One of the more positive aspects to come out of the recession is the advantage to businesses who, by looking up to find savings for the bottom line, are now utilising flat roofs on industrial and commercial buildings to locate such things as plant, motor and boiler rooms.
An increasing number of businesses are freeing up space within their premises by utilising the space afforded by flat roofs. This not only brings them financial and practical advantages but also often saves energy and adds value to their premises. Access is one of the main considerations of this move upwards and retractable loft ladders which, unlike fixed stairways, dont take up any floor space, are proving to be the most cost-effective and reliable access solution.
The preferred supplier of loft ladders is global specialist Premier Loft Ladders. This UK-based company offers the most extensive range of quality aluminium and wooden loft ladders available in the market, making it the number one choice of architects and designers throughout the construction industry
Premiers most popular ladder is the Supreme, a concertina-style aluminium ready to fit counter balance stairway which is built to individual requirements and offered with several options.
For flat roof access, the Supreme, which has a maximum floor to ceiling height up to 4600mm, is attached to a laminated wood trapdoor and lining together with an insulated weatherproof roof hatch..
The roof hatch has an all round rubber seal and is clad with zinc coated 1.5mm sheet steel. It would normally be supplied with a single seal at the top of the lining for when the roof hatch closes but is also available with a double seal to improve energy saving. The standard single seal under the top cover would allow up to 35mm of insulation around the outside of the hatchbox, whereas the double seal can allow anything between 80mm to 120mm.
A new feature is an upper cover which is electrically heated against snow and ice, with an adjustment between + 5°C and + 40°C.
Additional accessories offered with the Supreme include electrical operation, 30 or 90 minute fire resistant casings, vertical access, suspended ceiling application, top operating mechanism, insulated trapdoor, telescopic handrail and upper level guardrail.