Roof Access

What Is Roof Access

When it comes to roofing accessories and ways to access them, two things come to mind: first, chimneys and cowls, and second, roof access hatches. Though both serve different purposes, the former is just a way to enter and exit the roof, with enough room to take tools and fixtures. 

Of course, these are also important when people want to put up roof ornaments. Roof hatches are versatile because they maintain the insulation of ceilings and floors. And the best part is that they come in different types as well. 

Without further ado, here are different types of ceiling hatches people can choose from:

Steel Hatches 

Steel roof access with firm roof fixings is meant to provide:

• Enhanced durability
• Water protection
• Corrosion prevention
• Weather tightness

They offer an easy and safe entrance to the roof. In addition, stainless steel hatches are three times heavier than aluminium roof hatches and provide the best durability. 

Fire-Rated Ceiling Hatches

Fire-rated roof access hatches are meant to offer secure and efficient service. They are available in both non-insulated and insulated forms, designed to curb fire from piercing through its opening. 

Moreover, these hatches can be operated by a single person. Additionally, they usually come with a secure grip handle to prevent unexpected closures. 

Aluminium Hatches

Aluminium roof access has a tested high-insulation valve. They’re designed to offer convenient, cost-effective entrance to the roofs of residential and commercial properties. 

Made from galvanized aluminium, these hatches provide extended use and convenient operation with little to no maintenance. In addition, they’re lighter than steel hatches. 

Recessed Roof Access

Recessed roof hatches are both corrosion and rust-resistant. As a result, they’re arguably among the best and most durable options available. 

Apart from that, they’re straightforward to use and safe to operate. These hatches provide secure access to the rooftop. And its insulation and heavy-duty design guarantee extended life along with lower maintenance requirements. 

Factors To Consider

Believe it or not but choosing the perfect roof access for the building can be time-consuming and frustrating. Therefore, there are some key factors to consider before making a purchase:

Purpose – Equipment Or Personnel Access?

It is integral to determine whether the roof access will only be utilized to get to the rooftop or will it have to allow for the movement of equipment and tools too?

If the roof ladder is simply for personnel entry, then a single-cover, small model with a firm ladder, service stair, or ship can be used. 

On the other hand, a big hatch with service or ship stairs will allow workers to take large parts or tools onto the rooftop for service.       

Moreover, equipment access ceiling hatches come in bigger sizes and are typically called double cover models, manufactured only on custom orders. 

Retrofit Vs. New Applications

Low-profile replacement roof hatches are perfect for retrofit usages. In addition, these roof access hatches can cover the existing curbs, removing the need to change roofing material. 

Once the damaged or old roof access cover is eliminated, the low-profile, new curb mounts directly on the existing ceiling curb.

Furthermore, a full apron and flanged design guarantee a watertight as well as airtight installation.

In contrast, new applications are easy as they can be installed before the roof is tiled.

Facility Type

The type of building where the roof access will be set up can also affect the product selection. For example, some hatches require sturdy and sizeable ladders; these are:

• Dark storage or manufacturing facilities
• High-security applications
• Highly corrosive projects 

High-security applications like banks, embassies, pharmacies, and prisons need all exits and entrances to restrict people from unauthorized entry, including roofing openings. 

In such instances, roof access can be made from heavy gauge materials and modifications for improved security. Some typical options include bullet-resistant flat roof access windows, gun ports, etc.

Ease-Of-Use

When choosing a roof access hatch, make sure to consider one thing, i.e., is it simple to use? 

More often, facility and maintenance staff members have to open these roof access covers upwards from within while standing onto the stairs or ladder with equipment in hand. 

Therefore, the roof hatch must be made with uniform lift support to guarantee safe, easy, and smooth operation so that little effort is required to close or open the hatch. 

Insulation Options

Premium roof access will help maintain energy usage and electrical bill, so it’s crucial to choose a hatch with totally welded corners as well as insulation in the curb and corner. 

Many ceiling hatch manufacturers provide insulation options to enhance thermal performance. So to ensure proper insulation, the roof hatch must also have a gasket and an overlapping design to ensure complete weather tightness. 

Moreover, adding roof vents can complement the hatch by ensuring proper ventilation. 

Product Cost

A roof hatch made from galvanized steel is the most commonly used, mainly because it’s more cost-effective. 

These roof hatches offer good resistance against corrosion and usually accompany primer paint finishes. 

On the contrary, aluminium roof access – typically supplied with a mill finish – is relatively more expensive than galvanized steel. 

However, it requires little to no maintenance. In addition to that, they provide improved resistance against corrosion, which is particularly needed in seaward areas.     

If you need assistance to find the right roof access for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.