Roof access hatches make maintenance and construction tasks on commercial or residential properties safer, by eliminating the risks posed by exterior wall ladders and helping keep buildings more energy efficient.
LAMILUX roof hatches offer outstanding insulation values to maximise energy efficiency and prevent heat loss, as well as great acoustic properties and thermal separation properties.
Safety
Metal roof hatches provide an alternative means of accessing roof areas than caged ladders do, enabling people to enter and exit buildings’ upper levels without needing to climb. They make an ideal solution for industrial and commercial properties with high ceilings requiring regular inspection, maintenance, or repair to their ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Safety regulations and building code requirements often mandate roof openings with hatches to have guardrails to comply with safety standards and avoid large fines for noncompliance. Failure to abide may incur significant fines.
Dependent upon how frequently and the reason individuals access roof areas, individuals need a hatch that best meets their needs. For example, if it is used to transport heavy equipment during roof installation/removal processes, then a larger double-leaf hatch may be needed. There are devices available that prevent hatch doors from accidentally shutting inadvertently or trapping someone on the roof.
Ease of Use
Roof access hatches must be designed and constructed so that they are easy for people to use, or they could pose a fall hazard to those using them. This is particularly crucial when designing roof hatches for commercial and industrial properties which require regular maintenance.
AHSS can assist in selecting and installing an equipment roof hatch that complies with OSHA regulations and local building standards, while being easy for employees to open and close, thus minimising injuries from falling objects or personnel slipping through it.
Equipment roof hatches can be used with ladders, stair, or service ladders and are available in multiple sizes to fit different openings. Usually wider than ladder access hatches (30″ x 54″) and equipped with a positive latching system to control who can enter, equipment access roof hatches provide safe entry.
Energy Efficiency
Roof access hatches feature thermal insulation to control temperature swings inside buildings, keeping energy costs to a minimum while also helping maintain consistent indoor temperature levels throughout the year. This keeps energy bills lower while maintaining consistent indoor climate levels throughout.
Ladder access roof hatches combine with interior ladders or stairs to allow maintenance and repair personnel to quickly access roofs for work quickly and easily, thus minimising downtime and keeping production going. This way, employees stay focused and production continues uninterrupted.
Roof hatch sizes typically depend on the equipment in a facility. Hatches designed to install complex equipment, like an MRI in hospitals, may require custom hardware. High security applications like prisons and banks often include features like gun ports, bullet-resistant view windows and deadlocks for increased protection.
Material
Include a roof access hatch in your condo project for instantaneous access to rooftop utilities like antennas and solar panels as well as HVAC equipment. By improving ventilation and airflow, this will also regulate temperatures while improving energy efficiency.
Hatches can be constructed of various materials, from galvanised metals such as hot-dip zinc (ZINCALUME) to aluminium or stainless steel. When selecting your material for construction purposes, prioritise its durability and weather resistance – especially against rain, UV radiation and thermal fluctuations.
Determine how frequently and frequently people will access a roof area before selecting the optimal hatch size. Aim for one that offers enough room for safe and convenient reach while adhering to safety regulations and building codes; additional security options like keyed cylinder locks or contact switches that can be wired into an alarm system can add further layers of protection.
Installation
When selecting the appropriate roof access hatches for your needs, there are a few things you must consider. First of all, ensure that both its type and installation meet safety specifications; otherwise, a breach in safety laws could put employees at risk.
Roof hatches must be designed to withstand the weight of tools or equipment being placed upon them, particularly if it will be used to transport materials from inside of a building to its rooftop. This is particularly crucial if they will be used as transport mechanisms.
A hatch should feature a positive latch system to stop people who are not authorised from opening and entering, along with features like an automatic hold-open arm to keep it open and ladder safety posts mounted onto railing systems.