Denver Roofing Professionals: Top 6 Hazards of Working On Your Roof (and Why You Need a Professional)

February 21, 2018

Roofs. Every structure has them, and every structure needs a fully functioning one and it’s important to follow through with the necessary upkeep to make sure they last for years. However, roofs are always high up in the air and can have high slopes and pitches, which doesn’t make a super safe situation for homeowners who want to try climbing up there themselves. Roofing is the sixth most dangerous jobs in the United States, which means you need to leave any roof repairs or inspections for your Denver roofing professionals! Trust the experts so you can avoid these top six hazards of working on your roof.

1. Ladder Safety

One of the deadliest hazards of roofing is a poorly placed ladder. It’s imperative that you install your safe ladders securely and at least fifteen centimeters from the wall with rungs placed at the regular intervals. For extremely tall buildings, ladders can have safety cages and rest platforms for additional secureness.

2. Roof Stability

This is really important if you are going to go on an older home’s roof, or just a roof you’ve never stepped foot on before. Make sure that the roof is strong enough to support the weight of a human, and even multiple people like a crew. Additionally, make sure the trusses are safe and intact and check the underlayment before you step one foot on the roof.

3. Holes and Other Obstacles

No one wants to step in a hole, especially on a roof high in the air! Other obstacles, such as skylights and vents, along with holes that you know about, need to be clearly marked or covered so it’s visible to see what you’re potentially walking on or into.

4. Beware of The Edge

Along with properly marking up holes and other obstacles, the edges need to be marked as well especially if a tarp is covering the roof. Implement safety lines and guardrails so people have visibility to where the edges is and something to grab ahold to when walking around.

5. Split Level Roofs and Fall Heights

Split level roofs, where the home has a roof at different heights, are required to have proper fall protection equipment. Implement edge rails and sides so when stepping foot on a split level roof you have something to hold onto and are aware of the different degrees of the angles of the roof.

6. Varying and Extreme Weather Conditions

We know that it’s very dangerous to work on a roof outside in the winter due to possible ice and snow build up along with freezing temperatures, making it slippery and a dangerous work environment. In the summer, you could be hit with very strong winds which is just as dangerous due to the possibility of you losing your foot grip and falling off of a roof. Shingles can be very slipper and difficult to work with, so make sure the weather is best for working on a roof.

Roofing is dangerous, so leave it up to your Denver roofing professionals - The Roof Doctor! Contact us today with questions and estimates on your latest roofing project!

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