Construction strength of roof access hatches

Worldwide, we can notice an increase in the number of buildings constructed above a height of 70 metres. The Netherlands is no exception to this, as it too is experiencing an increase in the number of high-rise buildings. However, given the increasing height of buildings, it is important that the construction materials and construction products used in such buildings be able to bear higher loads. For example, a building that is 20 metres high has to contend with different wind loads than those faced by an 80-metre-high block of apartments.

Another factor to consider is that the construction products installed on the highest point of the building – the roof – are themselves subject to wind loads and snow loads. In terms of roof access hatches, this means that designers must really test the robustness of the access hatch construction as a whole. Naturally, while trying to ensure that the roof access hatches are sturdy, care must also be paid to eliminate any negative impact this may have on their functionality in terms of user-friendliness. In light of this, simply installing a steel lid over the opening in the roof is not a professional solution.

Usability of a roof hatch

Staka has been able to strike the balance between user-friendliness, construction strength, and a high load-bearing capacity. The hinged lid of a Staka roof access hatch has been designed as a solid sandwich construction. What's more, both the interior and exterior lid are made of extremely hard-wearing and strong materials, such as stainless steel, yet without making any comprises when it comes to the ease of handling the lid. The lid opens and closes easily and smoothly thanks in particular to the strong gas pressure springs mounted between the upstand of the roof access hatch and the hinged lid.

To demonstrate its superior quality, Staka has had an external engineering firm perform a calculation. This revealed that a Staka roof access hatch can bear a load of up to 4800 kg per square metre – many times higher than what can generally be purchased on the market. The KOMO assessment also demonstrated the strength of the roof access hatch construction according to the EN 1991 standard, which provides guidelines on determining the natural wind load for the construction design of buildings and civil engineering works.