Is it Safe to Walk on a Roof?
People often do it, and there’s even a song about it, but is it a good idea to go “up on the roof”? The simple answer is no; it’s not a good idea. On the other hand, when people are interested in going up on the roof, it may be hard to dissuade them, and a simple no is not going to accomplish this. Here, we take a closer look at roof walking safety risks, whether there is a good reason to walk on a roof, how to safely walk on a roof, and what to do to avoid doing it.
Why Homeowners Consider the Question, “Can I Walk on My Roof?”
There are plenty of reasons a homeowner might want to climb onto the roof and walk around. It could be that the homeowner wants to inspect their roof, or clean the gutters, or hang holiday decorations. Some people like to stand on the roof to get a different perspective of the neighborhood, or to be alone and think, or to walk around to find a good place to sit and stargaze. Others just enjoy the thrill that comes from being up so high, and they might get an adrenaline rush from walking on the top of a steeply pitched roof. These are just some of the reasons someone might consider walking on a roof, but is it safe to walk on a roof for any of these reasons?
Roof Walking Safety Risks and How to Safely Walk on a Roof
Why is roof walking such a bad idea? First, you are likely to damage the materials from which your roof is made. Some roof materials are sturdier than others, but it’s not wise to risk causing damage to your roof, when roofs are expensive to replace. Aside from the shingles or tiles, you can compromise the structural integrity of your roof by walking on it. The roofing materials underneath the exterior surface can shift or wobble, and this can result in misalignment that leads to cracks and leaks. Another thing to consider is the age of your roof. When a roof is getting old, it may have vulnerabilities that are not readily apparent. Even with experience, people sometimes step on a weak spot inadvertently, damaging the roof and injuring themselves in the process. Whether you fall off of a roof or fall through the roof, the result can be bodily injury that may be catastrophic. If you must walk on your roof, be careful to step only on rafters or trusses, not into any weak spots. Keep low, walk slowly, and never carry tools. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed, wear rubber soled shoes, and if your roof is high or steep, use safety gear like a harness and rope system, being careful to always have someone spotting you.
Are Roofs Safe to Walk On? Factors that Determine Roof Walkability
Of course, some roofs are safer for walking than others. If you have a slate or tile roof, you absolutely should never walk on it. Slate and tile roofs are beautiful and long-lasting and can serve you well for 100 years. However, they are also fragile. While they can stand up to heat, rain, and other weather conditions, they cannot easily support a person walking on them and are likely to break under the feet of someone who isn’t trained in walking on this kind of roof. Likewise, a metal roof is not a good place to walk, especially if it’s wet. Shingle roofs can be safe, as long as they’re in good shape and the pitch of the roof isn’t too steep. Never walk on deteriorating shingles, and don’t walk on a steep roof, because it’s not worth falling and injuring yourself. On the other hand, flat roofs, particularly rubber or thermoplastic roofs, can be safe to walk on, as long as you remember to avoid the edges.
What to Do Instead of Walking on Your Roof
Look, we know those Christmas decorations aren’t going to hang themselves, and you won’t be able to see if that big storm did any damage if you’re standing on the ground. However, there are safer ways to do the things you need to do than climbing on your roof. A ladder is an important tool for accessing the roof, and you can use a ladder, with someone helping to hold it steady, when you need to hang Christmas lights or clean gutters. A ladder can also be useful for seeing whether the roof is damaged after a storm, but for a thorough inspection, it’s smart to call in the professionals.
Don’t Walk on Your Roof! Call ANC for Professional Roof Inspection Services
Rather than walking on your roof to check it for damage or perform maintenance, call us, and our professional team will safely and efficiently handle it for you. ANC Roofing, Inc has been serving the Greater Orlando and coastal areas for 40 years, and we pride ourselves on providing quality, reliable service. Whether you need a roofing inspection, cleaning or maintenance, repair or replacement, we offer prompt service, accurate diagnosis, an explanation of your options, a fair price, and the best value. It’s what we would expect for our own homes, and it’s what we strive to deliver to each of our customers. Specializing in residential and multifamily roofs, we have earned a reputation for excellence, by providing professional installation, quality materials, and exceptional customer service. Our highly-skilled team can handle every roofing need, large or small, our industry-best warranties are the longest of any company in Central Florida, and we provide energy efficient roofing options that reduce our customers energy costs along with their carbon footprints. Whenever you need roofing work, reach out to us through our website to learn all that we have to offer.