Not only does the roof of your home improve its overall look, it also provides you with a sense of security and protection against the elements. Regular maintenance is a crucial way of keeping your roof in top working order for longer, catching any issues before they escalate into bigger, more costly repairs. That said, checking your roof for any problems can be a dangerous task, as they are not often designed to withstand the weight of people walking across them.
This article will discuss the risks associated with walking on your own roof and what action to take if work needs to be carried out.
1. Fragility of roof
When assessing your roof and deciding whether you need a professional roofer to carry out any repairs or routine maintenance, you may be tempted to get up on the roof and check for yourself.
Certain roofing materials and features – such as roof windows or skylights – can be extremely fragile for people to walk on, increasing the risk of them falling through the roof. When carrying out roof inspections, a professional roofing company will factor in the fragility of your roof when planning for the work. That way, any risks are addressed prior to the job, so the correct safety measures are in place to prevent injury.
2. Moss and algae
Whilst it may not seem particularly dangerous, moss growth can create a very slippery surface on the roof of your home, meaning those who walk on it are at great risk of injuring themselves. This can make low-slope roofs just as dangerous to walk on as steeper roofs, as both can be affected by moss growth and extreme weather conditions. Not only that, areas where a moss removal solution has been sprayed can also create slippery conditions which are unsafe to walk on.
If you are unsure about what needs doing and how it needs to be done, you must contact a qualified roofing expert straight away.
3. Safety precautions
As a high risk activity, the correct safety measures must be in place prior to carrying out any work on the roof. For a professional, accessing and walking on the roof are the most dangerous parts of a roof inspection, so safety standards must be met when working at such a height no matter how long or short term the work is.
A major benefit of hiring a credible company to carry out work on your roof is that they will adhere to all the relevant building and safety regulations. Not only will this guarantee the safety of those involved, it will also ensure the work is carried out properly.
4. Accessibility
Contrary to popular belief, you won’t just need a head for heights to walk on your roof. Accessibility is also a major consideration and, even then, you still need to decide what action needs to be taken when you are up there.
A roofing expert will carefully plan how to access the area safely, using the following methods to do so:
- Scaffolds
- Stair towers
- Mobile access equipment (such as cherry picker or scissor lift)
- Ladders
- Roof access hatches.
Once they have gained access to your roof, they can then establish what remedial action needs to be taken to restore it back to top working order.
Your safety and the functionality of your roof are paramount to us here at Morgan Asphalte, which is why we have dedicated over 45 years to providing the best roofing services possible to all our customers. To do so, we use the latest technology and equipment to install, repair or replace a range of roofing types, including:
- Asphalt
- Felt
- Slate
- Tiled
- Lead
- Liquid
- Single ply.
All services are carried out by our fully qualified experts in line with the relevant health and safety regulations, with full insurance cover provided for complete peace of mind. To find out more about how we can help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.