As a leading manufacturer of roof access solutions, Surespan Covers understands the critical role that roof access hatches play in modern building design. Our years of experience have taught us that these seemingly simple components are essential for safety, maintenance, and overall building functionality. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the types, materials, safety features, installation considerations, compliance standards, applications, and maintenance of roof access hatches, with a particular focus on our industry-leading products.
1. Types of Roof Access Hatches
At Surespan, we offer a variety of roof access hatches to suit different needs:
Standard Roof Hatches
Our standard range includes three main types:
- Ladder Access: These are our most common hatches, perfect for buildings where space is at a premium. Our SRHP50 and SRHP75 models are excellent examples, providing efficient access for maintenance personnel.
- Companionway Access: These hatches are designed for more frequent use, often in residential or light commercial settings. They’re easier to use than ladder access hatches and provide a more comfortable entry and exit.
- Service Stair Access: Our service stair hatches offer the most comfortable and safe option for buildings requiring frequent roof access. They’re ideal for commercial buildings with rooftop equipment that needs regular maintenance.
High-Security Roof Hatches
In environments where security is paramount, our high-security hatches offer enhanced protection. They feature reinforced construction and advanced locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorised access.
Custom Sizes and Designs
We pride ourselves on our ability to create custom solutions. Whether you need an unusually large hatch or one with specific features, we can design and manufacture it to your specifications.
2. Materials and Construction
The choice of materials is crucial for the performance and longevity of a roof hatch. At Surespan, we primarily use:
Aluminum
Our SRHP50 and SRHP75 models are made from 2mm aluminium. This material offers an excellent balance of strength, is lightweight, and is corrosion-resistant. It’s particularly suitable for coastal areas or other environments where corrosion is a concern.
Galvanized Steel
For some applications, we use galvanised steel. It offers superior strength and is often more cost-effective than aluminium or stainless steel.
Stainless Steel
We offer stainless steel options in highly corrosive environments or where aesthetics are critical. These provide maximum durability and a sleek, modern appearance.
Insulation Options
Proper insulation is vital to energy efficiency. Our SRHP50 features 50mm polyisocyanurate board insulation, achieving a U-value of 0.43 W/m²K. Our SRHP75 uses 75mm insulation for even better thermal performance, providing a superior U-value of 0.26 W/m²K.
3. Safety Features
Safety is our top priority at Surespan. Our hatches include several key safety features:
Fall Protection
- Guardrails: We offer optional guardrails that can be easily installed around the hatch opening to prevent falls when the hatch is open.
- Safety Posts: Our ladder access hatches can be equipped with safety posts that extend above the roof level, providing a secure handhold when entering or exiting the hatch.
Locking Mechanisms
Our hatches feature robust locking mechanisms to ensure security. For example, our SRHP50 includes a heavy-duty Grade 316 stainless steel slam action cablock with an internal hasp and external handle, both pad-lockable. The SRHP75 features a cablock with an internal pad-lockable toggle and an external handle.
Weatherproofing
All our hatches are designed to be weathertight, preventing water ingress and maintaining the building’s weather seal. Our double-skinned design and high-quality seals ensure excellent protection against the elements.
4. Installation Considerations
Proper installation is crucial for the performance and safety of a roof hatch. We advise considering:
Positioning
Hatches should be positioned for easy access but not too close to roof edges. They should also be placed to avoid interference with roof drainage systems.
Ladder and Stair Integration
Our hatches are designed to integrate seamlessly with various access systems:
- Fixed Vertical Ladders: These are often used with our standard ladder access hatches.
- Retractable Ladders: A space-saving option for less frequently used access points.
- Companionway Stairs: These are used with our companionway access hatches for more comfortable ascent and descent.
5. Compliance and Standards
At Surespan, we ensure all our products meet or exceed relevant standards:
Building Regulations
Our products comply with BS4211:2005 + A1 2008 for ladders and BS5395-3 for staircases. These standards ensure our hatches and associated access systems meet strict safety requirements.
ISO and NBS Accreditation
We’re proud to hold ISO 9001 certification, demonstrating our commitment to quality management. Our products are also listed in the NBS BIM library, making it easy for architects and specifiers to include them in their designs.
6. Applications
Our roof hatches find use in a wide range of settings:
- Commercial Buildings: Offices, retail spaces, and warehouses often require roof access for HVAC maintenance and other services.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and clinics need secure, easy-to-use roof access for maintaining critical equipment.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities use our hatches to access rooftop learning spaces or equipment.
- Industrial Sites: Factories and processing plants often have extensive rooftop equipment requiring frequent access.
7. Maintenance and Accessibility
To ensure long-term performance:
Routine Inspections
We recommend annual hatch inspections, checking hinges for wear, proper gas spring operation, and the integrity of weather seals.
Ease of Operation
Our hatches are designed for easy operation. The gas spring assistance in our SRHP50 and SRHP75 models allows for an 85° opening angle, making access comfortable and safe.
Replacement Parts
We maintain a comprehensive stock of replacement parts, ensuring your hatch will remain in perfect working order throughout its lifespan.
At Surespan Covers, we’re committed to providing high-quality, safe, and efficient roof access solutions. As building designs evolve and rooftop spaces become increasingly utilised, we’re continually innovating to meet new challenges. Whether you’re an architect, building manager, or contractor, we encourage you to consider the crucial role of roof access hatches in your projects. With the right hatch, you can ensure safe, convenient access for years to come.
