Building Maintenance Units (BMUs), also known as facade access equipment, play a vital role in maintaining high-rise buildings and keeping them safe.

BMU systems are specifically designed to allow workers easy access to the exteriors of high-rise buildings. These systems enable tasks such as repairing facades, cleaning windows, and inspecting building elements. 

Let’s take a deeper look at how they function. 

How BMU Systems Maintain Building Exteriors

Building maintenance units or BMU systems are crucial for multiple reasons:

Safety 

These systems have additional safety features, including emergency descent mechanisms, secured harness points, and fail-safe brakes, which help keep the workers safe and sound. 

Efficiency

These units offer direct and easy access to all the exterior parts of the building. This ease of access facilitates quick and easy maintenance, such as facade inspection, window cleaning, and repairs. 

Versatility 

They are versatile for accommodating a building’s unique architectural features, such as protruding elements and curved surfaces. 

Types of Building Maintenance Units

BMUs are available in several types. Each design accommodates a different building architecture and maintenance requirement: 

Monorail BMU 

These are ideal for limited roof surfaces and complex rooflines. They are equipped with a single monorail beam running alongside the building’s perimeter, allowing space for a suspended platform to run parallel to it. 

Articulating or Telescoping BMU 

These are designed specifically for buildings featuring irregular shapes or protruding sections. They have flexible arms, allowing them to extend outward or rotate to access hard-to-reach areas. 

Compact BMU 

Compact BMUs are designed explicitly for buildings featuring minimal rooftop space. These small and lightweight units offer the necessary reach and functionality for accomplishing all maintenance tasks. 

Roof Car BMU

These are the most commonly used types. They have a track-mounted unit that runs alongside the rails fixed to its rooftop. These units are quite versatile and are equipped with rotating platforms, telescoping arms, and other features. 

Key Features to Look for in BMU Systems

Before selecting a BMU system, consider its key features. These features help determine whether it will satisfy operational and safety requirements. 

Safety Features 

Ideal BMUs should have safety features like secure harness points, emergency descent mechanisms, and overload sensors. 

Customization and Flexibility 

Building maintenance systems should be able to quickly adapt to a building’s architectural features, such as protrusions or curves. 

Easy Operation 

They should have user-friendly interfaces and controls, facilitating smooth operations with minimal training. 

Durability and Maintenance 

BMUs should be durable and easy to maintain. They should withstand strong environmental factors like rain, wind, and temperature extremes. 

How BMUs Improve Safety and Productivity

Building management systems, or BMU systems, significantly enhance safety and productivity in building maintenance. 

Safety Improvement 

  • These advanced safety systems are equipped with features like overload sensors and automation brakes, which help reduce the risks of accidents. 
  • These units are equipped with safety anchorage points, significantly reducing potential risks and providing workers with secured maintenance areas. 
  • They are user-friendly.

Productivity Equipment 

  • BMU units are designed to provide direct and easy access to all areas of the building’s facade. 
  • These systems are customized with additional articulating or telescoping arms to access the building’s complex architecture. 
  • They generally have a relatively faster setup interface and reduce times for providing temporary solutions such as scaffolding. 

Choosing the Right Building Maintenance Unit Manufacturer

Choosing the proper building maintenance unit manufacturers is crucial for ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. Here are some key considerations:

  • Customization Capabilities: The manufacturers should offer customized solutions.
  • Reputation and Experience: They should have a solid track record and tons of experience in the industry. 
  • Compliance with Regulatory Standards: They should adhere to all relevant operational and safety standards. 
  • Technology and Innovation: The practices should be committed to innovation and seamless integration of advanced technologies.
  • Cost and Value: The equipment should be affordable.

Well-equipped BMU systems ensure long-term structural maintenance and building safety. They facilitate regular cleaning, inspections, and building repairs. These units help preserve the facades of your building and its structural components. This is quite helpful in protecting your building against environmental deterioration, like those arising from pollution, weathering, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, building maintenance units minimize the necessity for major building repairs and are cost-effective solutions. 

Contact UCEL Inc. today for additional insights and find the perfect BMU system for your building’s needs!