An intrusive survey is a detailed structural investigation designed to examine concealed or hidden elements within a building. At iRopeAccess, we perform intrusive surveys through compressed mineral wool, plasterboard, concrete, cladding, soft panels, and balconies, using rope access and abseiling techniques to safely reach both internal and external areas — even at extreme heights.

Our IRATA-certified technicians specialise in drilling, opening, and removing façade elements to expose what’s behind walls, ceilings, or cladding systems. Each inspection is carried out with precision, ensuring that every drilled point or removed panel is properly reinstated and sealed afterwards.

WHY CHOOSE AN INTRUSIVE SURVEY?

Unlike visual inspections, an intrusive survey allows us to physically open up and inspect internal layers of the structure — including insulation, fixings, reinforcement, and waterproof membranes — to identify corrosion, water ingress, or hidden damage.

Benefits of Rope Access Intrusive Surveys:
✔ Access to Any Area – Including façades, soffits, balconies, and roof structures.
✔ Precise Drilling & Removal – We conduct internal and external drilling through plasterboard, concrete, cladding, and soft panels with minimal disturbance.
✔ Material Integrity Assessment – Examine compressed mineral wool, insulation, and fixings for moisture or corrosion.
✔ Safe & Certified Operations – All works performed by IRATA-qualified technicians under strict safety protocols.
✔ Non-Intrusive Restoration – After inspection, all areas are made good and weather-sealed.

OUR INTRUSIVE SURVEY SERVICES

Our rope access technicians collaborate closely with surveyors, façade engineers, and property managers to deliver accurate results:

🏗️ Cladding Removal & Drilling
Careful removal and drilling through cladding systems to inspect substructures, insulation, and support fixings without unnecessary damage.

🏢 Intrusive Survey Through Concrete & Plasterboard
Controlled drilling and coring through concrete slabs, plasterboard walls, and ceiling voids to expose reinforcement or hidden pipework.

🧱 Compressed Mineral Wool & Soft Panel Investigation
Inspection and sampling of insulation layers to assess fire performance, water ingress, or deterioration behind façades.

🏗️ Balcony & External Envelope Surveys
Opening and drilling around balcony edges and façade junctions to detect corrosion, poor fixings, or failed waterproofing.

💧 Internal & External Drilling Surveys
Targeted drilling on internal and external façades to verify structural components, cavity barriers, or anchoring points.

HOW WE CARRY OUT ROPE ACCESS INTRUSIVE SURVEYS

1️⃣ Planning & Safety Assessment – Evaluate building access, materials, and safety requirements.
2️⃣ Setup & Rigging – Rope systems installed by IRATA-certified technicians for safe, precise work positioning.
3️⃣ Drilling or Removal Process – Controlled drilling through cladding, concrete, plasterboard, or soft panels as per engineer specifications.
4️⃣ Documentation & Testing – Full photographic and written report, identifying all findings.
5️⃣ Make Good & Seal – All penetrations and openings are sealed, reinstated, and weatherproofed after inspection.

WHY CHOOSE IROPEACCESS?

• IRATA-Certified Rope Access Teams experienced in façade and structural investigations

• Specialised drilling and removal through various materials (concrete, cladding, plasterboard, mineral wool)

• Collaborative inspections with engineers, surveyors, and façade consultants

• Safe, precise, and fully insured operations

• Minimal disruption for occupants and property users

REQUEST A QUOTE OR SURVEY PLAN

Need a detailed structural intrusive survey carried out safely and efficiently? Contact iRopeAccess today for professional rope access investigations across London and the UK.