Most commercial buildings require safe access to the roof to maintain rooftop-mounted building components such as HVAC and electrical. The best and the most common way to access the roof is by incorporating roof hatches in the building. Roof hatches designs have many options and features that ensure safe and direct access during maintenance for the workers and building owners.
When installing a roof hatch, it is essential to know basic specifications, including various available options, hatch selection considerations, and applications. It is also necessary to familiarize OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s fall protection for roof opening access that covers roof hatches, guarding floor and wall openings to keep the workers safe. Here are some of the modern applications for a VersaMount roof hatch.
Allow to Replace Damage Without Re-Roofing
Various factors could result in roof hatch damage, especially if it is already old. A VersaMount roof hatch replaces a damaged roof hatch without re-roofing and perfectly fits any roof access openings. It also has a built-in apron that makes the installation simpler and fast while securing the water tightness. Most of this roof hatch is corrosion-resistant to ensure years of dependable use. It only needs to move the old damaged hatch cover and install this new hatch cover to the existing curb.
Easy and Safe Operation
Every roof hatch has a specific design and features spending on the requirement of the building. However, one of the factors to consider when installing or selecting a roof hatch is the smooth and easy operation, like having an automatic hold open arm feature.
The maintenance team or workers typically need to raise the hatch upward from inside on stairs or a ladder, often with equipment, so the roof hatch should have lifting support to avoid closing the hatch while accessing. However, most modern VersaMount roof hatches available in the market nowadays have proper lifting assistance with an automatic hold arm open to prevent the hatch cover from slamming while accessing or opening the hatch. Ensure easy and smooth operation while minimizing the required effort during opening and closing the hatch.
Obtain Good Insulating Properties
Energy efficiency in every building is an essential factor. A properly insulated roof hatch will help maintain this in the building. Most roof hatches combine a unique design to obtain excellent and high-quality insulating materials. The modern roof hatches design features full thermal insulation, overlapping cover design, and double sealing between curb and cover. This newly rigid design of roof hatches provides a better interior climate and also helps energy-saving costs. It also ensures no condensation and icing on the roof hatch during severe winter conditions or when installed in cold regions.
Use as Escape Hatch
Roof hatches provided convenient and safe access to roofing building components during inspections and maintenance such as HVAC, lift machine room, roofings, solar panels, and other facilities on rooftops. However, roof hatches are also applicable to use as an escape way or an escape hatch during building emergencies like a fire, and it is ideal for flat roofs with a maximum pitch of 30 degrees.
Roof hatches are a vital part of any building that provides easy and safe access to roof areas for various purposes. Careful roof hatch selection will determine its required maintenance and service life. Considering its materials quality, safety features, ease of operation, and necessary options will help pick a quality roof hatch.
