The Challenge
Mid-rise buildings in New York City often present a specific structural problem that rules out standard window cleaning methods: glass railings along the roofline.
When glass railings run along the roof perimeter, a technician cannot simply walk to the edge and descend. The railing blocks direct access to the anchor point, making conventional rope rigging impossible without damaging the glass or compromising the anchor geometry.
On this project, the roof perimeter was enclosed by glass railings on all sides. Standard descent from the edge was not an option. At the same time, the building sits on a busy NYC street, which means any falling debris or equipment failure creates a direct risk to pedestrians below.
Two problems had to be solved simultaneously:
- How to rig safely over glass railings without damaging them or losing load stability
- How to protect the public on the sidewalk during active work at height
Why This Requires Professional Rope Access Technicians
Rope access is not a ladder-and-bucket operation. Working at height on a suspended system requires dual-rope rigging (a working line and a separate safety line), load-tested anchor points, and real-time awareness of rope positioning relative to building edges and obstructions.
When glass railings are added to the equation, the rigging geometry changes. A standard roof anchor positioned directly above the work zone would place the rope in contact with the glass, creating abrasion risk and potential load deviation. The technician needs to understand how to redirect the system so that descent is controlled and anchor loading stays within rated limits.
Andriy Mykyta, founder of Total Window Service, holds IRATA Level 1 certification (No. 1/57896) and SPRAT Level I certification (No. 170309), both of which require passing independent practical and written examinations. His rope access training dates to January 2013. The team members on commercial projects hold current SPRAT preparation certifications issued by Sky System Partners Group LLC.
The Solution
Roof Rigs with Counterweights
Instead of anchoring directly at the roof edge above the glass railing, the team installed roof rigs – freestanding davit-style systems that extend out over the railing. This allowed the rope to clear the glass entirely, with the descent line hanging free from the rig arm rather than running over the railing surface.
Each rig was ballasted with counterweights to prevent tipping under the technician’s load.
Secondary Anchor Backup
Each roof rig was tied back to a separate anchor point on the opposite side of the roof. This tie-back prevents forward rotation of the rig if the load shifts or wind creates lateral force. The dual-attachment configuration is standard practice in rope access and is required under SPRAT and IRATA protocols for freestanding roof equipment.
Dual-Rope System
The technician descended on two independent ropes: a working line used for controlled movement and a separately loaded safety line attached to a fall-arrest device. If the working line fails or is deliberately released, the safety line arrests the fall independently.
Ground Safety – Flagman and Barricades
A flagman was stationed at street level throughout the job. Physical barricades were set up along the sidewalk to create a buffer zone directly below the work area. The flagman’s role was to redirect pedestrian traffic and maintain a clear zone under the technician at all times.
The Cleaning Process
Window cleaning at height with rope access follows the same three-step sequence used by professional window cleaners at ground level, adapted for single-handed working while suspended:
- Wash – Cleaning solution is applied to the glass surface to break down dirt, oxidation, and environmental buildup typical in NYC urban environments.
- Squeegee – A professional squeegee removes the solution and the bulk of the water in a single controlled pass, leaving the glass clear without streaking.
- Detail – A chamois (shammy) cloth is used to clean the edges, corners, and frames where the squeegee cannot reach flush. This step is what separates a professional result from a visibly incomplete one.
Working suspended, the technician positions the body close to the glass surface to maintain control of tools and minimize arm fatigue. Rope positioning is adjusted between sections by moving the ascender on the working line.
Results
Safety – The project was completed without incident. No damage to the glass railings. No contact between ropes and the railing surface. No pedestrian incidents at street level.
Quality – The three-step cleaning process produced clear, streak-free glass across all elevations. Edges and frames were finished by hand.
Client outcome – The building owner received a completed project with full documentation of the safety setup and crew certifications available on request. Certificate of Insurance was provided prior to mobilization.
Key Takeaway
Glass railings on a roofline are not an unusual problem in New York City construction, but they are a problem that requires specific equipment and rigging knowledge to solve without creating new risks. Roof rigs with counterweights and tie-backs allow a certified rope access team to work over any roofline obstruction while keeping the anchor system within rated load parameters and keeping the public on the street below protected.
This is work that cannot be safely delegated to an uncertified crew or improvised with standard ladder and scaffold equipment.