Servicing external architectural installations

Colt have been servicing installed External Architectural Solutions for almost 50 years and were the first to recognize the importance and customer benefit of having regular, scheduled checks, performed by our in-house professionals.

Strong winds and storms are becoming a more frequent feature of the autumn and winter weather patterns within the UK and external building architecture is being exposed to these more unpredictable elements on an increasing basis.

External architectural, including Solar shading, Brise Soleil systems, controllable external louvre and plant louvre are parts of a building which having moving parts, but are often overlooked when a building is safety checked. These systems require regular servicing to ensure proper operation in a safe environment. Under BS EN 1991-1-1-4 2005, it is a requirement to carry out inspection works to the fixings of external architecture to prevent wear and tear, check for vibration, divergence, and fluctuations to the system which could cause fatigue and cracking.

Unfortunately, the potential for property damage, personal injury and even fatalities has now sadly become a reality within the UK.

Colt can offer servicing, inspections and repairs to external architecture for all types of systems anywhere in the UK. Our engineers can access any building type using access machines or our team of IRATA Roped Access technicians. Once an inspection and photographic condition report has been issued by us, we can then recommend a programme of planned and preventative maintenance, replacing parts where necessary. Colt can provide this service on our own systems as well as systems provided by others.

Case study

A building in London (2017)

This Brise Soleil system is a common site on many buildings in the UK. This specific building's Brise Soleil system had been poorly fixed and as a result, a 5 meter section weighing approximately 260kg has fallen away.

This section fell from the 12th floor to the ground, thankfully causing no injuries or damage.

After an inspection from Colt, wear and tear of inadequate fixings was identified as the cause of this incident. Regular service and maintenance on these types of systems can help to prevent system failures such as this and will improve safety for all those in proximity.

Not sure if your systems need a service? We can tell you, for free.