When Is Rope Access the Right Choice?

Comparing Rope Access vs. Scaffolding vs. MEWP for Cleaning & Maintenance Projects

When planning a cleaning or maintenance project at height, choosing the right access method can make a huge difference in cost, efficiency, and disruption. Whether you’re maintaining high-rise cladding, carrying out façade repairs, or tackling a specialist cleaning project, understanding your options is essential.

In this article, we’ll compare three common access methods—rope access, scaffolding, and MEWPs—and help answer a key question:

When is rope access the right choice?

What Is Rope Access?

Rope access is a highly efficient technique that allows trained technicians to safely access hard-to-reach areas using ropes, harnesses, and specialist equipment. Originally developed from climbing and caving methods, rope access has become the gold standard for safe, efficient building maintenance at height.

At Avisan, we provide IRATA trained rope access services across the UK, supporting commercial clients with everything from cladding cleaning to high-level inspections, leak detection and repairs.

Comparing Access Methods

Rope Access vs. Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a familiar option, but it’s often overkill for short-term or targeted projects. The key determinig factor as to if you need a scaffolding over rope access or mewps, besides the actual access challenge is the estimated length of the works being done.

For example assuming access for assembling a scaffold is straight forward then a longer term project for example redecorating the outside of a large building would be more efficient and cost effective to install a scaffolding. However it’s always best to weight up all options and get quotes from both scaffolding and rope access companies.

If erecting an entire new building and building a brick facade then a scaffolding will be your best choice. But if theres a couple of repairs needed to an existing facade, rope access is going to be way more cost effective.

With scaffolding you also have to consider permits if putting the scaffolding over a pavment and you also might have weekly hire charges to consider.

Scaffolding For AccessPros:

• Stable platform for large teams or heavy tools

• Suitable for long-term projects

• Good for extensive façade work

Scaffolding Cons:

• High installation and dismantling costs

• Time-consuming setup

• Significant visual and physical disruption

• Requires permits and traffic management

Rope Access as an alternative to Scaffolding?

• Faster and more flexible: Minimal setup, rapid deployment

• Cost-effective: No need for bulky structures or long rentals

• Less disruptive: No blocking entrances or natural light

• Ideal for targeted jobs or sensitive buildings

If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to access high areas for cleaning or repairs, our rope access services offer a smarter alternative.

Rope Access vs. MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms)

MEWPs, like cherry pickers and scissor lifts, are great for certain environments—but not all.

MEWP Pros:

• Quick to deploy for straightforward jobs

• Safe platform for moderate heights

• Easy to move around open spaces

MEWP Cons:

• Requires flat, stable ground

• Limited vertical reach

• Expensive for high or hard-to-access locations

• May need road closures or access permits

• Experience Operator required

When is Cherry Pickers, (Mewps) the right choice over Rope Access?

Duration of the job: If the job is one day or less and there is straight forward access to park the Mewp (with no pavemnet permits or road closures needed) then a truck mounted cherry picker with operator might be the most cost effective choice.

Exaples here;

• Gutter cleaning a building up to 5 stories with private car park
• Repairing some guttering on a building with prvate parking
• Cleaning a facade up to 5 stories with private parking below the elevation you are cleaning.
• Quick repair or repainting job that is one day or less

Rope Access Benefits

• No ground footprint: Perfect for courtyards, rooftops, or riversides

• Unlimited height: Ideal for tall buildings and towers

• Eco-friendly: No fuel, no emissions, no noise

• Total flexibility: Technicians can access even the most complex areas

When Is Rope Access the Most Suitable Option?

Rope access is often the most suitable and cost-effective choice when:

• The project is short-term or highly targeted

• You need to access awkward or confined spaces

• Work is in a courtyard – No mewp access without expensive crane to transport to the right area ( providig ground is suitable)

Check out our rope access courtyard facade clean at the Savoy hotel in London

• Working on elevations backing onto an area with no road access- Eg a river or the Sea 

• Disruption needs to be minimal

• Scaffolding or MEWP deployment is not practical

• You’re working on high-rise or irregular architecture

• Sustainability is a concern—rope access has a much lower carbon footprint

Real-World Example

Picture this: you need to carry out cladding cleaning or repairs on a narrow city-centre high-rise. Scaffolding would require permits, time, and heavy disruption. A MEWP might not even reach. But rope access allows our team to be on-site and working—often on the same day—with zero disruption to building operations.

Choose Avisan for Rope Access Solutions

At Avisan, we specialise in rope access cleaning and maintenance for commercial, residential, and industrial clients. Whether it’s a one-off inspection or ongoing building maintenance, we deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective results—at height.

Visit our Rope Access Services page to learn more, or get in touch for a free consultation and site assessment.

Need advice on the best access method for your project?

Speak to an expert today. Call us on 0800 112 5404 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you asap.