Whether you’re going up to your roof to give it an inspection or to replace a few shingles that have fallen off, safety is a priority. Indeed, it’s such a priority that you really should consider hiring a professional for anything that requires climbing up on your roof. This is especially true if your roof is steep, which means its pitch rises four or more inches vertically for every foot of its horizontal run. Here are some safety tips for your steep roof.
Invest in Protective Gear
Even if you’re just going up on the roof to see what’s up there and don’t plan to do any serious work, you need protective gear. Among the items you’ll need are:
- A hard hat. Hard hats are easy to find and inexpensive.
- A roof harness. Make sure that the roof harness isn’t too snug or loose for you and has a sturdy D-ring to clip to an anchor. Roof harnesses are actually rated for the pitch of a roof, so make sure to check the rating of your harness before you buy it.
- A roof anchor. This device attaches to the D-ring on your harness and keeps you from falling if you slip. First, you’ll need to attach the anchor to your roof’s ridge truss with robust nails or screws. There are ways to do this and not damage your shingles.
- Heavy, slip-resistant boots. These types of boots are also a must when you’re walking on a steep roof.
- Safety goggles. These protect your eyes from any debris from or around your roof.
- Heavy-duty gloves. Wear these gloves to protect your hands.
Use the Right Ladder or Scaffolding
Roof harness ratings depend on the pitch of your roof, which means you can buy ladders and scaffolding that accommodate your roof’s pitch. Even before you start climbing, you should check the ladder or scaffold and make sure that it’s safe and sound. Then, when you finally start to use it, make sure it’s stable. Have someone spot you in case something goes wrong. That way, if some mishap renders you unconscious, they’ll be able to help you or call for help.
Create a Safety Zone
Before you even go up on your roof, create a safety zone around the area. Remove potted plants, outdoor furniture and toys. Invest in safety cones or caution tape that warns people away. Keep pets in the house or send them to a neighbor during the time you’re on your roof. Another thing you might invest in is a trash barrel or even a dumpster to catch any debris, including damaged shingles, tree branches, leaves or animal nests. If you have concerns or require roof repair services, contact Home Roofing Solutions in Etna, ME.
