Roof access hatch-doors with gas struts | Aluminium

Roof Access Hatches with Gas Struts

Roof access hatches are designed to provide convenient and safe technical access from inside the building to the roof area. They can be used in commercial, industrial, administrative, apartment and other buildings where periodic access is required to the roof covering, HVAC equipment, solar power systems, antennas, cable routes or other systems installed on the roof.

This product group may include roof hatches with different clear opening dimensions, construction heights, aluminium thicknesses, thermal insulation, sealing and opening mechanisms. Some models are made of aluminium, have a powder-coated surface, rock wool or other thermal insulation filling, sealing gaskets, gas lifting struts and reinforced hinges.

• Lower construction weight – compared with many types of steel construction.
• Corrosion resistance – important in outdoor and roof environments.
• Mechanical stability – a properly designed frame and lid maintain their geometric shape.
• Powder coating – may provide additional surface protection and a more uniform finish.

• Industrial buildings – for servicing technical equipment installed on the roof.
• Warehouses – for roof and building services inspections.
• Production buildings – for access to ventilation, smoke extraction and other roof equipment.
• Commercial buildings – for periodic technical roof maintenance.
• Administrative buildings – for maintenance personnel access.
• Apartment buildings – for access to shared roof areas.
• HVAC equipment servicing – for access to fans, ducts, air-conditioning equipment and other components.
• Solar power systems – for maintenance of modules, inverters, cables and mounting structures.
• Antennas and communication equipment – for periodic inspection and repair.
• Roof covering maintenance – for inspection of waterproofing, gutters, parapets and other elements.

• Determine the required clear opening size – it must be large enough for safe user access.
• Check the overall dimensions – they must suit the prepared or planned opening.
• Evaluate the roof type – flat, low-slope or another roof construction.
• Check the construction material – aluminium, steel or another material.
• Evaluate thermal insulation – especially in heated buildings.
• Check the sealing – gasket type and lid compression construction.
• Evaluate the opening mechanism – gas struts and their holding function.
• Check the lock – whether a lockable, securing or simple closing mechanism is required.
• Evaluate the roof waterproofing – how it will be connected to the hatch frame.
• Check project requirements – especially fire safety, thermal and occupational safety requirements.
• Check the product drawing – before preparing the installation opening.

1. Check the product dimensions. Distinguish between clear opening, installation and overall external dimensions.
2. Check the roof structure. Make sure the opening is planned in the correct location and does not interfere with load-bearing elements.
3. Prepare the opening. It must correspond to the drawing of the specific product.
4. Install the hatch frame. Check its geometry and level according to the project.
5. Mechanically secure the frame. Select the fastening method according to the roof substrate.
6. Connect the thermal insulation. Avoid uninsulated gaps around the hatch.
7. Install the waterproofing. Securely connect the roof waterproofing layer to the hatch base.
8. Check lid movement. It must not touch or jam against the frame.
9. Check the gas struts. Make sure they help keep the lid open.
10. Check the gasket. It must make even contact around the entire perimeter.
11. Check the lock. The lid must securely lock in the closed position.
12. Perform a final inspection. Evaluate mechanical stability, sealing and safe use.

• Periodically check the operation of the gas struts.
• Check whether the lid remains stable in the open position.
• Inspect the hinges and their fixing points.
• Check the handle and locking mechanism.
• Clean dirt and deposits from the gasket.
• Check that the gasket is not cracked, hardened or deformed.
• Inspect the waterproofing connection around the hatch.
• Remove leaves, ice, snow or other obstacles that could interfere with opening.
• Check for signs of corrosion or mechanical damage.
• Do not use the hatch if the lifting or securing system operates unsafely.

• Confusing the clear opening size with the overall hatch dimensions.
• Preparing the opening without checking the drawing of the specific product.
• Selecting a hatch without considering the height of the roof construction.
• Insufficiently connecting the roof thermal insulation to the hatch frame.
• Incorrectly connecting the waterproofing to the hatch base.
• Assuming that the sealing gasket alone provides waterproofing for the entire roof detail.
• Not considering the required size for a person and equipment to pass through.
• Not considering whether ladders or other access equipment are required.
• Not considering the risk of falling from the roof.
• Not periodically checking the condition of the gas struts after installation.
• Automatically treating an insulated hatch as a certified fire-resistant construction.
• Using the hatch as an emergency exit even though this purpose has not been approved in the project or product documentation.

• ✅ Provides permanent technical access to the roof.
• ✅ Gas struts make the lid easier to open.
• ✅ Struts help keep the lid open.
• ✅ Aluminium construction can be lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
• ✅ An insulated lid helps reduce heat loss.
• ✅ A perimeter gasket helps reduce air and moisture penetration.
• ✅ Handle and lock allow convenient control of the lid.
• ✅ Different clear opening sizes are available.
• ✅ Suitable for maintenance of technical equipment installed on the roof.
• ✅ Can be used in industrial, commercial and residential buildings.

• ❌ Proper preparation of the roof construction is required.
• ❌ Professional waterproofing connection is required.
• ❌ Incorrect installation may cause water leakage.
• ❌ The clear opening and installation dimensions of a specific model are fixed.
• ❌ Gas struts are mechanical components subject to wear during operation.
• ❌ The condition of the sealing gasket must be checked periodically.
• ❌ Additional ladders or stairs may be required.
• ❌ Additional fall protection measures may be required near roof edges.
• ❌ An insulated hatch does not automatically mean that it is a certified fire-resistant construction.
• ❌ It cannot be regarded as an emergency exit without the appropriate project and assessment of applicable requirements.

Quick roof access hatch selection guide

Choose a roof access hatch when permanent technical access from inside the building to the roof is required. Before ordering, it is most important to determine the required clear opening size, check the overall product dimensions and evaluate the specific roof construction and waterproofing system.