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Our extensive product category offers a wide range of high-quality roof hatches designed to enhance accessibility and functionality in various settings. Featuring Coxdome, Brett Martin, and Surespan, our roof hatches are manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring durability, exceptional performance, and reliability. Whether you need a roof hatch for maintenance purposes, emergency escape routes, or daylight and ventilation solutions, our versatile hatches cater to diverse applications. Experience the convenience and reliability of our roof hatches and elevate your access solutions with Addlite.
That annual gutter clean. Emergency roof repairs. Solar panel maintenance. Every time, it’s the same dangerous dance – dodging ladders, risking life and limb just to reach your flat roof.
You’ve seen the accident statistics. One wrong foot placement, one moment of lost balance. Yet what choice do you have when roof access means external ladders and crossed fingers?
Transform risk into routine with proper roof hatches. From our budget-friendly Coxdome Access Hatch (£469) to premium glazed options that double as skylights (£2,970), we provide safe, permanent access solutions. No more ladder acrobatics. Just open, climb, done.
Building regs compliant. Insurance approved. Your spine will thank you.
Forget everything you think you know about roof access. Modern roof access hatches aren’t just holes with lids – they’re sophisticated engineering that transforms dangerous climbs into safe and easy access.
At their core, access hatches combine robust construction with clever operation. Gas spring mechanisms do the heavy lifting – literally. Push up, and the hatch glides open smoothly. No wrestling with weight, no propping with sticks. The gas struts hold everything at the perfect opening angle whilst you climb through.
Our Coxdome range showcases this perfectly:
Compression locks release with a quarter turn
Hinges rated for 20,000+ operations
Automatic hold-open at 80-90 degrees
Controlled closing prevents slamming
This means convenient roof access for checking air conditioning units, maintaining ventilation systems, or inspecting water drainage systems – all without the ladder lottery.
Every hatch prioritises safe access through thoughtful design. The frames include internal steps or grab rails. Non-slip surfaces prevent accidents in wet conditions. Locking mechanisms secure from both sides – keeping intruders out whilst allowing emergency egress if needed.
Load-bearing capacity matters too. Our Surespan roof hatches support 150kg minimum – that’s you plus tools, with margin to spare. The powder coating on frames isn’t just aesthetic – it provides grip even when wet.
Smart hatches multitask. Our glazed options bring daylight into the space below whilst providing direct access onto the roof. The polycarbonate glazing versions offer:
Natural light transmission
Thermal insulation reduces heat transfer
Sound reduction from rain noise
UV protection prevents degradation
This dual functionality makes them perfect for loft conversions where roof space needs both access and illumination.
British weather demands serious weatherproofing. Every hatch features:
EPDM compression seals all around
Raised curb mounting prevents water ingress
Internal guttering channelling any moisture away
Insulated lids maintain energy efficiency
The result? Year-round reliable performance. No leaks during downpours. No drafts in winter. No condensation problems. Just convenient access whenever needed.
These aren’t afterthoughts – they’re designed as integral roof access products. Standard sizes fit common openings. Retrofit options like our Surespan range slot into existing apertures. New-build models arrive with comprehensive flashing kits for seamless integration.
The operation stays simple regardless of complexity. Whether manual or electric, fixed ladder or ship’s ladder access, the principle remains: making roof access safe, legal, and stress-free.
The benefits include:
Thermally broken hatches drastically reduce heat transfer, boosting energy efficiency and helping to comply with UK Part L regulations. Unlike old-style hatches that leak heat like sieves, modern units maintain your building’s thermal envelope. Lower heating bills, better comfort, and full compliance – the trifecta of smart building management.
Hatches can be supplied in bespoke sizes for optimal fit in various applications. No more compromising with “nearly right” standard sizes. Access panels and hatches can be customized with powder coatings in various RAL colours, ensuring seamless integration with your building’s aesthetics. From heritage green to contemporary grey, your hatch blends perfectly.
Roof access hatches can include additional features such as electronic control systems connected to sensors. Link to building management systems, add proximity alarms, or integrate with access control. Modern hatches do more than just open and close – they’re part of your intelligent building infrastructure.
A well-fitted roof access hatch requires professional installation and must be securely weathered into the roof membrane system to prevent leaks. Proper installation ensures decades of trouble-free operation, maintaining warranties and satisfying insurers. The investment in professional fitting pays dividends through reliability.
Property Managers: Regular maintenance access without liability nightmares. Professional installation ensures compliance with health and safety requirements whilst thermally efficient designs keep energy costs down.
Homeowners with Flat Roofs: Stop risking ladder falls for simple gutter cleaning. Bespoke sizing means even awkward roof spaces get safe access. Perfect for reaching solar panels, satellite dishes, or roof gardens.
Building Developers: Meet Part L regulations with thermally broken options whilst adding value through safe access provision. Custom RAL colours maintain architectural vision without compromise.
Facilities Teams: Electronic control systems streamline access management. Track usage, restrict unauthorised entry, and integrate with existing building management systems for complete control.
Anyone Needing Roof Access: If you’re accessing your roof more than once a year, you need a proper hatch. The safety benefits alone justify the investment, whilst energy efficiency and weather protection are valuable bonuses.
Not every project needs the same solution. The UK market demands versatility, and modern roof hatches deliver exactly that. Let’s explore where each type excels.
