Owners, facility managers and maintenance professionals all require easy access to various parts of a building – including roof areas – for optimal operation and upkeep.

Many opt to install roof access hatches design options as a means to gain ladder or stair access to their roof, providing natural lighting and thermal regulation benefits.

Ladder Access

Hatches with ladder access offer contractors and building maintenance staff an easy, safe means of accessing roofs. These hatches can either be installed at the time of construction or installed post-instalment to replace an existing hatch that has become damaged.

Ladder access roof access hatches are designed with safety and ease of use in mind, including features like a sturdy ladder assist that can be folded away when not in use and a high visibility yellow powder coat railing that defines the boundaries of the hatch opening.

Ladder access roof access hatches come in various sizes to suit various needs. For instance, buildings that need standpipes on their roof will require at least 16 square feet for firefighters in full gear to access. Common hatch sizes like 36″x 30″ can easily be upgraded by adding deflector plates or increasing opening sizes as needed.

Stair Access

A stair roof access hatches design options allows workers to enter and exit a space without needing to climb outside, making this type of hatch ideal for situations requiring frequent maintenance work and access to large pieces of equipment like HVAC units.

Stair access roof hatches provide a safer alternative to ladders. When installing one near a stair opening, users will require a support bar near it for balance and handholds during operations. Furthermore, hatches should feature compression springs to counterbalance cover movement to avoid an accidental slam-shut incident.

In reducing energy loss, stair access hatches should include insulation options on both their cover and curb. Other important features to look out for when specifying one include fully welded construction, positive seal technology and control over who can access the roof. Furthermore, an option with interior and exterior padlock hasps provides added security – see above!

Security

Roof access hatches design options provide secure and safe access points for individuals to climb onto rooftop areas safely and without using ladders or other potentially hazardous methods of reaching ceiling spaces, as well as improving emergency access during an evacuation.

Dependent upon their needs and frequency of roof access, individuals’ accessing an area will dictate the size and style of hatch they need. For example, maintenance staff needing to bring large equipment onto the roof should opt for one with ship/service stairs as this provides better access.

Skylights

Roof hatches provide safe and convenient access for rooftop equipment, roofing contractors or maintenance personnel. From ladder to service stair access, these hatches are an excellent solution for commercial buildings and large homes where repairs or upgrades to equipment must be made regularly.

Roof access hatches stand apart from traditional skylights/domes both in design and functionality, offering more features and options at a higher cost. Ideal for flat roofs, they can even be combined with risers for permanent access.

Equipped with a 150mm PVCu splayed upstand/kerb for simple installation at roof surface level or direct fix options (add Trickle Vents to reduce condensation). Available in both open and fixed versions – ideal for attic spaces, loft conversions, roof terraces and maintenance rooms but not suitable as venting skylights; standard or custom sizes available.

Gaskets

Hatches are available in a variety of materials and finishes. Galvanised steel offers a basic degree of corrosion resistance, while aluminium and stainless products provide a higher level of protection. Custom fabricated products can also be provided for unique size requirements but generally require more upfront costs.

Safety should always be a priority when selecting a roof hatch. Most options are designed with this in mind. For example, lift assistance and automatic hold-open arms ensure that the cover will not slam shut while individuals are ascending or descending ladders or stairs.

Energy efficiency is another critical consideration for building owners. Fully insulated covers and curbs prevent heat from being lost in the winter and help retain cool air in the summer. Milcor’s M models composite-design cover construction provides load-carrying strength up to 70 psf while RB, RC and other RD models are equipped with fibreglass insulation for added insulating effectiveness.