Residential Access Platform

[SkiisAndBikes]

I am looking for possible solutions to gain access to the interior of a rooftop light well/belvedere. The belvedere opening is approximately 25'-0" long and 8'-0" wide (see attached file). The reason for access would be future window washing of the upper windows.

I have already considered various options, including working from ground level, lifts, ladders, etc.. and none are practical. The area directly underneath the belvedere is partially main floor space and partially a large stairwell opening. It is approximately 35' from main floor level to the upper belvedere windows and at the limit of ladder work, in the areas that are even accessible by ladder.

We have access to the side of the belvedere from the upper level and/or attic. I am thinking that some form of moveable/slideable type of platform, with all the proper fall protection, might be a possible solution, i.e. a 3'-0" x 8'-0" moveable platform that can slide along some form of rails anchored to the walls of the belvedere.

My question is, does anyone know of any type of moveable platform type system that might be suitable or any other ideas. I am trying not to reinvent the wheel, but haven't been able to find any suppliers with anything comparable.

 

[Teguci]

I would think that temporary scaffolding would be the most appropriate. Provide ledges to support the scaffolding (2x12 OSHA rated lumber or aluminum bleacher seats should work for 8 ft). The other thing I'd look at doing is a horizontal lifeline to tie on to while working at height (single line overhead with self retractors rated for two people).

The main problem with a moveable platform is providing for egress when you move the platform away from the ladder.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

One person man-lift - can be rented anywhere

 

[SkiisAndBikes]

Mike, I've looked at one person man-lifts. Maximum working height is about 10 ft. short of what I need (35' to 40' would be required) and they only go vertically. Over 50% of the opening is above staircases or stair openings on the main floor. Anything heavier, like an articulated boom can't be supported on the 40 psf floor, not to mention access through a 36" wide doorway.

Teguci, I definitely agree that some form of fall restraint must be incorporated into the design. I am thinking towards installing permanent 'ledges' that can be scaffolded temporarily when needed.

 

[msquared48]

Thinking out of the box, literally on the roof, is there a way that the window system could be modified to allow the interior of the windows to be cleaned from the outside, on the roof?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[SkiisAndBikes]

msquared, yes this is definitely a thinking outside the box project. I have been called in after the house has been framed ... designed by others ... and everyone is standing on the ground floor looking up with puzzled expressions. I am going to make inquiries re exterior access. It will be a challenge with a 10/12 pitched roof and fixed windows which are already installed. Would have to swap the windows out but any interior platform type option is also looking very expensive.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

How did they put the windows in??

 

[SkiisAndBikes]

MiketheEngineer, windows were put in with construction scaffolding, on plywood floor. It's possible, however, quite a lot of work/cost erecting scaffolding with two different floor elevations, stairs and stair openings every 3 to 4 months to spend 20-30 minutes cleaning windows.

 

[chicopee]

A lesson to be learned from your post is that forsight is better than hindsight.
About two 35' field made ladders ( if none are commercially available) with 2 or 3 walking planks spanning the two ladders at levels needed to clean the windows-- Secure the bottm of the ladders against slippage. A bit danger though but not for a mountain climber.