Roof access hatches are frequently installed in non-residential buildings to help with maintenance. Before this, workers used caged ladders to climb the rooftop and perform roof equipment inspections or repairs.
Access hatches can be insulated to improve thermal efficiency and stabilise indoor temperatures. They can also be fitted with a ladder assist to ease the climb up to the rooftop. For more roof access hatches design options, check this out.
Hinged or Lift Top
Roof access hatches allow for the easy re-working of HVAC equipment on a building rooftop. They are typically designed with many features and options to provide safe access for maintenance workers while maintaining energy efficiency by creating a seal between the cover and the curb.
These hatches are hinged, allowing the lid to open and shut quickly. Some manufacturers also have a motorised option to keep the lid open in windy conditions. It is particularly important in high-risk areas where falls can have serious consequences.
These are typically fitted with a ladder assist device which mounts to the top two ladder rungs. These allow the individual to safely maintain contact with the ladder and help them balance themselves when exiting or entering a roof opening. They can also be fitted with a fall protection safety rail and a lockable ladder support to meet OSHA requirements. They may also be insulated to improve thermal performance.
Glazed
Glazed roof access hatches allow natural daylight to enter rooms underneath. It makes them ideal for apartments with a roof terrace or in non-residential buildings where more daylight is desired in rooms. They are often combined with a fixed staircase to provide safe and comfortable access to the roof terrace.
In addition to being a stylish solution, glazed roof access hatches can be opened and closed quickly at the touch of a button, either via a switch or with sensors. They can also be opened partially to provide ventilation on a warm day.
All glazed roof access hatches from Gorter are energy efficient and have a proven insulation value of Uw = 0,83 W/(m2.K). The fully thermally broken curb and cover with high-efficiency glass HR+++ ensure a pleasant climate in the room below. The sloping window is self-cleaning and resistant to burglary.
Raised
A roof access hatch is an interior opening that allows maintenance workers to efficiently service roof-mounted equipment in office buildings, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. Compared to a ladder or stairs, the climb to the roof is moved indoors, significantly increasing worker safety and efficiency.
Hatches come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate all types of equipment. Smaller versions are designed for personnel access, while larger ones are typically used to install or remove large pieces of equipment. Smaller models usually have a single cover, while larger ones often have two, depending on the equipment size.
Hatches are manufactured from galvanised steel, aluminium or stainless steel and can be customised with various options to meet project specifications. For example, a galvanised steel galvanised-steel hatch can be coated with a paint or mill finish for aesthetics and maintenance considerations. Other options include custom security features like padlock hasps or contact switches for alarm systems.
Staircase
A staircase roof access hatch is ideal for those who regularly climb to the roof to install or remove large equipment from a building. It eliminates the need to use caged ladders. It reduces the time spent ascending and descending to the roof, which is essential for worker safety and complying with regulations such as Manual Handling Regulations.
Gorter’s roof hatch with fixed stairs is available in nine standard combinations, allowing for safe and convenient rooftop access. Alternating tread stairs are mounted to fit within the hatch curb, providing secure, steady handholds throughout climbing. All stairs have optional railings to offer even more stability and safety.
The aluminium box-type roof hatch also combines maximum headroom with energy efficiency with a PIR insulation curb that creates an R-value of 6. The hatch is weather and draft-sealed thanks to an EPDM foam gasket lining the inside of the cover. It allows maintenance staff to keep their hands free and focus on the task. For more roof access hatches design options, check this out.