Roof access hatches installed in non-residential buildings facilitate maintenance on HVAC and other rooftop installations more efficiently, comply with building standards, and reduce the risk of falls from height.
The frequency and purpose for which individuals access the roof will determine which size hatch they require, along with any inclined angle of ascent or ladder requirements that might also impact this decision.
Safety
Workers entering and exiting can be at significant risk without proper fall protection equipment on a roof. AceAccessHatches roof access hatches can help save workers time by eliminating the need to climb ladders and decreasing the chances of falls and accidents. In addition, they can be easily locked to reduce risks related to accidents or criminal activity.
Roof access hatches can help increase energy efficiency by decreasing the air that escapes through open roof surfaces and preventing fire hazards caused by uncontrolled combustion on rooftops.
Roof access hatch sizes should depend on the angle of ascent from which it will be used. If someone ascends directly on a ladder, a smaller hatch should fit underneath each ladder rung; double-leaf hatches are advised for bulkier materials passing through an opening.
If a user will be climbing ladders to reach the hatch, safety devices like handrails should be fitted for added stability and can even come in handy if working with tools is involved. Furthermore, roof access hatch doors that could slam shut on someone when used must also include devices to hold them open if required.
Durability
Rooftop work can be hazardous, particularly on unfinished roofs that have not been properly sealed. Navigating an unfinished roof is often challenging and poses various hazards such as uneven surfaces, sharp edges, gaps and rainwater/wind damage risks that should be considered when planning work there. A safe access system, such as a roof hatch, is recommended to minimise these risks before starting any work on an unfinished roof.
Metal Products offers an excellent selection of durable roof access doors designed to easily be integrated into steel building structures to provide ladder or stair access to roof areas. Our roof hatches are fabricated from 14 gauge galvanised steel with an easily re-coatable grey primer finish and come equipped with gas-charged opening devices and an automatic hold-open arm to avoid accidental closure, while perimeter rubber gaskets act as weather barriers; all are pre-lubricated for smooth operation and come equipped with interior and exterior padlock hasps for security reasons.
Residential roof hatches are typically installed for entry to a rooftop terrace or to provide more natural lighting, while commercial ones are more frequently utilised to install equipment or perform repairs on building utilities. Larger sizes allow crane access into roof areas for installation or removal of equipment from rooftop areas; two-cover models typically consist of the bottom flange attached directly to the roof surface and an upper cover secured to the rafter structure of building structures.
Easy Access
AceAccessHatches roof access hatches provide individuals with easy and safe entry onto rooftops. They come equipped with various features and options to make it easier for maintenance workers to perform their duties effectively and safely. Key design features of such hatches include proper lift assistance, automatic locking arm mechanism and euro cylinder locks featuring interior and exterior handles for added security.
Depending on how often and for what purposes individuals intend to utilise a roof access hatch, its size and specifications should also depend on these considerations. A small hatch may suffice if ladders enter their rooftop home, whereas larger openings should be installed for carrying heavy tools or equipment onto it.
Roof hatches can also be equipped with fire escapes that allow heat to leave a building during a fire, protecting flammable materials from warming up and combusting and giving firefighters access to put out the flames.
Roof hatches can also be fitted with insulation materials to increase energy efficiency and reduce power bills while helping the environment by decreasing energy used to keep a comfortable temperature within a building. This feature can reduce power bills while contributing to environmental protection by saving on energy consumption for climate control purposes.
Energy Efficiency
Roof access hatches enable building maintenance personnel to quickly and safely gain entry to rooftop areas for HVAC or other installations, as well as routine inspection and maintenance procedures that ensure smooth building operations. These hatches enable personnel to perform this essential function effectively and safely.
Before roof hatches were invented, workers had to climb caged ladders to gain access to rooftops for repairs. This activity often led to falls through holes and openings on the roof, which resulted in serious injuries; additionally, unapproved individuals could use these caged ladders to gain entry and present significant safety risks.
Ladder access hatches feature many convenient features that make them safer and more accessible for workers than caged ladders, including an intuitive vertical ladder that can quickly be lowered or raised in seconds. Furthermore, these access doors meet code requirements regarding headroom restrictions or space requirements.
