How To Walk On A Steep Roof Safely

To access a roof you ll need an extension ladder.

How to walk on a steep roof safely.

For extension ladders the top extension section should overlap the bottom section. 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. You can also use a roof harness that can stop you from falling off the roof. When the roof is already installed and you have to walk on it for different reasons for example to inspect it to replace it or to clean the chimney make sure you wear shoes with rubberized outsoles.

A steeper roof will require you to lean forward more significantly. Stay well away from power lines and don t put ladder across. As you advance toward the top of the roof take it one slow step a time. This is especially helpful on steep or high roofs.

Lean your body forward toward the top of the roof to help maintain your balance. Heavy work boots with rigid soles will bend and damage the roof. That may mean you need multiple anchors. If you place on ground up be sure to weight down or stake off bottom.

The ladder should lean at about a 75 degree angle. Always use roof safety equipment when working on a roof. Put your legs through the loops on the safety harness and tighten them around your thighs. Extension ladders laid directly on the shingles is usually reasonable but not perfect.

They are light and won t damage the surface. If you need tools use a rope to hoist them up in a bucket once you are safely on the roof. Put the top of the harness around your waist and tighten it so it s secure. You can either place on ground and extend onto roof or hang over each side of peak the the tops tied off together at the peak.

Use a safety harness if you have a steep roof. The harness attaches to a roof anchor that s secured to a truss or rafter to ensure its stability. Tie rope to a structural part of house or a tree. You should only work 4 feet to the side of the anchor in either direction.

Place the ladder on level ground away from the house s wall about one quarter the distance from the ground to the roof edge. In this roofing video we show how to use a hook ladder to safely work on a ste. Throw rope with at.