Protecting your roofing infrastructure, roofs, and employees is important. However, a roof is not just a structure to prevent the effect of weather elements. You might have installed your HVAC units and other accessories on the roof. So, your workers often need to access the rooftop to deal with industrial equipment. Installing a roof walkway system is a way to protect them from falls and injuries. But, there are some challenges while installing the walkway for your roof.
Challenges during roof walkway installation:
While installing roof walkways, installers may face some issues.
Challenge 1–
In some commercial buildings, the presence of skylights near AC units can cause a challenge. So, the roof walkway should have a custom walkway to ensure that it is installable over the skylights.
To deal with the roof layout, professionals design customized raised legs. The existing metal boards have to cover them. It ensures that your technical team and contractors will not fall through your roof’s skylights.
Challenge 2–
You may need to have full access to every side of the AC units. So, the walkable surface should surround the units and allow safe access to professional engineers. Your professionals will not only install walkway systems but also manage the safety lifeline.
Challenge 3–
Angled roofing surfaces can cause a risk, as the users or materials may slide down. Thus, during the roof walkway installation project, it is essential to load the materials safely onto the roofing surface. In some buildings, there are no hatches, stairs, or ladders. As a result, it makes the walkway installation project more challenging.
Choose a roof walkway that meets industry standards:
The roof walkway needs to be compliant with the industry standards and regulations.
- The walkway must have a slip-resistant surface with a demarcation route. It should ensure a consistent distribution of the pedestrian load.
- Your roof walkway must have a mesh or grille design to allow smooth drainage and prevent rainwater accumulation.
- It is also essential to attach a handrail or guardrail to either side of your roof walkway to ensure better safety.
The most commonly used materials for roof walkways are aluminium and steel. However, as aluminium is more lightweight, it is easier to manage during installation. It is a rust-free and non-corrosive material with high durability. Besides, aluminium is more durable and passes the fire safety tests.
Hire professionals to install your roof walkways:
If you want proper installation of roof walkways, you should engage qualified professionals. In the case there are flaws in the installation technique, your workers may be at risk. It will also lead to a civil lawsuit in the future. Only professionals know how to meet code requirements while installing the walkway and other safety systems.
The roof is a risky place, not just for its height. It may have a slippery, icy, or hot surface. When your employees need to work on the roof, they have a risk of trips and falls. As maintenance workers access the roof regularly, installing a walkway is important.
