Your roof protects everything under it, but working on it can be dangerous. Falls from ladders and roofs send many homeowners to the hospital every year, and most of those accidents happen during simple chores like cleaning gutters or checking for storm damage. These tips will help you take care of your roof while keeping yourself and your family safe.
Start From the Ground
Most roof checks do not require climbing at all. Walk around your home and look for missing or curled shingles, sagging gutters, loose flashing and debris piled in valleys. A pair of binoculars helps you see details from the yard. You can also check your attic with a flashlight for water stains, damp insulation or daylight coming through the boards.
Use Your Ladder the Right Way
If you need to reach your gutters, choose a sturdy extension ladder in good condition, rated for your weight plus any tools. Set it on firm, level ground and follow the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of height, the base should sit about 1 foot away from the wall. The ladder should extend about 3 feet above the edge of the roof. Keep three points of contact, two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand, and never lean out past the side rails.
Never Work Alone
Have someone at home who knows you are on the ladder and can steady it, hand you tools or call for help if something goes wrong. Keep children and pets clear of the work area.
Watch the Weather
Wet, icy or dewy surfaces are slippery, so wait until the roof and ladder are completely dry. In central Alabama, summer afternoons often bring sudden storms with lightning and gusty winds. Check the forecast and stay off ladders when storms are nearby. Midday heat is a hazard too, since shingles get very hot and soften in strong sun.
Dress for the Job
Wear shoes with soft rubber soles and good tread, and avoid loose clothing that can catch on the ladder. Work gloves protect your hands from sharp metal edges and debris when you clean gutters. Safety glasses keep dirt out of your eyes.
Stay Clear of Power Lines
Look up before you raise a ladder. Keep yourself, the ladder and any tools well away from overhead power lines, and never use a metal ladder near them.
Know When to Call a Professional
Walking on a roof, especially a steep one, takes training and safety gear such as harnesses and anchors. Leave these jobs to a roofer:
- Replacing shingles or repairing flashing
- Inspecting a roof after hail or high winds
- Anything on a steep or two-story roof
- Fixing an active leak
- Trimming branches that hang over the roof
After a storm, resist the urge to climb up and look. Damaged roofs can have weak spots, loose shingles and debris that make them even more dangerous.
Let Us Handle the Climbing
Cardinal Roofing is a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor serving Pelham and the Birmingham area. We offer free roof inspections and 24/7 emergency service, so you can stay safely on the ground. Call us at (205) 769-4944.
