Roof hatch with scissor stair: decision guide for the right roof access

A roof hatch with scissor stair is a commonly used solution for safe roof access in buildings where regular maintenance takes place, such as HVAC systems, solar installations, window cleaning systems or telecommunications installations.

But which version is best suited for your project? With this decision guide, you can quickly make the right choice from the Gorter® roof hatch with scissor stair combinations.

When should you choose a roof hatch with scissor stair?

A roof hatch with scissor stair is particularly suitable when: 

• The roof needs to be accessed regularly
• The space under the roof hatch needs to remain clear
• A fixed staircase cannot be installed

When folded, the scissor stair is compactly stored in the ceiling, while when unfolded it provides safe and comfortable access to the roof.

Which roof hatch size with scissor stair do you need?

The selection starts with the correct clear opening and application.

Roof hatch 700 × 1000 mm – compact
Compact roof access for small spaces with occasional use, suitable for ceiling heights up to a maximum of 3000 mm.

Roof hatch 700 × 1400 mm – standard maintenance access
Suitable for regular roof access and carrying maintenance materials.

Available with:

• Standard scissor stair
• Electric scissor stair
• Fire-resistant scissor stair (EI60)

Roof hatch 1000 × 1500 mm – spacious roof access, also for lift machine rooms
For transporting larger materials to the roof or technical rooms. Due to its dimensions, this version is suitable for lift machine rooms and is certified according to EN-ISO 14122-3.

Here you can find an overview of all roof access options with scissor stair.

What is the ceiling height of your building?

Gorter scissor stairs are available for different ceiling heights:

• Ceiling height up to 3000 mm
• Ceiling height up to 3500 mm (Type H)

If the ceiling height is lower, the scissor stair can be shortened by removing scissor segments without loss of stability or safety.

Roof hatch with scissor stair and suspended ceiling (plenum)

In many buildings, there is a plenum space above the suspended ceiling. This space must be bridged safely. With special plenum steps, a plenum space of 250 to 750 mm can be safely bridged. For larger plenum heights, the integrated RHTS roof access solution described below is the best choice.

Integrated solution: roof hatch with integrated scissor stair

For projects where a fully integrated solution is required, there is the RHTS roof hatch with integrated scissor stair. In this system, the roof hatch, scissor stair and plenum bridging form one unit. This simplifies installation and only one roof access element needs to be considered in the design.

Advantages:

• Faster installation
• Compact solution
• Always the correct dimensions

This solution is available for ceiling heights up to 3000 mm and 3500 mm.

Summary: Which roof hatch with scissor stair should you choose?

Additional help choosing a roof hatch with scissor stair?

Would you like to know which roof hatch best suits your project? Contact us for advice or view the complete overview of roof hatches with scissor stair and other access solutions.