Specialist lifting systems
Glass replaced without a crane
We bring the lift to the roof. A-frames, davits and powered winches raise and lower glass units while our rope access team guides them into the frame.
Why skip the crane?
A crane means a lift plan for the street, a road or pavement closure, a council licence and a booking that can be weeks away. On a busy London street that can cost more than the glass itself. A roof-mounted lifting system avoids all of it.
How it works
- Survey and engineering. We check the roof, the parapet and the anchor points, and design the rig and lift plan for the weight and size of the unit.
- Rig at roof level. An A-frame or davit is set up over the drop, with a Harken powered winch doing the lifting.
- Remove the failed unit. The old glass is cut out, held on vacuum lifters and lowered under control.
- Lift and install. The new unit is raised on a vacuum lifter while technicians on ropes guide it into the frame, then bead, gasket and seal it.
- Test and sign off. Water testing on request, then a photo report of the finished installation.
Where it works best
Courtyards and lightwells, narrow streets, atria, set-back elevations and anywhere a crane cannot get close. It also suits occupied buildings, because the work happens from the outside with the minimum of disruption to the people inside.
Planned and supervised
Every lift is covered by a RAMS and supervised by an IRATA Level 3, with a rescue plan in place before work starts.
Watch
A roof glazing unit going in
Filmed on site: our technicians, on ropes, guide a long glass unit down into a roof glazing system on a hoist. No crane, no road closure.
How it works
Glass replaced without a crane
An animated diagram of how we lift a glass unit with an A-frame and powered winch. Tap a step, or let it play.
An A-frame and powered winch are rigged on the roof above the broken unit, and a barrier zone is set at street level.
FAQs
Crane-free glass replacement: common questions
How heavy a unit can you lift without a crane?
It depends on the roof, the anchors and the rig. We size every lift at survey stage and tell you plainly if a unit needs a crane instead.
Do you need a road closure?
Usually not. We cordon off a small barrier zone at the base of the drop instead of closing a road.
Can you replace double-glazed units and curtain wall panels?
Yes. We replace double-glazed units, curtain wall panels, spandrels, balustrade glass and roof glazing.
How long does a replacement take?
A single unit is often rigged, replaced and sealed in a day once the glass is on site. Glass lead times vary by specification.
Book a free site survey
Send us the address and what needs doing. We visit, or survey by drone, then come back with an access plan and a fixed price.