU, you should opt for a crane and mobile elevated platform combination. Now, if you have a BMU and a GRU, your best bet is to use these systems.
To know which will work best for your building, you should get in touch with a competent, capable, and professional contractor. They are equipped to handle the challenges posed by the different high-rise window replacement options.
Moreover, they are trained to work up to legal standards, minimizing the possibility of accidents. They have machines, skills, and knowledge.
The Takeaway
High-rise building windows services can be complex and challenging. Now that you know the different services you might need, and the skyscraper window replacement options to choose from, you can make the right decisions with the help of A-ONE Construction, so you can have your window and wall panels replaced in no time.
