Working on a roof can be a dangerous job if safety measures are not taken in advance. In rainy, snowy or icy conditions, it may be harder to keep your footing while walking on the roof and working on your roof in these conditions should be avoided. If you are on a ladder, you will need to make sure that it is properly secured on the ground to ensure that you don’t fall while cleaning gutters or eaves.
Wear Safety Gear
If you are removing asphalt shingles from your roof, you need to watch out for hundreds or thousands of nails that are holding them down. Without proper protection for your hands and feet, a nail could easily puncture your skin and lead to an infection and a lot of discomfort. You should also wear goggles and a hardhat to protect your head and face from debris that may come loose while working on a roof.
Use a Harness
As it may be easy to slip and fall while working on your roof, a harness may be a necessary product while doing any sort of roofing project. As a general rule, each floor of a home is 10 feet higher than the one below it. Therefore, if you have a three story home, you could be 30 feet or more off the ground. In most cases, professional roofers will use them to stay safe, so it is something that a homeowner should almost certainly use.
Keep Hydrated
The temperature on a roof is about 10 to 20 degrees higher than it is on the ground. Therefore, temperatures on the roof could be 70 or 80 degrees even on a relatively mild or cool spring day. Additionally, a roofing project is labor intensive, which means you are going to sweat a lot. Combined, the high temperatures and intensity of the work means that you are going to get dehydrated quickly. Carry a bottle of water with you or give yourself the ability to take frequent water breaks and avoid any light-headedness while working. Losing your bearings and balance on the roof can have dire consequences.
Be Aware of Rotten Roofs
You never know when you could step on a weak spot in the roofing structure. Years of hidden water damage could cause the roof deck to become warped and rotted, which means you could put your foot right through it and crash into the home. It may be a good idea to have a pole or stick to test any area that you suspect may not be able to hold your weight before you walk on it.
Keep in Mind
Working on your own roof can save a lot of money, especially if you have prior experience doing your own roof repairs. However, it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the job seriously. Therefore, make sure that you have protective gear on, keep a bottle of water handy and wear a harness if you are more than five to 10 feet off the ground. If working on your own roof is not something that you are comfortable doing, let a professional handle the job.
