BMU Systems – Building Maintenance Units for High-Rise Buildings
Building Maintenance Units (BMU) are devices, typically rooftop, that allow safe access to the facade of a building. Worldwide, architecture is becoming more and more ambitious and artistic, in addition to safety being critical. Current alternatives to building maintenance units (BMUs) have shorter lifespans, and can be very unsafe. Building maintenance unit systems are necessary to safely and effectively access the complete exterior of buildings. Usually a permanent installation, the building maintenance unit can travel along guides which allows them full horizontal and vertical range.
Building maintenance unit manufacturers design and produce these critical systems to meet the diverse needs of modern architecture. Some of the most common tasks that Building Maintenance Units are considered for are:
- Window Washing
- Facade Cleaning
- Facade Repair (window replacement, masonry, unscheduled maintenance, etc.)
- Facade Inspection
What is a BMU System?
A BMU system (Building Maintenance Unit) is a rooftop-installed device that enables safe and efficient access to the exterior of high-rise and commercial buildings. BMUs are essential for window washing, facade cleaning, repair, and inspection, providing full horizontal and vertical coverage.
With architecture becoming increasingly ambitious, BMU systems ensure safety, reliability, and compliance with international standards such as UL, ANSI, and CSA.
Why BMU Systems are Critical in Modern Construction
In construction and building maintenance, BMU systems are the safest and most durable solution for high-rise facade access. Alternative solutions often have shorter lifespans and limited safety features. Installing a BMU ensures:
- Complete exterior coverage for all building heights
- Customizable solutions for straight, negative, or complex facades
- Compliance with international safety standards
- Efficient operation with lower long-term maintenance costs
Types of BMU Systems Offered by UCEL
GPN: Building Maintenance Unit
Usage: For buildings of all heights. Must have roofs that allow the unit to traverse around the parapet.
The GPN is typically considered for buildings with straight facades because of it’s maximum reach of 4-5 meters. It can still be applied to buildings with single-set back facades if a pantograph is added. Our GPN has two jibs and the versatility to operate with cradles of different sizes, combined with its lower price point make it a popular choice.
Customization:
- Traversing on rails or on concrete paths
- Slewing ring
- Wire rope with electrical core
When it comes to building maintenance units (BMUs), the GPN stands out due to its adaptability and efficiency. Building maintenance unit systems like the GPN are essential for maintaining the exterior of high-rise buildings, ensuring both safety and functionality. The ability to customize the GPN for specific building requirements makes it a top choice for property managers and maintenance teams.
GPL: Building Maintenance Unit
Usage: For buildings of all heights with straight or negative facades (when using a pantograph).
The GPI has a single jib, and this long arm makes this BMU (building maintenance unit) ideal for buildings with roofs that do not allow movement next to the parapet.
Customization:
Our wide range of options can adapt your GPI to almost any facade. These include:
- Telescopic jib
- Luffing jib
- Radio control
- Multilayer drum hoist (up to 500 m)
- Traversing on rails or on concrete paths
- Telescopic mast
- Slewing ring
- Turning T-jib
- Wire rope with electrical core
- Others…
By choosing from our extensive customization options, you ensure that your building maintenance units are perfectly suited to the unique requirements of your building. As a leading building maintenance unit supplier, we pride ourselves on providing solutions that are both innovative and reliable, designed to meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
GPIT: Building Maintenance Unit
Usage: For buildings of all heights with straight or negative facades (when using a pantograph). The GPIT is the best BMU (building maintenance unit) to provide access to the different façade protrusions from a single unit.
The GPIT can easily work around multiple obstacles on roofs, just like the GPI.
Customization:
Our wide range of options can adapt your GPIT to almost any facade. These include:
- Luffing jib
- Radio control
- Multilayer drum hoist (up to 500 m)
- Traversing on rails or on concrete paths
- Telescopic mast
- Slewing ring
- Turning T-jib
- Wire rope with electrical core
Trolley – GCM: Building Maintenance Unit
Usage: A roof car with powered cradles for one (TP01) or two (TP02) people respectively.
Operates similarly to the other models but is meant for buildings no taller than 120m with simple facades.
Some of the main advantages offered by this model are that the powered cradle can be used by other suspended access systems installed in the building (other GCM models, davits, gantries…) and also, that the roof car can traverse easily thanks to its compact size.
Advantages:
- Compact in size so the car can easily traverse
- The powered cradle can be used with other GCM models, davits and gantries
Our manufacturing partners for UCEL BMUs require ISO 9001:2008 certification and follow strict guidelines for safety across all components of our machines. Everything is produced in the USA, Europe or Canada; to the highest standards and meets UL, ANSI and CSA code requirements. This ensures that our building maintenance unit systems provide reliable and secure operations.
Benefits of UCEL BMU Systems
- Safety & Compliance: Designed to meet international building standards
- Customization: Tailored to facade type, building height, and operational needs
- Durability: Long lifespan and low maintenance
- Efficiency: Full horizontal and vertical access for high-rise buildings
- Global Availability: Manufacturing and support across USA, Canada, Europe
Explore UCEL BMU Systems today and ensure safe, efficient, and compliant maintenance for your high-rise buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BMU system used for?
A BMU system allows safe access to high-rise facades for window cleaning, facade inspection, and maintenance.
How does a building maintenance unit work?
What types of BMU systems are available?
Are BMU systems safe for high-rise buildings?
Can BMU systems be customized for my building?
Absolutely. UCEL provides telescopic jibs, luffing jibs, radio control, slewing rings, and more to meet unique facade requirements.
Trusted Hoist for Building Construction Provider Since 1963
We bring 55+ years of family-operated quality, reliability and safety to every project. Our long-standing history in the industry is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the construction sector.
Hoist for Building Construction with Uncompromising Safety Standards
UCEL works with the best European manufacturers to bring high-quality vertical access equipment to our clients. Our partnerships ensure that we distribute only the best products in Canada and the Northeastern United States. The equipment we provide is manufactured in an ISO9001 facility and is certified to meet the highest European, ANSI (US), TUV (EU), and CSA (Canada) requirements. This ensures that all our products meet stringent safety standards, providing reliable and safe hoists for building construction solutions. Safety is our top priority, and we strive to maintain the highest standards in every aspect of our operations, providing peace of mind for our clients.
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