How To Make An Icy Roof Safe To Walk On

The steeper the metal roof the more you ll need to lean over.

How to make an icy roof safe to walk on.

It s something that seems like it should be so simple and yet presents so many risks. Walking on your roof. Your roof seems like it should be strong after all it needs to be able to withstand massive gusts of wind pelting from hail dosing in rain that can add hundreds of pounds of weight and so much more. Take slow short steps take the time to plant your feet securely with each deliberate step.

If you have proper shoes cougar paws for instance you can walk a 7 12 and very carefully walk 8 12 i ve seen roofers work. Crouch down slightly to walk down a metal roof safely. Improve your center of gravity increase your stability by pointing your feet slightly outward and keeping your body weight directly over your feet as much as possible. Inspect the shingles from the roof edge from upper building windows or if the roof must be walked on step carefully on the flat portions of the shingle on tiptoe avoiding stepping on the raised curled edges of the shingles as otherwise you ll break off the edges.

Walk up a roof and lean your body over towards the roof to help maintain your balance. As with cupped shingles stay off in cold weather. When walking on an icy or snow covered walkway take short steps and walk at a slower pace so you can react quickly to a change in traction. Use small controlled steps when walking on the shingle roof.

Use a sturdy extension ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the eaves to climb onto the roof and secure the bottom to the foundation and the top to the eaves or fascia so it doesn t move. Ensure that powered equipment is not used within 15 feet of any roof edge. Bending your knees a little. Grab onto a railing or other sturdy fixture for extra security.

Pay attention to the surface you are walking on and watch out for any loose shingles. Walk up or down a slightly inclined roof by walking as you would on the ground but slowly. This video shows a few tips for how to move around on an old roof without breaking too many tiles or slates. Read understand and follow all manufacturers instructions for the safe use of snow blowers and similar mechanical equipment.