Roof Safety Tips

Published by: Francine Maglione
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

Roof maintenance is no easy task and should not be taken on lightly. Professional Connecticut roofing contractors have experience in roof maintenance and are the most qualified for this dangerous job, but there are still do-it-yourselfers out there who believe they can tackle roofing themselves with no problems.

For those who insist on going up to their roofs themselves, or who just want to take a look and see what’s going on up there before calling a roofer, here are some roof safety tips to keep in mind.

Ladders are essential when working on a roof. When using a ladder, it should be on a level and sturdy surface and stabilized in some way. If you can, have someone else with you to hold the bottom of the ladder and be your “spotter.”

If you are unable to have someone with you, secure the ladder to the house using nails or rope. To keep yourself from having to climb up and down a ladder while holding tools, a good transportation idea might be to tie a bucket to some rope.

A good safety harness is vital if you plan on walking around on a rooftop. A fall from a height of even a couple of stories can cause serious injuries. Before you get up on the roof, check and double check that safety harness to ensure it’s secure, tight, adjusted and safe. The harness must fit you properly, as well.

Before you go up onto the roof, make sure the surface is safe enough to walk on. Don’t go up there if it’s wet or has an abundance of leaves strewn about because you run the risk of slipping and falling. If you really need to get up to the roof, clean the surface off first using a broom or something similar.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast as well. During summer, thunderstorms can appear seemingly out of nowhere so make sure the sky is clear when you go up to the roof. The last thing you need is to get caught on the roof in a downpour or, even worse, getting struck by lightening. You should also steer clear of the roof if it’s exceedingly windy outside. A strong gust of wind might cause you to lose your balance.

Whenever working on the roof or some other high location, always take every safety precaution. Calling a professional and reliable local roofing contractor is still your best bet, though. Contact us online or give us a call so we can help you find a Connecticut roofer near you.


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