Where will side-hung roof hatches find their application?
When choosing a roof hatch, we usually focus on its dimensions and thermal insulation...
Where will side-hung roof hatches find their application?
When choosing a roof hatch, we usually focus on its dimensions and thermal insulation. However, we often forget about a key functional aspect: the opening direction. Although most skylights open upwards (tilt-up), side-hung (door-style) roof hatches represent an indispensable solution in specific technical conditions.
When is it worth opting for a model that opens like a traditional door?
1. Roof access via vertical ladders This is the most common reason for choosing a side-opening hatch. In industrial halls, roof access often occurs via a fixed ladder attached to a wall or column.
- Why side-opening? When climbing a ladder, it is much easier and safer to push the hatch leaf to the side than to push it vertically above your head. This provides better stability for the person entering and minimizes the risk of losing balance.
2. Limited space above the hatch In some facilities, installations, pipelines, cable trays, or other structural elements run above the actual roof.
- If the space directly above the hatch is limited, a tilt-up model could hit obstacles. A side-hung hatch allows you to bypass these barriers and provide a full clear opening without the risk of damaging installations.
3. Frequent service work and convenience of use If there are devices on the roof requiring regular inspections (air conditioners, air handling units, photovoltaic panels), the convenience of the exit becomes a priority.
- Side-hung hatches in the Wirmet offer are equipped with gas struts as standard. Thanks to them, opening even a large and heavy leaf does not require strength—the mechanism almost automatically "guides" the hatch to the open position, and a lock protects it against accidental closing by the wind.
4. Safety during strong winds On the roofs of tall buildings exposed to strong gusts of wind, a tilt-up hatch acts like a sail. With large leaf dimensions, this can be dangerous during opening.
- A side-opening design is often easier to control in gusty winds, and properly selected hinges and locks ensure the stability of the leaf in the open position.
What to look for when choosing a side-hung hatch?
When choosing a model from the Wirmet offer, it is worth taking care of two elements:
- Handle with a lock: Allows for securing the exit against unauthorized persons, which is crucial in warehouse buildings.
- Opening direction: When ordering, you should specify whether the hatch is to be left- or right-handed to perfectly match the placement of the ladder or stairs.
Interesting fact: Side-hung hatches can be made both in a version with a transparent dome (for lighting) and in a non-transparent version (so-called "solid" hatches, insulated with sheet metal), which allows them to perfectly match the aesthetics of the roof.
Summary
A side-hung roof hatch is a synonym for safety wherever we access the roof via a ladder. It is an ergonomic, durable, and exceptionally practical solution in the daily operation of a facility.
Are you planning to install a service ladder and need a matching hatch? Our technical advisors will tell you which model from the Wirmet offer will work best in your communication layout.