When it comes to navigating rooftop obstacles such as piping, ductwork, conduit, or parapet walls safely and efficiently, crossover stair systems are essential. MIRO Industries offers both custom and prefabricated crossover options. Each option has its advantages depending on project needs, budget, and installation requirements. Let’s break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
Prefabricated Rooftop Crossovers
Overview: Prefabricated crossovers are standardized, modular systems designed for quick deployment. They come in a variety of preset sizes and configurations, allowing for easy selection and installation.
Advantages:
- Standardized Designs: Prefab crossover models have standardized designs and require minimal measurement dimensions. For example, prefab crossover models can be ordered based on desired clearance height and platform width and length.
- Quick Delivery & Installation: These crossovers are readily available off-the-shelf and ship faster than custom models.
- Easy Setup: Prefab crossover models are shipped unassembled and may be easily transported in small pieces to the roof in a service elevator. Once on the roof the prefab crossover models are designed for straightforward assembly, often requiring minimal tools and expertise.
Considerations:
- Limited Customization: Prefab crossover units come in fixed sizes and may not fit unique rooftop layouts and may not accommodate complicated roof obstacles.
- Footprint Constraints: If your rooftop space has specific footprint constraints, a prefabricated option may not be the best fit.
- Non-Engineered. Prefab crossover models are typically not attached to building structures or engineered to meet wind or seismic conditions.
Custom Rooftop Crossovers
Overview: Custom crossovers are tailored to meet unique or complicated rooftop requirements, accommodating various heights, widths, and obstructions.
Advantages:
- Precise Fit: Custom crossovers are designed to meet exact measurements or specifications, making them ideal for more complex rooftop layouts.
- Feature Customization: Custom crossovers include fully customizable features and add-ons to meet specific rooftop requirements.
- Enhanced Structural Support: Custom crossover models can be engineered and attached to building structures to meet high wind, seismic, or heavy-duty applications.
- Greater Versatility: If your site has irregular obstacles or non-standard clearance requirements, a custom design will ensure the best solution.
Considerations:
- Detailed Measurements: Custom crossover models will likely require more detailed measurements than off-the-shelf prefab models.
- Longer Lead Time: Design, engineering, and fabricating a custom crossover generally requires a longer lead time and some careful planning.
- Installation: Custom crossovers are generally shipped partially assembled on pallets in large sections which may require a rooftop crane to transport to the roof for setup.
Which One is Right for You?
- Choose a Prefabricated Crossover if you need a fast, easy-to-assemble crossover for simple rooftop obstacles.
- Opt for a Custom Crossover if your site has unique clearance requirements, irregular rooftop layouts, or requires additional engineering for wind, seismic, or other specific conditions.
Both prefab and custom crossover options make rooftop access easy and safe, spanning across pipes, ducts, expansion joints, and elevation changes, but the right choice depends on your project’s complexity and timeline. Assess your needs carefully to ensure you invest in the best solution for your facility.
Need more help? Contact a MIRO Industries representative to discuss your specific requirements today!
