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Are you looking for a way to simplify your roof maintenance in your residential or commercial business? Does the thought of you or your workmen climbing onto the roof stress you out because using a ladder is unsafe?
If this is the case, it may be time to consider installing a roof access hatch. Many home and business owners are opting to do this with the skylight installation Melbourne locals are opting for. There are several benefits to doing this. Keep reading if you’re still not convinced.
Understanding What a Roof Hatch is
As the name suggests, a roof access hatch is a secure opening in your roof that acts like a door. It opens outward from the inside of your home or business and makes it easier for you or your maintenance team to get onto the roof.
With an access hatch, there’s also no need to use a ladder on the side of the building. While it’s true that these types of hatches are often installed in commercial buildings, it’s becoming more common for homeowners to include them in their roof renovations. We’ve compiled a list of the top reasons why a roof access hatch is a good idea.
1. Reduces the Risk of Falling
Traditional methods of getting onto the roof include external ladders and makeshift scaffolding and these can pose considerable risks to the safety of the workers who need to get there. In fact, falls have been labelled as Australia’s leading cause of injury that requires hospitalisation each year.
Installing a roof access hatch and ladder system will reduce the risk of falling as it creates a secure, stable, path to the rooftop. Since modern hatches are designed with handrails and non-slip surfaces there’s little risk of accidentally falling. Automatic locking mechanisms also ensure that the access hatch won’t open when it’s not supposed to.
2. Provides Emergency Access
Another good reason to install a roof access hatch is that it provides an emergency exit or sudden access to the roof if it’s needed. This can come in handy if you need a reliable escape route or have to perform an emergency repair on the roof. Many industrial or warehouse settings often prepare their roofs as possible evacuation routes, making a roof access hatch a crucial part of their safety system.
3. Creates Streamlined Maintenance
Depending on the type of roof you have, you may need to get up there for a wide range of maintenance. This is essential for HVAC systems, antennas or even solar panels. With a roof access hatch and ladder system, it’s much easier and safer for your maintenance teams to reach the roof.
Reducing the need for external lifts, ladders or scaffolds with not only reduce potential labour costs but save time. This ensures that you have a streamlined maintenance process.
4. Reduces Long-Term Costs
Installing a roof access hatch and ladder will also show you a significant saving over time. While it’s true that you will have an initial layout to install the access hatch system, the long-term benefits will outweigh your initial investment.
This stems from not needing to install ladders, lifts, or scaffolds every time you have to work on the roof. Maintenance teams will also charge you less for the overall maintenance as they don’t need to bring additional materials to get on the roof.
5. Hatches are Versatile Easily Customised
A huge plus point to adding roof hatches and ladders is that they are remarkably versatile. Since they’re available in a wide range of designs, the hatch can be customised to suit your building’s specific needs.
Depending on the size of the roof, you can add more than one hatch. A few of the more common customisable features can include the following:
- Specific size measurements
- Additional insulation
- Additional security measures
6. Ensures Local Compliance
If you’re the owner of a commercial building, then you’ll know that Australian law requires safe and secure access to all rooftops. Noncompliance with this can lead to significant fines and as a business owner, you may face liability in the case of an injury. Installing a roof access hatch will ensure that your commercial building meets all the necessary regulations, making your building compliant.
7. Enhances the Overall Building Aesthetic
Whether you have a modern or more classic-looking building, you should also know that roof access hatches will instantly improve the overall aesthetic of the structure.
Since these hatches can be integrated into any style of the roof, you’ll be able to maintain your building’s overall building’s visual appeal. Besides this, adding to the functionality and security of your roof will also improve the overall value of the property.
Final Thoughts
Opting to invest in a roof access hatch and ladder system is an investment in the safety and maintenance of your building. Not only will you reduce the potential risk of an accident, but you will also create a safe and secure emergency exit point if you need it. With the versatility on offer, you will be able to find the perfect hatch for your home or business needs!
Photo by Belle Skylights