Anyone Build a flat roof access hatch before ?

[dogdog]

not sure what is involved, current on is made of wood, and not latch-able , and I am able to build one out of wood but the question is... any one doe a custom fab of metal one ?

something like these. without the crazy price tags.

https://surespancovers.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SRHP75-750-x-900.pdf

36" x 30" Galvanized Steel Versamount Roof Hatch

For replacement, our 36" X 30" Galvanized Steel Versamount Roof Hatch offers convenient installation and years of maintenance-free service. Call now to order!

www.bestaccessdoors.com

 

[danski0224]

Search for "roof hatch" or "roof escape hatch".

Bilco is one major manufacturer.

Plenty of options out there, unless you are looking to spend next to nothing.

 

[dogdog]

Search for "roof hatch" or "roof escape hatch".

Bilco is one major manufacturer.

Plenty of options out there, unless you are looking to spend next to nothing.

Yes I did search, definitely not close to $2k just for a hatch door... that I can latch from inside. Current one is wood and non-latching. was thinking of an upgrade. Not sure how I would have justify the cost.

 

[Adaylate]

Dogdog,
I built one out of 2x and plywood then took it to the sheet metal shop and had them wrap the top and sides with galv.
Mine didn't hinge, I just lifted it and slid it off to the side.
Good luck!

 

[dogdog]

Dogdog,
I built one out of 2x and plywood then took it to the sheet metal shop and had them wrap the top and sides with galv.
Mine didn't hinge, I just lifted it and slid it off to the side.
Good luck!

Yes, thanks for the reply... that is what I got right now. the problem is this is a semi attached house with flat roof and next door rentals are shady. was looking for a locking option but due to it's age and uneven lips (lol) I can't seems to get a good latching options... It's part of an fire escape I think, so I can't lock it with a pad lock and padlock hasp. I can make metal stick together.... just can't seems to find metal. and being this is residential/non-business, hard to justify $2k for this.

 

[danski0224]

Yes I did search, definitely not close to $2k just for a hatch door... that I can latch from inside. Current one is wood and non-latching. was thinking of an upgrade. Not sure how I would have justify the cost.

I saw some for $700.

Not sure what exactly you want, but I'd bet that unless you can build it yourself, it'll be hard to get under that number for a locking and gasketed door (hatch) assembly... if there is little value to your time.

A 48x96 sheet of 14 or 16 gauge steel by itself must be around $150 given current market conditions.

 

[dogdog]

Mine didn't hinge, I just lifted it and slid it off to the side.

@Adaylate
What kind of locking system you have on yours. mine just lift open no locking at all right now.

 

[dogdog]

if there is little value to your time.

yea, my time have no value right now.

 

[Adaylate]

dogdog,
I had 2 hasps with a twist latches on opposing sides . The hasps fastened to the underside of the lid and the vertical curb. There was a hole for a padlock but I never used one.

 

[dogdog]

dogdog,
I had 2 hasps with a twist latches on opposing sides . The hasps fastened to the underside of the lid and the vertical curb. There was a hole for a padlock but I never used one.

Ok thanks.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I had two stainless chimney caps made in Wilmington Ohio by “the old tin man” for around $350 each. They were 2’ x 4’. Same concept.

 

[dogdog]

$350 ? wow, I guess dependents on the stainless sheet used, they go for $$$$$... if you don't know the right person.

I dunno yet, I might tackle it found some 12 or 16 gauge sheet 2'x8' on Craigslist for $50/$60 each.. 3 sheet of 2x8 pieces should do the job.

Don't have any current friends that have a hatch or have picture to it, so can't wrap my head on those drawing too much.

Thinking about it for now. Thermal insulation I can use those bags of perlite and sodium silicate I have or the koawool in between the two sheets.. Not an issue.. just don't know how it looks like in my head, the mechanics of it fitting etc.. sort of a monkey see monkey do person.... Ultimately the cost will probably about the same by the time materials and knick knacks are factor in, I save about $500 from labor. Not sure yet...

in the mean time I went and ordered these similar latches from idea suggested by adaylate for now. Lets see how much enthuristic I get in this project...

Amazon.com

​

 

[metal1313]

You could make one out of wood, have it skinned with sheet metal and use cam latches to secure it tight against some sort of gasket material. Latches like these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TXMSJY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dogdog]

You could make one out of wood, have it skinned with sheet metal and use cam latches to secure it tight against some sort of gasket material. Latches like these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TXMSJY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That might be the plan for now... ordered those toggle lathes arriving next Thursday. Already have a roof hatch out of those pressure treated wood and painted skin with roof coat. just have to patch the large 12" hole I cut out for the vents. It had a solar vent installed but created too much negative pressure actually pulling heat into the building from the sky lights. That's a different issue. I have to patch hole and re-do the side.. might buy me longer time to get the materials. or find a plan or a model hatch.


In the mean time found an article on NFPA interpretation of locks on roof access... Not sure my local building code or fire code.

Decoded: Roof Access and Egress

This post was published in Doors & Hardware I continuously receive questions regarding roof doors - specifically

idighardware.com

 

[matt_i]

I would send cut send into a modified (+) shape, essentially you want a 5 sided box and invert it. (bend the tabs, weld the outside corners and then in business, reduce gage if using SS304.) Typical finger brakes for 16 ga can't bend deeper than a 4" flange.

I think I'd use a ratchet strap underneath it to secure it to something solid.

 

[rlitman]

... It's part of an fire escape I think, so I can't lock it with a pad lock and padlock hasp...

Escape to what? If it doesn't lead to the ground, it isn't a way out to safety, so feel free to lock it as much as you want.

 

[dogdog]

Escape to what? If it doesn't lead to the ground, it isn't a way out to safety, so feel free to lock it as much as you want.

That was the same interruption with NFPA article, but this is a semi attached house, you can escape to the neighbor's roof I guess, not entirely sure. I have to check with local FD's rules in this city. Its mob like operation.