The safety and accessibility of rooftops can not be overlooked. A robust roof walkway system serves a dual purpose: it provides a secure passage for workers while operating on rooftop and it also safeguards the building's valuable roof membrane. Unprotected roof access carries inherent risks that can lead to significant problems and unexpected costs. However, advanced materials like fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) offer a superior, long-lasting solution.
This blog post will explore how high-performance roof walkway systems enhance safety for your workforce, preserve your building investments, and contribute to efficient rooftop operations.
Operating on rooftops without a dedicated roof walkway system presents a range of challenges and potential hazards. Personnel face increased risks of slips, trips, and falls on uneven, wet, icy, or debris-laden surfaces. These dangers contribute to workplace incidents that can result in injuries and lost productivity. In 2023, there were 421 fatal falls to a lower level out of 1,075 construction fatalities (according to OSHA). Therefore, falls remain a leading cause of fatalities in construction, underscoring the critical need for robust fall prevention measures on rooftops.
Beyond worker safety, repeated foot traffic, dropped tools, and the movement of equipment can lead to punctures, tears, or compression of the roof membrane. This damage compromises the roof's waterproofing integrity, potentially leading to costly leaks and premature roof replacement. Such incidents also increase liability exposure for facility owners. Furthermore, without a clear, safe path, maintenance teams may find it difficult to efficiently access critical rooftop equipment like HVAC units, solar panels, or communication systems, leading to inefficiencies and prolonged maintenance times.
Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) is uniquely suited for the demanding conditions found on rooftops, making it an optimal material for a resilient roof walkway matting. A key advantage is its non-penetrating installation. FRP systems can be engineered for secure, non-invasive attachment, eliminating the risk of damaging the roof membrane during installation or use.
FRP is highly resistant to UV degradation, chemical exposure (from pollutants or cleaning agents), and extreme temperature fluctuations, ensuring a long and reliable service life. This material is also significantly lightweight; its high strength-to-weight ratio simplifies transport and installation, reducing labor costs and placing minimal additional load on the existing roof structure.
At the University of Waterloo, the Plant Operations team needed a safe access area for maintaining new fume hood exhaust units on their biology buildings' roof. Faced with fluctuating seasonal weather, they required a highly visible, safe, and non-slip working area for staff year-round. Fibergrate delivered a low-maintenance, slip-resistant platform using Corvex® molded grating. This project highlights FRP's ability to provide durable, year-round rooftop access for essential equipment maintenance, even in challenging climates.
Similarly, a Federal Building in Portland, Oregon, required roof walkways between recently installed rooftop solar panels for maintenance access. The main concerns were worker safety (electrically non-conductive and slip-resistant surfaces were needed), material longevity (corrosion-resistant to saltwater air and chemicals), and ease of maintenance (lightweight for easy panel removal). Fibergrate's Corvex square mesh molded grating with a grit surface proved ideal. Its non-conductivity was vital near the electrical panels, and its lightweight nature allowed for easy removal to access the panels beneath. This demonstrated FRP’s ability to offer enduring, safe, and practical walkways on sensitive rooftops exposed to varied weather and corrosive elements, reducing long-term upkeep.
Fibergrate stands as a leading provider of high-quality FRP solutions for roof walkway applications. Our extensive engineering expertise and design capabilities enable us to create customized, high-performance roof walkway systems tailored to your specific needs.
We encourage facility managers, building owners, and contractors to contact Fibergrate to discuss their roof walkway needs. Investing in Fibergrate's FRP roof walkway solutions means choosing lasting performance, enhanced safety, and peace of mind for your people and your property.