Walk This Way

by Jonathan McGaha | 2 February 2014 12:00 am

Choosing the right rooftop walkway system

When it comes to rooftops, even a flat surface can present a range of challenges. Whether it’s due to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC), piping or cable trays, these vast surfaces often include several obstacles that can make the simple task of getting equipment or personnel from point A to point B a challenge. That’s why several manufacturers offer rooftop walkway systems as a solution to bridge these gaps and help improve safety and efficiency.

Today, many options are available, ranging from a custom system that is designed to meet the needs of a specific application to stairway systems that can help users safely go over top of existing equipment. And while all options allow users to effectively navigate rooftop obstacles, it’s important to understand what products and services are available to help keep overall project costs at bay.

Grating considerations

Simply put, a rooftop walkway system helps extend the life of a commercial or industrial rooftop while providing a safe pathway to roof mounted equipment. While system types may vary by manufacturer, most offer a range of traction levels and grating types to help keep equipment and personnel safe.

When specifying a solution, it’s important to first get a better understanding of what the system will need to accomplish and what type of conditions will be present. For instance, if it’s simply used to navigate over obstacles in typical weather conditions, then choosing a standard grating platform will most likely get the job done.

However, if debris or severe weather conditions may factor into the project, choosing a solution with additional tread or a self-cleaning pattern might make more sense. For these situations, manufacturers, like Highland, Ill.-based Eaton’s B-Line business, offer a range of solutions with features available to improve slip resistance and overall traction on the walkway surface.

Beyond project conditions, it’s also important to understand exactly how far these walkways will need to stretch. While most rooftop systems typically involve crossing over certain sections of piping, HVAC or cable trays, some may require additional lengths to clear larger obstacles. For these longer applications, manufacturers are now able to offer products in spans of up to 24 feet. Often, these longer spans not only help satisfy project needs, but also provide time- and labor-saving benefits. For example, GRIP STRUT products from Eaton’s B-Line business include an integrated toe board design for easy in-field connecting. For the installer, that means eliminating the combination of shop and field fabrications, saving both time and overall project cost.

Custom and modular systems

Knowing that all rooftops are not created equal, what may work in one situation may not be the best fit for another. In certain instances, that may mean choosing a custom system to be installed. If that is the case, it’s best to partner with a manufacturer that can offer more than just a specific product or solution. Instead, look for those that offer take-off, engineering and estimating services, technical consultations, and even the ability to develop submittal drawing packages. These services will not only help ensure the right product is specified, but will also make sure local and national A rooftop walkway system can extend the life of a commercial or industrial rooftop while providing a safe pathway to roof mounted equipment. building codes are taken into consideration. When a custom solution isn’t needed, many end users are turning to modular solutions.

Available for several configurations and needs, modular systems or kits serve as a one-stop shop of sorts, combining necessary components and hardware together in one bill of materials. Not only do these systems simplify the specification process, they can also serve as a way to keep the overall project cost in check. These turnkey solutions are often available in multiple configurations with a wide range of accessories available to support several requirements.

Although there are many options and considerations to take into account when choosing a rooftop walkway system, understanding specific needs will not only allow for a seamless process, but also the possibility of cost and labor savings.

Boyd Niesen is product manager at Highland, Ill.-based Eaton’s B-Line business. For more information, visit www.cooperbline.[1]

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