With today’s strict OSHA requirements safety for your metal building, roof hatches, curbs, and walkways is at the forefront of every company CEO’s mind. Rooftop access while imperative for commercial and industrial buildings, presents a host of issues to workers needing to safely access equipment and areas many stories above ground level. When it comes to steel accessories such as roof hatches, curbs, and walkways, it is important to know what to look for in terms of quality, performance and durability. At Design Components we have 40 years guiding the industry in the design, manufacturing and installation of these steel products, so who better to explain what to look for when needing a rooftop solution.

Roof Hatches

Most large commercial buildings require rooftop access to address HVAC and ventilation equipment. However these areas are some of the most dangerous to gain access to. When safe entry to the rooftop is needed from strategic areas of the building, roof hatches offer the ideal solution. Whether your HVAC unit needs maintenance or you need to comply with code, having a safe and durable roof hatch is essential to any metal building where crucial systems may be located on the rooftop.

At Design Components, our roof hatches are of a quality above industry standard, featuring the following specs:

• Compression Spring Operators
• One-Hand Operation
• Hold-Open Arm Lock
• EPDM Rubber Gaskets
• Insulated Cover and Curb
• Positive Latching Mechanism
• Heavy Gauge Construction for Building Security
• Offered in Steel or Aluminum

Roof Curbs

Because of the slanted and grooved surface of roofs, many mechanical units, such as an HVAC units, can’t be mounted directly to the roof without any safety protocols. Roof curbs are designed to support the weight of a rooftop unit while adding stability to the unit they support. Commercial buildings with steel or metal roofing that must support exhaust fans, HVAC units or mechanical housings will more than likely require a roof curb for safety and to meet building codes.

With 40 years in the business of roof curbs, Design Components has become the leader in the steel industry. Providing expertly engineered products that meet all standards for safety, durability, and reliability, our roof curbs: 

• Are made from 18 and 14 Galvalume or Galvanized Steed
• Are made from .080 and .063 Aluminum
• Have Standard 1-1/2” thick 3 lb. Density Fiberglass
• Retain Continuously Welded Seams
• Encompass Fully Welded Crickets (Water Diverters)
• Offer Building Panel High Ribs Available

Walkways

Between exposure to the elements, structural hazards and electrical cables, walking on rooftops can be one of the most hazardous job site conditions experienced workers. After transportation deaths, falls are the leading contributor to worker deaths according to the Department of Labor. In 2016, falls made up 384 of the 991 deaths that happened on job sites.

Design Components takes worker safety seriously and in doing so designed and engineered the premier rooftop walkway system in the world, METALWALK®. The METALWALK® rooftop walkway system and handrail products keep workers safe while accessing the roof as well as protect roofs from foot traffic damage that can lead to costly repair expenses.

With safety in mind, Design Components is the exclusive provider of METALWALK®, a product that features the following:

• Exceeds OSHA and IBC 2012 Code Requirements
• Does Not Penetrate SSR Panels
• Custom Painting Available
• Optional 4″ Toeboard Non-Skid Surface

Design Components has Your Customized Solution

When it comes to safety from above, Design Components continually strives to design, engineer and produce rooftop products that meet the safety needs of steel commercial buildings and the workers who depend on them.  With any building there are always unique and specific needs, that no one-size-fits-all remedy can deliver on. Celebrating 40 years in the industry, Design Components is the premium supplier of roof hatches, curbs, and walkways―including our exclusive METALWALK® products, a must-have for any steel building requiring safe rooftop access. To find out more about our solutions, call us today at (800) 868-9910 or contact us by email at sales@designcomponents.com.