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Sloped roofs can be tricky to navigate, particularly when routine maintenance or inspections are involved. Uneven surfaces, weather exposure, and the angle of the pitch all increase the risk to workers carrying out routine maintenance, inspections, or installations. That’s where the Kee Walk® system comes in. It offers a safe, secure, and fully compliant roof walkway that makes sloped roof access straightforward and reliable.
Why Sloped Roof Access Needs Specialist Solutions
Not all roofing systems are created equal. From flat roof structures to high-pitch barrel roofs, each type presents its own hazards. Sloped roof access is particularly risky due to instability underfoot and the potential for slips, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Without the right access solution in place, routine tasks such as servicing roof hatches, checking roof access hatches, or maintaining equipment like roof windows, ladders, or rooflights can pose serious risks. That’s why it’s essential to install a system that supports safe movement, protects the roofing material, and reduces the potential for injury.
What Makes Kee Walk® Ideal for Sloped Roof Access?
The Kee Walk® system is specifically designed to meet the needs of sloped and uneven roofs. It provides a clearly defined, slip-resistant roof walkway that allows workers to move safely and confidently across the surface.
Key benefits include:
Adaptability to Pitch: Kee Walk® is suitable for roof pitches up to 35°, with rotating cam arms that adjust to match the roof’s slope. This ensures a consistent step height and stable access pathway. This is critical for maintaining user safety during inspection or maintenance tasks.
Modular Design: The system is manufactured in pre-assembled sections and supplied in 1.5 or 3 metre lengths, making it easy to install with minimal disruption to the roof or building operations.
Non-Penetrative Options: Kee Walk® can be installed freestanding or fixed, with options that do not penetrate the roof membrane. This protects the roof from leaks or structural damage, preserving both the roofing material and the building’s insulation performance.
Slip Resistance and Drainage: Made from glass-reinforced nylon, the open tread design allows for water drainage while offering excellent grip underfoot, even in adverse weather.
Collective Protection Compatibility: Where additional safety is required, Kee Walk® can be combined with Kee Guard® guardrails to provide collective fall protection. This reduces the need for personal safety equipment like harnesses.
Integrating Kee Walk® with Other Access Points
Access hatches, roof access hatches, and even roof windows are often located on pitched surfaces. Incorporating a Kee Walk® roof walkway into these areas ensures that workers can safely approach and use access hatches and ladders without standing on fragile or slippery areas.
Kee Walk® walkways ensure a secure path to such critical access points, whether for ventilation systems, rooftop plant maintenance, or daylight entry via rooflights.
Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Kee Walk® systems are constructed using high-quality, durable materials such as aluminium and glass-reinforced nylon. These materials are not only corrosion-resistant but also maintain structural integrity under constant use and exposure to the elements. Optional powder coating is available for added durability or to blend with the building’s aesthetics.
This robust construction translates into a long-lasting solution that requires minimal ongoing maintenance. It also offers excellent value when compared with bespoke walkway systems or heavier installations.
Practical Applications for Sloped Roofs
Kee Walk® is especially useful in projects where roof access is required regularly. For example:
- Buildings with rooftop HVAC systems
- Schools and universities with pitched roofing
- Commercial units requiring access to roof access hatches or inspection points
- Warehouses with sloped metal roofs and ongoing maintenance needs
The system is designed to be installed quickly and securely. This ensures your site remains compliant with safety regulations while supporting efficient working at height.
Summary: Why Kee Walk® is a Smart Choice
Sloped roof access doesn’t need to be complicated or risky. Kee Walk® provides a safe, easy-to-install, and cost-effective roof walkway solution that protects both people and property. It ensures your workers have a secure means of access, while also reducing wear and tear on valuable roof surfaces.
If you’re looking for a complete system to improve rooftop safety, including support for access hatches, safe ladder points, and roof maintenance routes, Kee Walk® offers a fully compliant and trusted solution.
Need advice for your project?
Contact Harcon today for further details, technical specifications, or to book a site review. Our team will help you find the best solution for your roof shape, materials, and access requirements.
Sloped Roof Access FAQs
1. Can Kee Walk® be installed alongside a roof access hatch on a sloped roof?
Yes, Kee Walk® can be easily integrated with a roof access hatch on sloped surfaces. It provides a stable, slip-resistant walkway that leads directly to the hatch, ensuring secure roof access for maintenance or emergency use. This setup reduces risk and improves compliance with height safety standards.
2. What are the main risks associated with climbing on a sloped roof without a walkway system?
Accessing a sloped roof without a dedicated roof walkway system increases the chance of slips, falls, and damage to the roofing material. The risk is especially high in wet or icy weather. Walkways like Kee Walk® offer secure footing and clear routes, reducing hazards significantly.
3. Do I need to carry out inspections on walkway systems installed on sloped roofs?
Yes. Regular inspection of any walkway system, including those installed on sloped roofs, is essential to ensure continued safety and performance. Over time, even durable materials can show wear. Scheduled inspections help you remain compliant and maintain a safe working environment.
4. How does Kee Walk® help protect daylighting features like roof windows or skylights?
By guiding foot traffic away from fragile surfaces such as roof windows or skylights, Kee Walk® helps prevent accidental damage. If daylight entry is part of your roof design, adding a roof walkway ensures that access and maintenance tasks can be performed without risking these features.
5. Is Kee Walk® suitable for all shapes and roof types, including pitched and curved roofs?
Yes. The modular design of Kee Walk® allows it to be adapted for a wide range of roof shapes, including pitched and barrel roofs. It is supplied in various lengths and can be customised to follow the contours of your roof, providing safe access where it’s needed most.
6. Can access hatches on sloped roofs be made safer with Kee Walk®?
Absolutely. Access hatches positioned on sloped roofs can be hazardous without a secure approach route. Kee Walk® provides a safe, designated path to access hatches, often combined with ladders or guardrails to ensure safe transition on and off the roof. This is especially valuable when working near the opening edge.
For more information on industry best practices and additional safety resources, visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.