A DIYer's Guide: How to Stay Safe While Doing Roofing Work
Any home improvement project can get risky if you don’t take the necessary safety precautions. If you’re going to do roofing work yourself, Fortenberry Roofing, a top commercial roof contractor in the state, recommends observing the following precautions.
Never Work Alone
You’ll need someone to assist you if there’s an accident. Plus, you’ll finish your work faster with someone helping you.
Place the Ladder on a Flat Surface
Make sure to place the leader on a flat surface. It will also be a good idea to have someone hold the ladder to secure it while you’re climbing it. If the ladder is placed on top of a concrete or asphalt surface, make sure there isn’t any sand or gravel underneath.
Wear the Appropriate Attire
Shoes with traction can help prevent you from slipping off the ladder or the roof. Wear a tool belt so you can easily retrieve tools when you need them.
Avoid Working in Inclement Weather
Some roofs, like slate and tile roofs, get extra slippery in wet weather. Even shoes with traction won’t prevent you from slipping off of wet roofs. Wait for the weather to clear up before doing any work on your exterior.
Clear the Roof of Any Debris
You can trip over tree branches and loose shingles, so clear your roof of any debris before starting any roofing work. If you’re having any doubts about doing roofing work yourself, we recommend hiring a contractor.
What About Flat Roofs?
Unlike residential roofs, flat roofs don’t have a high slope. Regardless, we still recommend hiring a certified commercial roofing contractor. That’s because it takes a trained eye to spot all the warning signs of early roof damage. Plus, flat roofs are notoriously vulnerable to moisture damage. You’d want to fix the early signs of damage before they worsen.
Looking for certified contractors in your neighborhood?
Fortenberry Roofing, a GAF® Master Elite™ contractor, offers residential and commercial roofing services. To get a free estimate, call us at 1-806-385-6761. Or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in Hereford, Anton, and Morton, TX.
