Prevention, they say, is better than cure. Maintaining your roof regularly can help prevent you from spending a considerable amount of money on major repairs. However, while it is recommended that you regularly inspect and clean your roof to make sure it is always in good condition, the risks injury when you do it yourself can be high. Every time you climb up the ladder to check your roof, you are putting yourself at risk. Before you attempt to climb up on your roof, here are the steps you must take to ensure your safety.
- Make sure your ladder is in good condition.
Make sure that your ladder has good anti-slip safety shoes. This will help keep the ladder in place as you climb up. Also, make sure that the ground is even to prevent the ladder from slipping. You can purchase some ladder stakes to help anchor the ladder to the ground. Also, you should extend the ladder at least three feet above the top of the roof and fasten it with roof tie-offs to prevent it from slipping along the eaves.
- Check the weather.
Plan your roof activity on a clear day. This will allow you to complete the task faster and more efficiently. Avoid climbing up your roof when it’s raining or foggy, as it can get slippery even with the slightest bit of moisture.
- Use the right footwear.
This is very important as it will help reduce your risk of slipping down your roof. Drop by the hardware store for a good pair of rubber-soled work boots if you don’t own one. Opt for no-slip work shoes that allow for extra grip on the soles.
- Consider wearing a safety harness.
For roof work, it is required by law to use a roofing harness if the roof goes beyond ten feet. You must also use one in case the task takes a long time to complete. This is to ensure your safety as the harness can stop you from falling off the roof in the event you slip. Also, you should place toe holds, especially if your roof is steep.
- Let a professional handle it.
You might think that handling your own roofing problems will help you save money. But if you don’t know how to do the task properly, you might end up making the situation worse. In case you are not a roof maintenance expert, or you are not physically capable of maintaining your roof, it is always better to hire a roofing contractor to handle any roofing task for you.
As you check your roof for any problem, it is equally important to check your gutters and gutter guards in Arden NC, or the local areas, as they make your roofing system more functional. You can contact us at Gutter Helmet of Western North Carolina for the best gutter products in the market. Our technicians will install them with precision and care to ensure that your home will always be protected. Call us today so we can discuss your gutter protection needs.
