7 Safety Tips for Working on Your Roof

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your roof repair project is completed safely, correctly – and without a trip to the ER.

1. Wear the Right Clothing

You probably know that roofing isn’t the time to try out your new pair of high heels or skinny jeans. However, there are other kinds of attire you’ll want to avoid when working on your roof, too.

Don’t wear slippery soles or anything with loose strings or long hems. All of these can cause you to slip or get caught on the roof – leading to a fall. Even if you’re only headed up on your roof to quickly inspect it, make sure you’re wearing the right kind of clothing

2. Keep it Clean

Make sure your roof is clear of debris and sharp objects. Even a misplaced hammer can serve as a tripping hazard. You’ll also want to clear off natural debris like sticks and leaves.

Be particularly mindful when you are working on slate or tile roofs. Loose slate or tiles can fall out easily and be damaged if you aren’t careful.

3. Watch the Weather

Don’t head up on the roof when the forecast is stormy. Rain doesn’t just make working on your roof unpleasant – it makes it unsafe. Rain, and especially snow and ice, make the roof slippery and put you at risk of a fall. Don’t forget about the risk of lightning strikes, either!

4. Use Safety Ropes and Harnesses

Safety ropes and harnesses can be a pain to put on, especially each and every time you have to go up on the roof. However, they’re worth it. Safety harnesses can save a life, and they’re required by OSHA on job sites. Even though you’re tackling your roof job as a DIY-er, it’s important that you utilize the most effective safety techniques and standards.

5. Keep Ladders Secure

If you’re using a ladder, make sure it’s attended at all times. Someone should be supervising to make sure nobody falls. The ladder should be planted firmly against the roof and secured properly.

You can buy ladder hooks to attach to the house. This will make it easier to mount and dismount.

6. Use Scaffolding or Guardrails

No matter how well you plan out your roofing job, you’re bound to have areas that are tough to reach with a regular ladder. A temporary guardrail or set of scaffolding can make it easier for you to access those areas safely. Pay attention to more complicated jobs and make sure all safety measures are utilized.

7. Be Mindful of Your Location

Although you might have a bird’s eye view of everything down below, it’s easy for people to forget (or not realize) that you’re working up on the roof. You may want to mark the ground off beneath your work area so people know you’re working above.

You never know when you might drop a tool off the roof. At that height, it can be deadly for the people below. Make sure people know where you are and always call out before you deliberately toss anything down.

When you aren’t using your tools, secure them to you with short lengths of rope or bungee cords. This will not only make the job safer but also will reduce the amount of time you spend tracking down your tools.

Stop to Reconsider Working on Your Roof

The most important thing you can do when working on your roof? Take a moment to step back and reconsider.

There are some factors that make a roof far too dangerous for a homeowner to access. If the roof is steep, in poor condition, or if you’re dealing with inclement weather, you might want to call a professional instead. Falling off your roof is not worth saving a few bucks by trying to do it yourself!

When in doubt, call Ashton McGee Restoration Group. We are honest and innovative – and we have integrity. We’ll make sure your roof job gets done at the best price and best quality – without you getting hurt.

Roofing can be a risky business, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these simple safety tips, you can stay safe while working on your roof and avoid any potential injuries. Call Ashton McGee Restoration Group if you’re not sure that roof job is one you can safely tackle yourself. We got this, y’all!