A fall off the roof can be very dangerous. Learn the best ways to stay safe when it comes to roof work.
Know the Dangers
Weather
Professional roofers are aware of the dangers they could encounter. They may delay or avoid roof work in certain conditions. A roof that is slippery from rain or ice should not be worked on, as there is significant falls danger.
Likewise, intense heat can pose a danger. While roof work is possible in the summer months, it is important to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.
Ladder
If you access the roof by a ladder, make sure it is secured. An unsecured ladder could shift or topple, causing a fall from the roof.
Electrical equipment
Electrical wires that pass near the roof pose a potential hazard. Before you get on the roof, identify the location of any wires to be aware.
Debris
After a storm, the roof may have debris that poses a challenge. This might include loose shingles, broken branches, or tree limbs that have come down. Carefully remove any debris, so you don’t trip during roof work.
Best Practices for Roof Safety
The good news is, you can avoid these dangers by being aware.
The first rule of thumb is to plan around the weather. While sudden storms do pop up, if you know there will be bad weather, avoid the roof.
Never work on the roof alone. Going up in pairs provides safety if something does go wrong. At a minimum, leave roof work until you know someone else is home.
For further protection, secure the roof and wear safety gear that protects you. This includes a hard hat, eye protection, and appropriate footwear.
Leave emergency information on hand. This way, if something does go wrong, a family member can get help right away.
One of the best ways to keep the roof safe is with maintenance. When you have annual inspections and take care of structural issues, there is less likely to be a structural issue that causes physical harm.
While we hope you never have to use this information, we recommend taking these precautions every time you go up on the roof.
If it sounds like too much to handle, an alternative is calling the professionals at Brandstetter’s KangaRoof. Leave the roof inspection, repair, and replacement to us.