Office blocks and retail spaces need regular access for HVAC maintenance, window cleaning, and aerial repairs. Here, smooth operation matters most. Maintenance teams using hatches for frequent use appreciate our gas-assisted opening – no strain, no struggle, just efficient access.
Key requirements:
Heavy-duty construction meeting HSE guidelines
U values below 1.4 to minimise heat loss
RAL colour matching for aesthetic integration
Lockable in open position for extended work
Our Surespan commercial range addresses these needs with reinforced frames tested to the highest quality standards.
Loft conversions create valuable living space but still need roof access. Our glazed hatches pull double duty – providing emergency escape routes whilst flooding rooms with natural light. The compact design means minimal intrusion into living areas.
Perfect for:
Velux window cleaning access
Gutter maintenance without external ladders
Solar panel servicing safely from inside
Building regs compliance for means of escape
Factories and warehouses demand robust solutions. With machinery requiring rooftop installation and regular servicing, these hatches see serious use. Lead times matter here – our stock items deliver within 48 hours, keeping projects on schedule.
Industrial specifications include:
1500mm+ openings for equipment access
Reinforced hinges for unlimited operations
Security features preventing unauthorised access
Weatherproofing for 24/7 reliability
Schools and universities balance access needs with safety concerns. Hatches here must restrict student access whilst allowing maintenance teams convenient entry. Our solutions include:
Tamper-proof locks requiring special keys
Alarm integration options
Internal ladder systems meeting all regulations
Clear safety signage included
Older buildings often lack proper roof access, relying on dangerous external ladders. Our retrofit range transforms existing openings into compliant access points. The Surespan Retrofit model adjusts to various aperture sizes, reducing installation complexity.
Benefits include:
No structural modifications needed
Improved thermal performance versus old hatches
Quick installation – typically half a day
Immediate safety improvement
Whether replacing life-expired units or upgrading basic openings, retrofitting proper hatches eliminates access hazards whilst improving building performance.
Getting the installation right means the difference between decades of reliable service and recurring problems. Here’s what actually matters.
Before cutting anything:
Verify opening dimensions – measure the clear opening, not the frame
Check roof structure – hatches need solid support on all sides
Plan internal access – where will the ladder go?
Consider services – avoid cutting through cables or pipes
Mark everything clearly. Once you’ve cut, there’s no going back.
Step 1: Weatherproofing First
Install the curb adapter before the hatch. This raised edge creates your first defence against water ingress. Minimum 150mm height is standard, but go higher in exposed locations.
Step 2: Frame Positioning
Level is non-negotiable. Even slight angles affect operation and weather sealing. Use packers if needed – never rely on sealant to fill gaps.
Step 3: Fixing Points
Follow the manufacturer’s patterns exactly. Under-fixing causes flex and leaks. Over-fixing distorts frames. Most require fixings at 300mm centres maximum.
Rushing the roof covering: Proper flashing takes time. Layer correctly with cover flashings overlapping underlays by 150mm minimum
Ignoring thermal bridging: Use insulated curbs or thermal breaks to prevent condensation
Forgetting about drainage: Ensure water runs away from the hatch, not towards it
Skipping commissioning: Test operation multiple times. Adjust gas struts if needed
While DIY is possible, professional installation ensures:
Warranty validity
Insurance compliance
Building control sign-off
Proper certification
Most installers complete standard hatches in 4-6 hours. Complex glazed units might take a full day.
A roof hatch is a hinged opening providing safe internal access to flat roofs. Unlike climbing external ladders, you access through ceiling-mounted hatches via fixed stairs or ladders. They’re essential for maintenance, emergency escape, and meeting building regulations for safe roof access.
Basic roof hatches start around £469 for our Coxdome range. Standard commercial units run £775-£1,135. Premium glazed versions combining access with natural light reach £2,970. Prices depend on size, specification, and features like gas-assisted opening.
Main types include: Access-only hatches (basic opening), glazed hatches (access plus daylight), fire-rated hatches (emergency escape), security hatches (restricted access), and thermally broken hatches (high insulation). Each serves different building requirements and budgets.
UK roof hatches must meet BS EN 14351-1 for performance characteristics. Key requirements: weathertightness, air permeability, wind resistance, thermal performance (U-values typically 1.4 W/m²K or better), and mechanical strength. CE marking confirms compliance.
Building Regulations Part K requires safe access to roofs for maintenance. Hatches must provide a minimum 600mm x 600mm clear opening (larger for frequent use). Fixed ladders need 1100mm minimum headroom. Emergency escape hatches follow different rules under Part B.
Professional installation typically costs £400-£800, depending on complexity. Simple drop-in replacements take 3-4 hours (£400). New openings requiring structural work and weatherproofing run higher (£600-£800). Always get fixed quotes including materials.
Minimum 600mm x 600mm clear opening for occasional access. Frequent use requires 700mm x 900mm. Internal clearance needs 2m headroom minimum. Externally, maintain a 900mm edge distance from the roof perimeter for safety barriers.
Only if serving as emergency escape routes. Standard maintenance hatches don’t require a fire rating. However, hatches forming part of the means of escape need 30-minute fire resistance. Loft conversion escape hatches always need an appropriate fire rating – check with Building Control.
Our team is always here to help. Whether you have questions about our products or would like to request a quote, we’re happy to assist you in any way we can.
Our team is always here to help. Whether you have questions about our products or would like to request a quote, we’re happy to assist you in any way we can.
