While the fatality rate in this statistic sits below 1 the sheer volume of injuries that occur from inexperienced homeowners is alarming.
How to walk on a steep roof safely.
Use a sturdy extension ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the eaves to climb onto the roof and secure the bottom to the foundation and the top to the eaves or fascia so it doesn t move.
If you need tools use a rope to hoist them up in a bucket once you are safely on the roof.
To avoid a potentially catastrophic accident there are 5 measures you can follow to maximize your safety while walking your roof.
Walk up or down a slightly inclined roof by walking as you would on the ground but slowly.
The ladder should lean at about a 75 degree angle.
You can safely walk on a steep roof to conduct repairs replace tiles or clean your gutters.
However it is imperative to use the right equipment and follow safety guidelines.
A steeper roof will require you to lean forward more significantly.
Lean your body forward toward the top of the roof to help maintain your balance.
The steeper the metal roof the more you ll need to lean over.
For extension ladders the top extension section should overlap the bottom section.
In order to climb a steep roof safely you will need to hold your body in the proper position.
Place the ladder on level ground away from the house s wall about one quarter the distance from the ground to the roof edge.
Walk up a roof and lean your body over towards the roof to help maintain your balance.