Take a look at FAKRO’s roof hatches that dominate the industry.
What exactly is a roof hatch and how do FAKRO roof hatches differ than the others?
Most commercial and multi-room buildings will have a way to access the roof for maintenance purposes. This access is called the roof hatch.
What Material Are Roof Hatches Made From?
Most roof hatches are made of solid metal and are quite heavy, especially for workers trying to access the roof and having to use one hand unlocking the hatch while the other pushes the lid open.
While these roof hatches are a common product to purchase for these types of buildings, FAKRO has taken the initiative to create a hatch that makes getting onto the roof easier, smoother and safer.
What Type Of Roof Hatch Does FAKRO Carry?
FAKRO’s DRL (option to combine with FAKRO LML) is most similar to a standard roof hatch yet differentiates itself by its aesthetic appearance and an easy lock bar.
The easy lock bar facilitates roof access, especially for maintenance workers already heading up to the roof with tools in their hand. The lock bar is installed towards the front of the lid and is locked by a simple pull towards the body.
To reopen the hatch the bar is push away from the person and the gas pistons safely lift the lid to 80 degrees. DRL comes with the option to add an additional key lock.
When combined with the FAKRO LML ladder the user then makes getting onto the top of the roof safer due to the ladders additional step located in the frame of the hatch. The user no longer has to swing her/her foot over the frame.
The real crowd pleaser is FAKRO’s DRF DU6. While its use the same as FAKRO’s DRL, the DRF DU6 brings light to the room below. This gives users the chance to access the roof and bring light into the dark space below.
The FAKRO’s DRF DU6 Roof Hatches is also suitable for green roofs above residential buildings. With its aesthetically pleasing appearance it also is one of the safest roof hatches FAKRO has to offer.
The lock bar is similar to the DRL (with the option of adding a key lock) and its energy-efficient DU6 glazing with UV filtering double chamber Low-E glass filled with argon gas, makes it one of the best roof hatches for commercial and residential buildings. This product is the only one like it on the market!
See Our Roof Hatch in Action – Chicago, IL
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Roof Hatch Frequently Asked Questions
They provide a way to get people, equipment, or materials onto or off of a roof.
They are commonly accessed via stairways or ladders from inside the building. Additionally, safety rails or safety ladders are often installed on the exterior of the hatch to ensure safe and comfortable passage into and out of the opening.
The bulk of installations occurs at the time of construction or to replace an existing hatch which was damaged. Installing them after construction is possible, but more difficult.
Generally, an architect will specify a size and/or style of hatch in the designs. It will then be left up to the general contractor or roofing subcontractor to source the hatch as part of their bid.
No, they can be used on any surface where a portal is needed. While most are used on roofs, they have also been used as floor hatches to provide an entry/exit for a sublevel.
No. While they are used primarily in commercial construction, designers of residential buildings use them as points of egress to roof decks and gardens, making it easy for roof gardeners or amateur astronomers to get their supplies and equipment up to the roof safely and easily.
Additionally, in flood prone areas, roof hatches are being installed to provide a safe way to exit to the roof, minimizing damage to the roof or residents.
Generally, you’ll find three types.
First is the standard hatch, which is square or slightly rectangular, with a 1:1 to 1:1.5 length to width ratio, generally running between 4 to 16 square foot openings. A variation on this is the plastic domed hatch which uses a translucent acrylic dome to combine the qualities of a roof hatch and a skylight. These hatches are meant to be used with ladders.
Second is the stairway hatch, which is rectangular, and better allows access to the roof via a stairway instead of a ladder. These tend to have 11.25 to 24 square foot openings.
Third is the equipment hatch. These are large, double-doored hatches that generally range in size from 25 to 80 square foot openings.
