Many homeowners choose to do repairs and maintenance works on their roofs without having an expert around. Easier, less complex jobs can be done by amateur roofers, indeed, but safety should take prevalence over anything else, so no roofing job should be ever started without adequate safety measures in place – here are some tips for DIY roofing jobs executed in safety.
Use Proper Safety Equipment
Rubber-soled, anti-slip work shoes or boots are essential for being able to walk safely on the roof. If the job requires you to walk on steep roof sections, use anchors, safety harnesses and other fall arrest measures. Wearing a helmet is also very important and if you need to work on a steep roof section, it is a good idea to install toe holds, such as pieces of wood installed between roof components.
Check the Weather Forecast
Roofs can be very slippery when wet, so roofing jobs can only be done when the weather is dry and not too cold. Try to plan ahead and start the job on a clear, sunny day. Dry weather is especially important if you will be replacing roofing components or if the job requires you to use substances that take time to dry to cure.
Don’t Be Alone on the Job Site
Make sure there is someone around on the ground while you are up on the roof – the presence of a helper is essential not only to give and call for help in case of an emergency, but also for handing you’re the tools or the materials that you need on the roof.
Work Only on a Clean Area
Clean job sites are safer, so make sure to clean the roof section that you will be working on to be able to see where you are going. It is also easier to identify faults if the roof is clean – debris, dirt, loose screws, nails or other fasteners can not only cause injuries, but they can also conceal roofing problems.
Use the Ladder Carefully
Make sure that the ladder the you use rests on hard, level ground – if necessary, you can place a plank or a piece of plywood under the ladder. Your ladder should lean securely against the wall and it is recommended to use roof anchors to secure the ladder from the top as well. You should also make sure that the ladder is dry when you climb on it – wet ladders are slippery, therefore accident-prone. The roofing contractors Panama City FL has make this step seem easy and safe, but it absolutely take it seriously and take safety classes to do their entire job safely, as you should too.
You should climb on the ladder using the right technique – always grab the ladder with both hands and one of your feet should always be on the ladder.
Be Realistic When You Evaluate Your Abilities and the Complexity of the Roofing Job
If you are not comfortable moving around at heights or the job that needs to be done is of a complexity that you are not sure you will be able to handle, don’t be shy or hesitant, call an expert roofer – in many cases, leaving the job to professionals is the cheapest, best and safest thing to do.