How roof walkway systems provide safe and efficient roof access

Did you know that almost 20% of deaths in construction involve roof work? Whether you need to access rooftops for routine repair work or solar panel installation, being able to complete the job safely and efficiently is of utmost importance. Roof walkway systems offer a practical roof access solution, enabling maintenance personnel to work at height in a safe and secure manner.

In this blog, we explore the different types of roof walkway systems, and share some top tips on how to choose the right system for your project.

What are roof walkway systems?

Roof walkway systems provide a designated, safe access route across rooftops. They are especially valuable in commercial and industrial settings, where regular maintenance tasks require workers to navigate potentially hazardous roof surfaces. Rooftop walkway systems are commonly used by the following industries:

Construction – accessing and maintaining building structures during construction
Manufacturing – accessing rooftop equipment like ventilation fans, air handling units, and cooling towers
Commercial real estate – maintaining rooftop HVAC systems, lighting fixtures, and building management systems in large commercial buildings
Telecommunications – accessing and maintaining rooftop antenna systems
Utilities – installing solar panels or accessing power lines, transformers, and other electrical equipment on rooftops
General roof repairs and cleaning

Rooftop walkways are typically made from durable materials like GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), aluminium, or galvanised steel. These materials provide a non-slip surface that protects workers from slips, trips, and falls, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Types of roof walkway systems

Flat roof walkway systems

Flat roof walkway systems are specifically designed for buildings with low-slope or flat roofs. They are typically used on offices, warehouses, schools, hospitals, and any other commercial or public buildings with flat rooftops. Flat roof walkway systems ensure a secure, stable surface for staff working at height, helping to prevent unnecessary damage to roofs whilst reducing slip hazards.

Our sister brand, Katt Safety, provides modular designed, fixed walkway systems that provide safe access routes for workers on flat roofs. They are manufactured with safety and durability in mind, and have clear demarcation routes available when conducting height-related tasks.

Metal roof walkway systems

Sloped or corrugated metal roofs require specialist metal roof walkway systems. These systems are commonly found on the rooftops of industrial warehouses, factories, agricultural storage facilities, distribution centres, and logistics hubs. They help to provide a safe, level walking surface when working at height – without this, workers are at risk of damaging roof panels or losing their footing on steep inclines.

Katt Safety’s fixed walkway systems can also be used on sloped or corrugated roofs. These systems provide a strong, durable walkway that protects even the most fragile metal rooftops.

Roof guardrail systems

Often used in addition to walkways, roof guardrail systems provide protection from falls by creating a secure barrier around roof edges. These systems are commonly installed on buildings that receive high rooftop traffic.

At Ezi Klamp, we offer non-penetrating roof guardrail systems that are specifically designed and tested to ensure a safe working environment for maintenance personnel working on rooftops. You can read more about our freestanding roof guardrail systems in our dedicated blog post.

The key benefits of roof walkway systems

Roof access walkway systems offer a wide range of benefits, including:

Enhanced safety – the anti-slip surface reduces the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls
Roof protection – ensures even distribution of weight across the rooftop, helping to protect your roof from wear and tear
Durability – roof walkway systems are specifically designed to withstand harsh weather and heavy foot traffic
Regulatory compliance – helps businesses to meet safety standards, including HSE guidelines
Customisation options – these modular systems allow for bespoke configurations to suit different roof types

How to choose the right walkway system for your roof

Investing in the right walkway system will help to protect your workforce and extend the lifespan of your roof. There are several factors to consider when selecting the right roof walkway system for your specific needs, such as:

Roof type

Firstly, you’ll need to consider the type of roof on your building. Flat roofs, sloped roofs, and corrugated metal roofs each require different walkway designs to ensure maximum stability and protection. Load capacity is another important factor, as the system needs to be strong enough to support the weight of workers and their equipment.

Material

Material selection is another key consideration. GRP, aluminium, and steel are the most commonly used materials for roof walkway systems, with each offering a unique set of benefits. For example, GRP is lightweight and offers excellent slip resistance, whereas galvanised steel is renowned for its durability and load-bearing capabilities. You can learn more about the advantages of GRP in our blog post.

Safety features

Safety features should never be overlooked. Choose roof walkway systems that include non-slip surfaces and integrated guardrails and handrails for added fall protection. You’ll also need to make sure your systems comply with relevant safety regulations, such as those set out by the HSE.

Installation

Finally, you should look for systems that are easy to install. Modular and prefabricated systems are extremely flexible and can be adjusted or relocated as needed. This ensures minimal disruption to your business’ operations and allows for future adaptability if your roof layouts or access needs change.

If your rooftop consists of a more complex structure, Ezi Klamp also offers a complete installation package to help get your roof walkway system up and running with ease.

Why partner with Ezi Klamp for your roof walkway systems?

Working together as one team, Ezi Klamp and Katt Safety supply high quality roof walkway and guardrail systems that meet strict industry standards. All our products are designed with durability in mind, guaranteeing optimal safety and efficiency for your rooftop access. From the initial consultation to the final installation, our experienced professionals will work with you to provide an effective roof safety solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing structure.

Get in touch with our expert team today to discuss your roof access needs.