Nationwide Rope Access Signage Rebrand - Global Professional Services Firm
Project type: Rope Access / Signage Installation / Work at Height
Location: Nationwide
Sector: Commercial
Services: Rope Access / Signage Installation / Work at Height
High-Level Brand Signage Replacement Across Live City-Centre Office Buildings
As part of PwC’s national rebrand, high-level external signage on regional office buildings needed replacing to introduce the new Momentum logo. The signs sit at parapet and roof level on occupied commercial buildings, often above glazing, brise soleil and busy public routes, so access, drop-zone control and fixing integrity were critical.
The works involved removing the existing logos and lettering, preparing the backing panels and supporting framework, and installing new built-up aluminium logos and illuminated lettering. On the Bristol building, the illuminated lettering was replaced in full, which required the existing fixing arrangement to be checked against the new sign loads before installation.
ProAltus was appointed by the signage contractor to deliver a controlled, standards-led installation package. This combined rope access, removal and installation of the new signage, and independent structural verification of the fixings, all delivered under the building owners’ permit-to-work procedures.
Project Goals
The client required a solution that would:
Safely access high-level sign locations via rope access and roof-level work positions, avoiding scaffold or MEWPs
Remove existing logos and lettering without damaging backing panels, framework or surrounding façade elements
Install new built-up aluminium Momentum logos and illuminated PwC lettering accurately to the approved setting-out drawings
Confirm the existing framework and fixings could safely carry the replacement signage under wind loading
Coordinate cabling and illumination works so signs were connected, tested and fully operational on completion
Maintain public protection and exclusion zones around live, occupied office buildings
Our Solution
ProAltus delivered an integrated access and installation solution driven by best practice and fully aligned with:
BS 7985 – Rope Access
BS 8560 – Planning for Work at Height
Work at Height Regulations 2005
BS EN 1991-1-4 – Wind Actions on Structures
This standards-led approach ensured safe access planning, controlled work zones and verified fixing performance across every site in the programme.
Rope Access Delivery (BS 7985)
High-level works were delivered via industrial rope access, with roof-level working positions used where sign panels could be safely brought down and refitted.
This supported:
Direct access to sign faces positioned above glazing and brise soleil, where conventional access was impractical
Precise working positions for removal, setting-out and installation of individual logo and letter elements
Strong control of tools, components and exclusion zones above live public areas
Rope access also avoided imposing temporary structures on the buildings and kept disruption to occupants and the surrounding streetscape to a minimum.
Signage Removal & Installation
The installation scope focused on accurate, durable replacement of each sign, including:
Removal of the existing butterfly logos and lettering
Cleaning and preparation of retained backing panels, with existing fixing holes made good
Installation of new built-up aluminium Momentum logos, finished in PwC orange
Installation of illuminated built-up lettering with LED modules and opal acrylic faces, set out using templates to match the approved drawings
Re-routing of existing cabling to suit new letter positions, with all wiring concealed
Coordination with the client’s electrician to connect and test illumination
At the Birmingham building, sign panels were removed and refitted at roof level, allowing the new logos to be fitted under controlled conditions before reinstallation.
Structural Fixing Verification
Where full replacement of the illuminated lettering changed the load on the existing support framework, ProAltus arranged independent structural calculations before installation. The assessment covered:
Site-specific wind loading to BS EN 1991-1-4 and the UK National Annex
Combined shear and tension checks on the existing self-drilling screw fixings to BS EN 1993-1-3
Confirmation that the existing aluminium framework and fixings to the window mullions had adequate capacity for the new signage
This gave the client and building owner documented assurance that the replacement signs were safely supported.
Key Features of the System
Rope access delivery aligned with BS 7985 principles
Work-at-height planning aligned with BS 8560 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005
Independent structural verification of sign fixings under wind loading
Accurate template-based setting-out to approved design drawings
Illuminated signage connected, tested and handed over fully operational
Works delivered under landlord permit-to-work procedures, supported by completion photography and project reports
Results
The project delivered a safe, efficient signage replacement programme that now provides:
New PwC Momentum branding installed across multiple high-level elevations
Illuminated lettering connected, tested and fully operational
Retained backing panels and framework cleaned, made good and verified for ongoing use
A documented fixing assessment supporting the long-term safety of the installation
The buildings now carry the updated brand identity on their most visible elevations, with a clear record of access methodology and fixing performance for future maintenance planning.
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ProAltus specialises in rope access, high-level signage installation, façade repair and work-at-height solutions for commercial, residential and heritage properties across the UK.
Speak to our team today:
01638 781 541
