Roof Hatches Simplified
HVHZ Zones Approval
While certain jurisdictions may require roof hatches to comply with the Florida Building Code, including the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), changing weather patterns and record-breaking wind events make such compliance desirable in other areas as well. Roof hatches are available on the market to meet Florida Building Code requirements and assemblies must pass a series of tests to achieve a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from Miami-Dade County’s Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Board and Code Administration Division. Those tests include Air Infiltration Test, Uniform Static Air Pressure Test, Water Resistance Test, Large Missile Impact Test, and Cyclic Wind Pressure Test.CONCLUSION
Roof hatches are an important part of any commercial building and many residential properties, providing access to roof areas for a variety of purposes. Careful selection of a roof hatch, including its construction material, ease of operation, safety features, and any necessary options, will determine its service life and required maintenance.
Although roof hatches are convenient for personnel working on rooftops, they can create a hazard when left open and unattended. To ensure worker safety, it is crucial to understand OSHA regulations regarding fall protection and roof hatches. Specifying proper roof hatches and code-compliant safety equipment is paramount to making rooftop environments safe and comfortable workplaces.
Building codes also play a crucial role in construction projects, yet their lack of clarity can sometimes lead to confusion. To mitigate ambiguity, it could be beneficial for a subsection to be developed in the IBC, specifically addressing roof hatches. Until such a change occurs, treating roof hatches and skylights similarly in alignment with the prevailing expert consensus is a prudent approach during pre-construction planning.
With proper planning and specification by architects and builders, high-quality roof hatches bring safety, functionality, convenience, durability, and energy efficiency to a wide variety of building applications.
Kathy Price-Robinson writes about building and design. Her “Pardon Our Dust” remodeling series ran for 12 years in the Los Angeles Times. She specializes in writing about buildings that are durable and resilient to climate disruption and products and designs that provide shade in hot climates. www.kathyprice.com