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Roof Access Hatches

Surespan’s Roof Access Hatches set the industry standard for quality and design, offering reliable, safe, and convenient roof access. Our range includes the SRHP75, SRHTB/FR, SLHP, SRHP/DL, SRHP/SOLAR, and SRHP/RF models, engineered to meet the precise requirements of architectural specifications. Through continuous innovation in material selection, our hatches achieve the highest standards in load-bearing capacity, durability, and insulation.

All products are NBS and ISO-accredited, reflecting our commitment to the highest quality standards.

As a UK manufacturer delivering worldwide, Surespan leads the industry through innovation and dedication, solidifying our position as the authority in roof access solutions.

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Safe Roof Access

What is a Roof Access Hatch?

A roof access hatch is an opening in a building’s roof that provides direct access to flat roof areas, functioning much like a door to the rooftop. It consists of two main components: the upstand, which is the frame installed on the roof, and the cover, which seals the opening when not in use.

Roof access hatches are utilised for various purposes, including:

  • Maintenance: Allowing personnel to service rooftop equipment such as solar panels, air conditioning units, ventilation systems, and elevator machinery.
  • Inspections: Enabling regular checks of the roofing structure and water drainage systems to ensure they are in good condition.
  • Roof Terraces: Providing access to rooftop spaces that serve as terraces or gardens for recreational use.
  • Emergency Egress: Serving as an escape route in case of emergencies.
  • Window Cleaning: Facilitating access for window cleaning operations and equipment installation.

The upstand and cover are insulated to prevent heat loss when the roof access hatch is closed. Insulation values vary widely among different brands and types of hatches. Depending on your needs, you can choose a hatch with an average or high insulation value.

For example, new construction projects like hospitals, schools, and apartment complexes often opt for hatches with high insulation values. The insulation performance of a roof access hatch primarily depends on the type of insulation used, its thickness, and thermal separation. Generally, the thicker the insulation, the higher the insulation value.

Roof Access Products

Exceeding Specification

Surespan roof hatches are engineered to meet the stringent demands of architectural design, offering advanced features that enhance functionality and simplify installation. Our products exemplify thermal efficiency, offering excellent U-value optimisation to minimise heat transfer. Our hatches are fitted with a 75 mm polyisocyanurate insulation board, which achieves a U-value of 0.26 W/m²K, setting industry standards in energy conservation.

Our roof hatches are designed for seamless compatibility with a variety of ladder systems to ensure safe and convenient roof access. Options include fixed vertical ladders with optional safety cages, companionway (ship) ladders inclined between 65° and 75°, and ZIP retractable ladders, and concertina loft ladders that support up to 200 kg per tread. ZIP ladders are available in widths from 140 mm to 350 mm and heights ranging from 2,500 mm to 4,300 mm. All ladders feature anti-slip treads and can be powder-coated to match building aesthetics, providing both safety and visual harmony. Ships ladders comply with BS 5395: Part 3: 1985 standards, ensuring regulatory adherence. These ladder options assist in providing safe and easy access to the roof.

Advanced features that enhance functionality and simplify installation:

Custom Sizing and Flexibility: While standard sizes range from 600 x 600 mm to 1,200 x 1,200 mm, we can manufacture hatches to any size, ensuring optimal fit for various applications. All our products are made to order, providing custom solutions tailored to your specific needs. This flexibility allows architects and contractors to design rooftop access solutions that seamlessly integrate with building layouts, whether for compact spaces or expansive industrial settings. We also keep popular sizes in stock for immediate delivery.

Thermal Breaks and Insulation: All hatches incorporate thermal breaks to prevent thermal bridging, significantly improving energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through the roof access point. Gas struts are designed to work in conjunction with the hatch’s thermal break and insulation, maintaining overall energy efficiency.

Advanced Gas Spring Mechanisms: Our gas springs are carefully balanced to meet current Manual Handling Guidelines, providing smooth operation with an opening angle up to 85° for easy access. For larger or heavier hatches, Surespan offers electric or hydraulic options as alternatives to manual gas spring operation, allowing the hatch to open automatically for added convenience.

High-Performance Materials and Options: Featuring insulated and thermally broken upstands that act as vertical frames, our hatches provide superior thermal insulation and contribute to the building’s energy performance. We offer stainless steel and aluminium construction options (SS304 or SS316), fire-rated models, rain skirts, and various locking mechanisms. Additional features like trace heating and enhanced acoustic ratings up to Rw45dB are also available.

Customisation and Optional Features: Available with polycarbonate glazing or solid insulated panels to meet specific insulation requirements and natural light preferences, our glazed roof hatches provide natural light without compromising thermal integrity. Architects can opt for the SureGuard handrail system, retractable safety grids, and powder coating to any RAL colour for aesthetic integration and safety enhancement.

Ease of installation is ensured with predrilled holes and kerb liners as standard, simplifying on-site setup and ensuring seamless integration with various roofing systems. These options allow for customisation to meet specific project needs without compromising on quality or performance. By combining superior materials, innovative features, and flexible design options, Surespan roof hatches exceed specifications, providing architects with unparallelled solutions for secure and efficient roof access.

Surespan provides architects and contractors with a wide range of bespoke and standard roof access solutions, setting the benchmark for safe access and energy efficiency. With our dedication to quality and commercial innovation, we are the go-to manufacturer for reliable and performing roof access systems. Contact us now to enter your project’s details and receive a custom quote based on your specific price and design requirements.

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