Façade maintenance with a rail system

A project was recently completed in Karlsdorf-Neuthard, Germany that beautifully combines design and safety, showcasing how the right systems can achieve both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. This three-storey office building, featuring exposed CLT walls and ceilings, serves as a compelling example of how safety solutions can be integrated into a complex architectural design. The aim was to ensure effective and ongoing façade maintenance without compromising the original design concept. 

 
For stylistic reasons, the structure was designed without railings, which called for innovative strategies to address not only proper maintenance but all external works on the building's façade, including window cleaning. 
Right from the outset, it was clear that a safe and unobtrusive system would be required to access the façades. 
To meet this need, architect Stefan Holzknecht, who has long relied on Rothoblaas for fastening and soundproofing solutions, selected the H-RAIL system as the ideal choice for the headquarters of Gredler + Söhne GmbH a company specialising in safety, arboriculture and sustainable green care. 

The chosen solution for managing external access to vertical surfaces and façade maintenance was H-RAIL OVERHEAD, a rail system highly regarded for its adaptability and discreet integration into the structure, rendering it almost invisible. It was paired with KITE, an anchor point ideal for a wide range of applications. Highly versatile in its applications, the system can be installed on flat, sloped or vertical structures made of timber, concrete or steel, ensuring operator safety. 
H-RAIL OVERHEAD was installed on the first and second floors, leveraging its ability to be mounted on various types of structures – whether timber, concrete or steel – perfectly adapting to all installation needs. 

A project where safety meets architecture 

H-RAIL is a rail system designed for work at height and façade maintenance. With its minimal visual impact and possibility for mounting on various surfaces, it perfectly addressed the client’s need to integrate safety with architectural design. 
For the building in Karlsdorf, the system effectively dealt with the challenge of a mixed-surface installation, adapting to the different materials used on the first and second floors. 
The system is completed by individual anchor points on the flat roof, which were carefully planned to ensure the client had a clear understanding of the process, further supported by comprehensive technical support. 

 

H-RAIL for work at height: flexibility and safety 

 
The H-RAIL system has been specially designed to be used with a sliding unit, equipped with four wheels, making it ideal for work at height, both in fall arrest and suspended mode. 
The versatility of H-RAIL allows it to be assembled on different types of structures, be they timber, concrete or steel, adapting perfectly to all installation requirements. Unlike other available models, H-RAIL OVERHEAD – the configuration used in Karlsdorf – is installed under the supporting structure, allowing operators to work in safe conditions with their hands free, positioned above their head. H-RAIL ON WALL, on the other hand, is designed for wall installations, while H-RAIL ON FLOOR is intended for direct application on rooftops. 
With a spacing of up to 6 metres between supports, the H-RAIL assembly process requires only a few fastening points, simplifying installation. The possibility to configure H-RAIL on curved and sloping surfaces makes it ideal for façade maintenance using a rail-based system, even on buildings with complex geometries. 
Moreover, the system can be anodised or painted in RAL colours to harmonise with the building’s overall design. H-RAIL is the ideal option for working at height, in both retention and suspension mode. 

Work at height: Building Maintenance Unit or rail system? 

 
Work at height is defined as any type of work activity with a risk of falling from a height of more than 2 metres, which involves the need to ensure the safety of operators against falling at every step. Bulky solutions such as hanging baskets (BMUs) are often used to carry out work such as façade maintenance, especially on large buildings. 
However, these require large spaces for installation, which must be taken into account right from the design phase of the building. H-RAIL offers an alternative solution with superior performance due to its simplicity and lightness. 

 
H-RAIL OVERHEAD by Rothoblaas represents the ultimate in safety for work at height and maintenance of roofs and façades. 
Its versatility and reliability make it the ideal choice for different applications, from industrial maintenance to work on residential buildings, helping to raise safety standards and protect the lives of those working at height. 

BMU or rail systems: solutions for façade maintenance 
Large buildings – particularly those with extensive glazing and façades – require regular maintenance, making it necessary to choose between two main options: BMUs (Building Maintenance Units), commonly known as suspended platforms, and rail systems for rope access. 
BMUs are platforms that are lowered down façades and can accommodate one to six operators, but require large spaces to install mechanical booms on the rooftops. This solution has a high visual impact, both during operation and when the supporting systems are in their resting position. 

H-RAIL, by contrast, allows work at height occupying a minimal area. Installed directly onto walls or roofs, the rail requires no additional space. 
The standard product is easy to find and fits into the building design without major problems. 
The H-RAIL system also enhances ergonomics and operator safety compared to BMUs: while BMU platforms require operators to lean out to reach the façade and are prone to swaying, H-RAIL provides a more stable working environment. Operators are in fact securely harnessed and kept at the ideal distance from the wall, allowing them to work in suspension with greater safety and control. 

 
In terms of efficiency, H-RAIL allows four operators to work simultaneously on large surfaces, significantly speeding up tasks compared to BMU platforms. Although BMUs can hold up to six people, they require more time to complete the work, especially on expansive façades. 

Read everything you need to know about H-Rail here, and watch this video to see how easy it is to use:  https://youtube.com/shorts/SV_VpKW5t9g?si=x4zkrGVOkApiO-Zl 

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