🟠 Introduction
Many commercial buildings in London have permanent cradle systems installed for facade access. But are they always the best choice?
In this article, we compare rope access with cradle systems (also called BMUs or gantries) across cost, reliability, safety, and flexibility — helping property managers and FM teams decide what works best for their site.
💷 Cost & Maintenance Comparison
Cradle systems often come with high upfront installation costs and ongoing servicing requirements:
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Annual inspections and certifications
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Electrical or motor failures
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Custom parts or repairs
Rope access, on the other hand:
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Requires no permanent infrastructure
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Is setup fresh for each job
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Has minimal maintenance or equipment overhead
For buildings without a working cradle — or where the cradle only covers part of the elevation — rope access is usually more cost-efficient.
🛠️ Reliability & Downtime
Cradle systems are mechanical — and mechanical systems fail. Common issues include:
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Motor failure or power loss
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Stuck gantries due to wind or obstruction
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Rope jamming or misalignment
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Access limited to designed drop zones only
In contrast, rope access:
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Can be used even if the cradle is out of service
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Allows full access to any part of the facade
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Doesn’t rely on power, tracks, or winches
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Can be rigged over nearly any safe edge or parapet
For London buildings with aging or partially functioning cradles, rope access is often the more reliable solution.
🛟 Safety & Control
Cradle systems are designed to be safe — but they’re only as reliable as their servicing and operation.
Risk factors with cradles:
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Operator error (non-rope technicians)
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Safety override systems not maintained
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Failure during descent or obstruction mid-drop
Rope access teams:
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Are IRATA-certified and operate under strict safety systems
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Always use backup ropes and anchors
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Are more mobile and can exit safely at any level
When it comes to safety in unpredictable conditions, rope access offers more control and redundancy.
🧩 Flexibility in London Environments
London’s buildings are not one-size-fits-all. Many properties:
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Have irregular facades
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Include courtyards or glass atriums
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Lack full cradle coverage on all sides
Cradles are limited to their tracks and drop points.
Rope access adapts — it can be rigged from A-frames, counterweights, deadweight trolleys, or structural steel.
Whether it’s a historic facade in Westminster or a new build in Canary Wharf, rope access adapts to the job — cradles don’t.
🏙 When to Choose Each in London
Choose Cradles if:
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The system is newly installed, fully certified, and provides 100% facade coverage
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You have regular cleaning or basic tasks with no mechanical issues
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The drop zones match the required work areas
Choose Rope Access if:
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The cradle is non-functional or partially broken
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You need access to areas not covered by BMUs
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The work requires speed, flexibility, or urgent attention
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You need to work around awkward shapes, parapets, or glazing details
✅ Conclusion
While cradles may seem convenient, they often fall short when it comes to full coverage, speed, and reliability — especially on London’s diverse range of buildings. Rope access provides a flexible, safe, and cost-effective solution, even when cradle systems are present.
If your cradle is limited, stuck, or simply not working — rope access can get the job done.
📞 Need backup for your cradle system?
Our IRATA-certified rope access team can work around or instead of faulty BMUs. Fast response anywhere in London.