A quick guide to specifying a roof hatch with Elkington, including answers to common questions about roof access, opening operation, insulation, fire performance, acoustic performance and locking options.
Specifying a roof hatch for a commercial or residential building is not always as straightforward as it may seem. The square shown on the roof plan requires several considerations, from safe roof access and how the hatch will be used to dimensions, insulation and technical performance requirements.
When specifying a roof hatch with Elkington, our team is available to guide you through the entire process. We help you find a solution suited to the specific needs of your project or recommend a standard product that can save both time and money.
We always recommend starting by reviewing the standard sizes available. These often offer shorter lead times and more competitive pricing when a project is working to a tight schedule or budget. Alternatively, we can provide bespoke roof hatches manufactured to meet the requirements of the project.
When ordering a roof hatch from Elkington, you can choose from several different configurations depending on the product and its intended use. This makes it possible to adapt the solution to the technical and practical conditions of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roof Hatches
What type of lid is required for the roof hatch?
If thermal performance is the main priority, we recommend a solid, insulated lid. An insulated roof hatch helps reduce heat loss and can be particularly important in heated buildings.
If the aim is instead to create an attractive interior with plenty of natural light, we recommend a glazed roof hatch. A glazed roof hatch can combine daylight with safe roof access.
Another common option is a polycarbonate dome. This has traditionally been the more affordable alternative, but as the difference in price and availability has decreased, glass has become an increasingly popular choice.
What type of opening operation is required?
The most common opening operations for roof hatches are manual, gas-spring-assisted opening and electric opening.
The intended use of the roof hatch will normally determine which opening operation is most suitable. For example, if the user needs to climb through the hatch from a tall vertical ladder while carrying tools or other equipment, we recommend an electrically operated roof hatch.
An electric roof hatch can be opened using a switch positioned at the bottom of the ladder. This can make access both easier and safer.
If you are unsure which solution is most appropriate, you should always consult the supplier.
What is the difference between a roof hatch and a roof access hatch?
The terms are often used in similar ways. A roof access hatch is a roof hatch specifically designed to provide personnel access to the roof, for example for servicing, maintenance and inspection.
When selecting a roof access hatch, it is important to consider the clear opening, the access route below the hatch and whether a fixed ladder, retractable ladder or another access solution is required.
The opening direction, locking arrangement and the need for a safety railing or ladder safety post may also affect which solution is most suitable.
Do roof hatches need to be fire rated?
Fire-rated products are an important part of modern construction and help limit the spread of fire.
For example, if a fire-rated roof hatch is installed above a plant room, it can help prevent a fire from spreading to other parts of the building.
Elkington can offer roof hatches with fire resistance of up to four hours. The required fire rating depends on the design of the building, the location of the hatch and the fire safety requirements of the project.
Can roof hatches be supplied with acoustic performance?
Yes. In addition to fire-rated roof hatches, we can also offer hatches with high levels of sound reduction.
Buildings that are regularly exposed to airborne and impact noise, such as music venues, cinemas and plant rooms, may benefit from a roof hatch with good acoustic performance.
An acoustic roof hatch can help limit sound leakage and reduce disturbance within or around the building. Elkington can offer roof hatches with sound reduction of up to 45 dB.
What requirements can apply to weather resistance and durability?
It is important that the roof hatch meets the relevant requirements for water and dust resistance, wind loading, impact resistance and air permeability.
An IP66 rating means that the product has been tested for protection against dust and powerful water jets. The required level of performance depends on the location of the product, its intended use and the conditions at the site.
In exposed environments, wind loads, driving rain and local weather conditions may also need to be considered.
What locking options are available?
Our manual roof hatches can be supplied with several different locking options depending on how the hatch will be opened and used.
As standard, the hatches can be fitted with internal locking devices that allow the hatch to be secured from the inside. An external handle can also be provided when the hatch is intended for use as an emergency exit or needs to be closed from the roof side to reduce the risk of accidents.
Tip: Decide which locking options are required early in the design process, as changes made on site can increase both costs and lead times.
How is a roof hatch insulated?
Roof hatches are often insulated with PIR insulation, as it is one of the most efficient insulation materials used in construction.
A roof hatch with 75 mm PIR insulation can achieve a U-value of 0.26 W/m²K, depending on the construction of the product.
As awareness of fire safety and environmental impact continues to increase, non-combustible mineral wool can be a suitable alternative to PIR. Mineral wool is recyclable, non-combustible and well suited to buildings with high safety requirements.
It will normally result in slightly lower thermal performance and may achieve a U-value of approximately 0.43 W/m²K, depending on the construction of the product.
What is the lead time for a roof hatch?
The lead time depends on the product and configuration selected. Standard products can often be supplied with shorter lead times, while bespoke and special-purpose roof hatches usually require more time.
The lead time for a bespoke roof hatch may be between six and eight weeks. It is important to remember that this period is normally calculated from the date on which the drawings are approved.
The time required to review and approve the drawings should therefore also be included in the project programme, as it may affect the overall delivery time.
An estimated lead time is normally stated in our quotation. For bespoke products, we recommend contacting us as early as possible during the design stage.
We believe that most challenges can be solved, even when the design is complex.
What should you consider before ordering a roof hatch?
Before ordering a roof hatch, you should consider:
- the intended use
- clear opening and dimensions
- manual or electric operation
- insulation and U-value
- fire and acoustic requirements
- locking and safety
- ladders or other access solutions
- roof type and upstand height
- site-specific wind and weather conditions
Once the technical requirements have been established, any site-specific conditions must also be considered. By involving Elkington early in the design process, it becomes easier to find a roof hatch that meets the project requirements for function, safety and performance.
