Access hatches are used to give simple and speedy access to a roof. Conveniently, they also function as a rooflight, with either a polycarbonate dome or flat glass design making the building lighter by maximising natural light. If the access hatch is somewhere like a dark corridor, this can be very useful – making this kind of space brighter is not just good for aesthetic reasons, it can also make it easier to see, improving safety and reducing electricity usage.

Access hatches are primarily functional though, rather than aesthetic. They are generally installed so that businesses can ensure easy access to the roof as a function of the building itself. They can be used by stairways and with ladders too, providing easy access to the roof if it needs to be examined, repaired, or if it holds items or machinery such as air conditioning systems or solar panels that may need occasional cleaning or maintenance.