When you have a rooftop-based equipment, such as antennas or solar panels, you might need to perform regular maintenance and access the roof. A rooftop walkway system will make these tasks safer for you and your workers. Additionally, rooftop walkway systems comply with OSHA’s fall protection requirements to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities. Read on to learn about the different types of rooftop walkway systems and the best ones for your business. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Safety
There are several benefits to installing a rooftop walkway system in an office building. The walkways reduce workplace accidents and protect the building maintenance staff. Rooftops are extremely fragile substrates and their limited capacity for weight makes them particularly vulnerable to damage. The materials used for rooftop walkways should be lightweight and resistant to UV exposure, as well as to the effects of wind and water. The walkways can also provide a non-slip surface to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
When choosing a walkway, make sure that you choose a system with a grille that allows efficient drainage and does not accumulate water on the walkway. Make sure to add guardrails to the walkways, either on one side or on both sides. Rails also provide fall protection in areas where the walkway meets the parapet or valley. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 requires that architects and designers consider all the aspects of a rooftop walkway system’s safety, including fall protection.
Durability
A roof walkway system should meet the requirements outlined in BS EN 516:2006, which covers prefabricated accessories for roofing and roof access installations. These requirements include the ability to sustain a 1.5KN load per 100mm squared of span and a 15mm deflection at a maximum deflection limit. In addition, BS EN 1991-1:2002 outlines the requirements for walkways, which include having a slip-resistant surface, a demarcated route, and a uniform distribution of pedestrian load.
The thickness of a rooftop walkway system is a consideration that must be taken into account from the beginning. A waterproofing membrane must be protected from build-up, which can damage the surface. A protection mat or drainage layer is recommended, as both protect the walkway and roof from water. The slope of the rooftop walkway system toward roof drains is another important factor to consider. A removable terrace grill may direct water downward and help keep the rooftop walkway system in good condition.
Cost
The initial investment in a rooftop walkway system can be as little as $3,200 to $3,520. In addition, the system will also require the purchase of a concrete pad (as little as $37 per square foot). Once the concrete pad is installed, the cost of the system will range from three to five dollars per square foot. Depending on the type of system chosen, the final cost may be as much as $10 per square foot.
While the price per square meter can be surprisingly affordable, the system will likely require modifications to accommodate mechanical systems and other elements. A rooftop walkway system is generally required in areas requiring frequent maintenance. In addition to fall hazards, pedestrian foot traffic can cause damage to the walkway. The Unistrut Service Company offers site-specific engineered system drawings for this purpose. These drawings show the final design intent, but they do not include details and measurements that will be unique to your site.
Installation
An efficient way to improve the safety of your rooftop space is to install a walkway. A rooftop walkway system makes this process a breeze. It offers a secure, safe and level walking surface without the risk of falling. It can be installed by a professional or a homeowner with some knowledge of building and height safety regulations. Here are some tips on installing a rooftop walkway system:
Ensure the safety of the walkway system by following the load bearing requirements of BS EN 516:2006. This standard applies to rooftop access systems and prefabricated accessories for roofing. The standard requires that the walkway can withstand 1.5KN of load per square meter. The walkway should also be deflected no more than 15mm in any direction. The walkway should be designed to be slip-resistant and have a clearly defined path and a uniform distribution of pedestrian load.