Spiffy · Blue Label
Access methods

How we access your building

The right access method depends on height, façade, ground conditions, and what your building already has installed. This page sets out each method we use, when we choose it, and what we need from you to make it work.

Six methods

What we use, and when

  • Water-fed pole
    Purified water carried through an extendable pole scrubs and rinses glass from the ground, leaving no residue and no need for suspended access. Used for buildings up to roughly four to six storeys where ground or sidewalk access is available. Requires a water source or on-truck tank, and sidewalk or lane space with pedestrians managed around the crew. Low disruption — no ropes, lifts, or roof access. Effective in light rain but paused in high wind or freezing temperatures, when the water freezes on contact.
  • Boom or scissor lift
    A mechanical lift raises technicians and equipment to the work face. Chosen for mid-rise buildings and podiums where ground conditions allow a lift to be positioned and there is no need for rope access. Requires firm, level ground or a parkade with sufficient clearance, and often a lane closure or parking permit. Moderate disruption — the lift occupies ground-level space for the shift. Grounded above manufacturer wind limits, typically in the 20–30 km/h range depending on the unit, and not operated on ice.
  • Rope access
    Technicians descend the building face on rope using IRATA-style techniques — certified descenders, backup lines, and full-body harnesses anchored to certified roof anchors. Chosen for high-rise towers where lifts cannot reach or where ground access is restricted. Requires current anchor certification for the building, roof access, and a documented rescue plan. Low ground disruption but requires drop-zone control below the work area. Typically stood down above roughly 30–40 km/h sustained wind, in freezing rain, or during lightning.
  • Swing stage / suspended platform
    A powered platform is suspended from roof rigging and traverses the face, carrying more equipment and more than one technician per drop. Chosen for large flat façades and long service runs where rope access would take materially longer. Requires certified anchors or outrigger beams, roof access, and power for the hoist motors. Moderate disruption at the roofline and drop zone. Wind and icing limits are similar to rope access and the platform is grounded in electrical storms.
  • Permanent RDS / BMU davit systems
    Where a building has a roof davit arm or a building maintenance unit (BMU) installed at construction, we rig from the building's own permanent system rather than bringing temporary rigging. Chosen whenever a compatible permanent system exists, since it is typically the fastest and least disruptive method. Requires the building's davit or BMU to have a current inspection and load certificate, and operator familiarisation with that specific system. Very low ground disruption. Weather limits follow the same thresholds as rope access.
  • Interior and atrium work
    High atria, skylights, and interior glazing beyond reach of standard tools are accessed with interior lifts, ladders, or short rope drops rigged from interior structure. Chosen for lobbies, atria, and skylights inaccessible from outside. Requires elevator or loading dock access to bring equipment in, and coordination around building operating hours. Disruption is concentrated in lobby or common-area downtime rather than the exterior. Not weather-dependent, though scheduling still avoids peak foot traffic.
Before mobilisation

What we need from you

Most delays on access-heavy jobs come from missing documentation or bookings rather than the work itself. This is the standard list we confirm before a crew is scheduled.

Current roof anchor certification, or confirmation none exists yet
Access to roof, mechanical rooms, or BMU controls
A water source or hose bib, for water-fed pole work
Power access near the work area for hoists and equipment
Elevator or loading dock booking for equipment transport
Parking, lane closure, or street-use permits where required
Resident or tenant notice for suspended or rope work
A contact who can approve access on the day
Access assessment

The free site walkthrough

Before we recommend a method or quote a price, someone walks your building with you.

A senior technician or account manager walks the site with your representative, checking façade type, roof and anchor condition, ground access, elevator and loading logistics, and any parking or lane constraints. We photograph the relevant areas and note anything that will affect method, scheduling, or cost — a missing anchor certificate, a tight loading dock window, or a façade detail that changes the approach.

The walkthrough is free and comes with no obligation. It produces the information we need to recommend a specific access method rather than a generic one, and it is the basis for the written proposal that follows.

Book a walkthrough

Book a site walkthrough

We assess your building in person before recommending an access method or pricing the work.

Request a Proposal →Call 604-830-1312
Next step

Get a budget number today, or book twenty minutes on site.

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