At some point in any homeowner’s life, there comes a time when you need to venture onto your roof. It isn’t just as easy as grabbing a ladder and climbing up, though. There are many factors to take into consideration before you make the climb to ensure the safety of yourself and your home. Be aware, practice certain avoidance, and follow these tips to be safe on your way.
Slips
Few things are scarier or more embarrassing than falling off a roof. There can be many things to trip you up. Wet roofs are dangerous roofs. Try to avoid going up in the morning when the dew is still fresh or after it has been raining. Just because shingles are rugged and textured doesn’t mean that they aren’t also slippery. Another obstacle that you may come across is debris and leaves. It can be very easy to step on a patch of dead leaves and lose your footing. Be aware of where you are stepping. If there is a weak or rotted roof spot you don’t know about, you could easily fall through. That will not only cause roof damage, but you risk injury as well.
Clothing
One common mistake that many people make when getting on their roof is wearing improper clothing and footwear. Make sure your shoes have good tread on them. Do not wear flip flops, sandals, or really any type of open toe options. Your feet need to be able to safely grip the surface that you are walking on. Be aware of other articles of clothing that can get in your way. Pants that are too long, untied shoelaces, or even tight, restrictive clothing can all cause you to fumble and get tripped up.
Damage
Falling through your roof isn’t the only potential damage danger that you should be aware of. If you aren’t paying attention or wearing the correct footwear, you can end up tearing up the shingles you are walking on. That is just going to add more work to your plate. If you are working on a metal roof, you could end up scratching it as well. Those scratches can eventually lead to rust and further problems.
Be careful when climbing to do some roof work. If you are looking to repair or replace your roof and would like professional help instead, contact us today for assistance with all of your roofing needs.
