Working on a roof presents two unavoidable risks: potential injury to those who are accessing the surface, and potential damage to the roof itself. Every rooftop is designed to protect the structure beneath, not to serve as a thoroughfare for foot traffic; so when personnel frequently walk across them to carry out roof inspections, maintenance, or installations, their safety and roof’s integrity may be compromised.
Roof walkway systems provide a designated, stable path across a rooftop, helping to significantly reduce the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls – while also preventing costly damage to roof materials. Here’s why our fixed walkway systems are quickly becoming the go-to choice for safe roof access…
The risks of uncontrolled roof access
Roofs are not designed to withstand regular foot traffic. Many roof surfaces are fragile, uneven, or slippery, which creates a clear hazard for anyone who is attempting to cross them. Without a dedicated access route, the following issues may occur:
- Slips and falls become more likely, as weather conditions like rain, ice, or moss growth can make a roof surface more dangerous
- Roof materials such as insulation, membranes, or metal sheets can be easily punctured or weakened if they’re walked on repeatedly
- Maintenance costs increase, as minor damage can quickly lead to leaks, energy inefficiency, or even structural issues
In short, uncontrolled roof access can compromise the health of both your workforce and your wallet.
What are roof walkway systems?
Roof walkway systems are purpose-built access solutions that are designed to provide safe and defined routes across rooftops. Typically manufactured from lightweight yet durable materials such as aluminium, they incorporate non-slip surfaces and are engineered to distribute weight evenly, preventing any damage to the roof beneath. Walkway systems can be tailored to suit flat or sloped roofs, and can also be integrated with guardrails or handrails for additional safety.
Walkway systems are suitable for almost any building where regular roof access is required. Common applications include:
- Data centres, where rooftop plant requires frequent maintenance
- Commercial buildings such as offices, warehouses, and retail spaces
- Industrial facilities with heavy rooftop equipment, ducts, or solar panels
- Educational or healthcare environments where consistent access for servicing is essential
Why install roof walkway systems?
Protect your workforce
A roof platform system creates a safe, non-slip walkway for your maintenance staff to use when they’re accessing equipment or navigating the rooftop – keeping them away from high-risk edges, skylights, or restricted zones. This helps to prevent accidents and gives your workers the confidence to move around safely.
Extend the lifespan of your roof
As well as keeping your staff safe, roof walkway systems help to reduce wear and tear on delicate membranes, fragile surfaces, and insulated panels by shielding them from repeated foot traffic. This minimises the risks of punctures and keeps your roof in service for longer.
Comply with regulations
Under The Work at Height Regulations 2005, you have a duty to provide your staff with safe roof access. A roof walkway system helps you comply with all the relevant UK health and safety standards, and demonstrates to auditors that you have taken proactive steps to protect your workers.
Reduce your maintenance costs
Although roof walkways may be more expensive to install upfront, they require minimal maintenance – meaning you don’t need to fork out on any costly repair work. You also don’t need to worry about losing money due to long periods of downtime.
How our roof walkway systems keep your people and your property safe
We supply a wide range of industry-leading fixed walkway systems that provide safe and permanent access routes across all types of rooftops. Manufactured from high-strength aluminium, our walkways are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and designed to deliver maximum grip in all weather conditions. All our systems are modular in design, meaning they can be specifically tailored to your exact site requirements.
Our range includes both standard and levelled walkway options, with the choice of single or double guardrails for additional fall protection. These can be easily installed on standing seam, R panel, membrane, and built-up roof systems. All our walkways have been tested to meet BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016 and BS EN 516 standards, and are supplied with a 10-year warranty for your peace of mind.
Explore our full range of fixed walkway systems and get ready to make your rooftop safer and sturdier.
