inspections

 Historic buildings are architectural treasures—but they also come with unique structural challenges and vulnerabilities due to age, weathering, and outdated materials. At American Rope Access, we specialize in conducting thorough, non-invasive inspections of historic structures using rope access techniques, allowing us to safely assess hard-to-reach areas without damaging delicate facades or disrupting daily operations.

Our inspections are tailored to identify early signs of deterioration, water intrusion, and structural risk, including:

• Masonry & Brickwork Degradation
  – Cracking, spalling, mortar loss, and signs of efflorescence
   
• Stonework and Terra Cotta
  – Erosion, cracking, and anchoring issues
   
• Sealant & Joint Failure
  – Aging caulking around windows, cornices, and expansion joints
   
• Water Intrusion Points
  – Around skylights, windows, roof transitions, and decorative features
   
• Wood Rot or Paint Failure
  – On cornices, window frames, and decorative trim
   
• Metal Corrosion
  – At flashing, anchoring systems, balconies, and decorative fixtures
   
• Glass & Skylight Integrity
  – For older glazing systems or stained-glass components
   
• Facade Movement or Settlement Cracks
  – Structural shifts that signal deeper foundation or wall issues
   

Our team provides detailed photo documentation and condition reports with repair recommendations that align with historic preservation guidelines and best practices.

We recommend a full facade and structural inspection every 3 to 5 years, depending on:

• Age and material of the structure
   
• Exposure to weather (coastal, high wind, seismic zones)
   
• Past restoration or maintenance cycles
   
• Presence of visible damage, leaks, or deterioration
   

Additionally, annual visual checkups are recommended for properties with known problem areas or those that house tenants, museums, or commercial businesses.

• Non-invasive access to fragile architectural elements without scaffolding or heavy equipment
   
• Highly trained technicians with experience in historic preservation and complex building systems
   
• Cost-effective inspections with minimal disruption to public access or occupancy
   
• Accurate reporting for compliance with preservation agencies and long-term maintenance planning
  
  

Accessing the Inaccessible—Without the Extra Cost

Routine building inspections are critical for identifying damage, ensuring compliance, and planning preventive maintenance—but for many property owners and managers, the cost and complexity of accessing certain areas can become a major barrier. That’s where American Rope Access comes in.

We specialize in high-elevation and hard-to-reach inspections using industrial rope access techniques. Unlike traditional methods that require aerial lifts, scaffolding, or swing stages, our approach allows us to inspect any part of your building—quickly, safely, and without disruption.

• Building facades (concrete, glass, metal)
   
• Curtain wall systems
   
• Window seals and frames
   
• Expansion joints and caulking
   
• Roof transitions and parapets
   
• Atriums and skylights
   
• Exterior drainage systems
   
• Signage and architectural features

• Water Leak inspections
   

 No Need for Permits or Street Closures

Most aerial lift or scaffold-based inspections require permits, sidewalk closures, and coordination with city agencies. Our rope access method eliminates those costs and delays—we don’t block streets, sidewalks, or building access.

No Equipment Rentals or Long Setups

Aerial lifts, swing stages, and scaffolding are expensive to rent and time-consuming to set up. With rope access, our technicians can be on-rope and inspecting your building within minutes of arrival, significantly reducing labor and equipment costs.

Minimal Disruption to Tenants and Operations

Our team operates quietly and efficiently, allowing building operations and tenant routines to continue uninterrupted. No loud engines, no blocked entrances, no delays.

 Detailed Reports & Photo Documentation

Our inspections include high-resolution photographic documentation and detailed findings to help you make informed maintenance decisions, plan budgets, and document conditions for insurance or compliance purposes.

• Trained and Certified Rope Access Technicians
   
• Fully Licensed & Insured: 2 Million General Liability Insurance, 1 Million Workers Comp Insurance, 1 Million Commercial Auto Insurance, 25k Surety Bond
   
• Proven Experience with Commercial, Historic, and High-Rise Structures
   
• Faster Turnaround & Lower Total Inspection Costs
   

Whether you’re facing a leak, planning a capital improvement project, or simply need to understand the condition of your building’s exterior, American Rope Access provides a smarter, safer, and more affordable way to get it done

Experience, Equipment, and Expertise You Can Rely On

Water intrusion can be one of the most elusive and costly issues a building owner or manager faces. Left unresolved, it can lead to mold growth, structural damage, tenant complaints, and expensive repairs. At American Rope Access, we take water leak detection seriously—and we come prepared with the right equipment, proven methods, and unmatched field experience to identify and resolve even the most complex leaks.

Unlike guesswork-based inspections, our technicians use industry-leading tools to ensure accuracy:

• Professional Rain Simulator: Simulates real-world rain conditions, allowing us to replicate leaks and isolate entry points without relying on weather. This controlled testing method helps validate findings and eliminates false positives.
   
• Thermal Imaging Camera: Detects temperature differences behind surfaces, revealing hidden moisture and tracing leak paths that are invisible to the naked eye—even behind walls, ceilings, and building facades.
   
• Moisture Meters & Sealant Probes: Help confirm moisture presence, pinpoint weak seals, and assess material saturation, so we know exactly where the issue begins.
   

With hundreds of water intrusion investigations completed on high-rises, historic buildings, skylights, curtain walls, and multi-unit properties, American Rope Access has seen it all. This hands-on exposure allows us to:

• Diagnose hard-to-find leaks quickly and accurately
   
• Understand how water behaves across different building materials and conditions
   
• Recommend targeted, cost-effective repairs—not unnecessary overhauls
   
• Communicate clearly with building owners, managers, and insurance adjusters
   

• No invasive demolition or guesswork
   
• Safe access to high and complex building areas via rope access
   
• Accurate reporting with visual evidence and repair recommendations
   
• Faster resolution and fewer repeat issues