Be it residential, commercial or industrial buildings, our team often notices a common pattern. Every building offers access to the rooftops, but only some consider safe access. Roof hatches are not simple access features to reach the rooftops for maintenance and repair. At times of emergency, they can transform into lifelines, offering safe entries/exits to the rescue teams, especially when other paths are blocked. 

But not all rooftop hatches are fit for this transformation. The difference lies in some practical considerations, like materials of components, certification and compliance. The excessive heat and erratic weather conditions in the GCC corrode certain metal roof hatches faster than others. Coastal air also causes rapid degradation of exposed components. Under such conditions, it becomes essential to choose the right material for your roof hatches. 

That’s not all though. Our team has created a practical guide for you to choose high performing roof access doors for your buildings. Here it is:

What’s The Purpose Of The Roof Hatch?

Is it just for maintenance and repair or fire-protection as well?

Then there are more intricate functionalities like fall-prevention hatches and double door roof hatches for maintenance, repair and safety purposes. 

For regular uses, you need roof hatches that are ergonomically safe and convenient. For emergencies, you need hatches with additional safety features, like fire integrity, insulation, etc. When you understand the purpose of each roof hatch, selecting the right one becomes a cakewalk. 

At Dutco Tennant LLC, we offer an extensive range of rooftop hatches for multiple purposes, including fire-safety, fall hazard prevention, security, and more. From ladder types to double-leaf designs, you can choose a hatch accordion to your purpose and preferences. 

What Materials Offer Maximum Endurance?

Selecting the right material for every roof access hatch is a key consideration in the Middle East. Of course it’s because of the climate in the region. With the same maintenance, a metal roof hatch in the world’s temperate regions will last longer than the ones in the Gulf. 

So always go for materials that are resistant to weather corrosions, rust, and excessive expansion and condensation of metal components. Hatches composed of glass-reinforced plastic or GRP, aluminum, galvanised steel are ideal for roof top hatches in places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Doha. Not only are these resistant to corrosion but also to UV exposure and saline air conditions. Stainless Steel roof hatches are ideal for buildings in toxic chemical surroundings, like the Khalifa Port, Duqm, or the Sohar Industrial Estate. 

Degree Of Insulation And Condensation Control 

The third key consideration while choosing a roof access hatch is to what extent it prevents condensation or provides insulation to all components. Where temperatures can easily surpass 50°C, ensuring proper insulation is essential, not additional. Lids that are not insulated may pass heat directly to the building components beneath. As a result, staircases and plant rooms may feel uncomfortable. 

On top of that, when the hot air touches cool metal components, it leads to condensation. Water droplets that ooze through the surface may damage the ceilings, and worse, pose danger to electrical fittings underneath. 

It’s best to choose roof hatches with thermal breaks or a thoroughly insulated core to prevent such instances from happening. Flat roof hatches MUST be insulated at all costs, as these are exposed directly to the sun for long hours at a stretch. 

How Easy It Is To Operate The Roof Hatches?

For example, do you have to hold the door with your hands as you pass through or does it hold by itself? 


 

Further, a lid that isn’t properly balanced can cause accidents as maintenance personnel carry stuff through it frequently for inspection and repairs. Also, non-slippery frames are essential to guarantee safe passages. 

So while exploring rooftop hatches for your building, ensure that they are equipped with:

  • Counterbalanced lids that open without applying too much force 
  • Hold-open arms that prevent abrupt closures that may lead to accidents
  • Anti-slip frames or curb mounts for enhanced footing 
  • Proper locking systems that offer controlled access 
  • Compliant safety railings to reduce the chances of accidental falls 

While not all roof hatches have these features, you should pick one that meets your specific building and maintenance requirements. The Dutco team curates systems that take ergonomic handling into consideration besides ensuring safety. 

How Well Do The Hatches Prevent Moisture Damages?

When buying roof hatches for commercial or industrial buildings, there’s one more key factor to consider - moisture resistance. 

Heavy humidity and unexpected rainfall is common in areas like Dubai, Muscat, Manama and Jeddah among others. What happens is, a poorly sealed hatch may lead to rapid corrosion, insulation failure or leakages. 


 

You need roof access hatches that are factory-tested for performance under stressful moisture conditions. You should also ensure that these hatches are well-connected to drainage systems, roof membranes and other existing safety features.

A few things to keep an eye out for:

  • Reliable sealings - EPDM or neoprene gaskets enable flexible sealing against air or water damages. 
  • Proper drainage - Raised curbs or integrated flashing help remove rainwater successfully from hatch openings 
  • Certifications - Hatches that are tested and verified for water, wind, and load resistance can handle erratic Gulf conditions effectively. 

Prioritising Safety And Sustainability 

At Dutco Tennant LLC, we look beyond safety and access while curating roof hatches from our global partners. Practical integration, proper sealing, moisture resistance, and fire-protection are some of the essential factors we take into consideration. 

Our extensive collection ranges from simple systems, like ladder access hatches to more advanced assemblies consisting of fall protection components, insulation or load-bearing features. All our systems are composed of materials suitable for the Gulf regions and tested for high performance in both regular maintenance and emergencies. 
We believe that there’s no shortcut to safety and sustainability in the long term. We supply rooftop hatches that keep buildings both safe and future-ready at all times.