Winter Roofing Safety

Winter and Membrane Roofs

The membrane roofing system, particularly TPO and PVC are among the most slippery roofing materials available. They are prone to slip during the entire year, when there is rain or water, but they can be especially slippery during snow. When the temperature is right outside and if you fall onto a flat and moderately sloped rooftop (4/12 pitches or lower) it will be nearly impossible not to stay off the slope.

It can be a bit surprising and a bit surprising since many people who live on flat roofs think that since the roof is flat, it’s safe to walk on in winter. But, even if the roof is smooth, it is no friction between your footwear and the membrane beneath. One mistake can cause severe injury or even death Weather Pro Roofing.

Safely Accessing a Flat Roof

If you believe there is a compelling reason to go up on your roof, it’s crucial that you take every security precaution. I would like to remind you that even if follow these safety precautions but it’s not completely safe to climb on your roof during winter. There are a myriad of things which could fail, or not be considered.

When putting up the ladder the extension ladder is more secure than an ordinary step ladder. The ladder’s rungs should extend 3feet above the eave line. They must be secured by ropes to the gutter, or close pipe prior to taking off from the ladder on the roof. It should be secured enough to prevent your ladder from sliding off to the side while getting onto and off the ladder. Do not step on a ladder rung that is more over the edge of your eave, as it could make the top of the ladder away which could cause the ladder to slip.

Then, place the ladder with a firm foot on a flat surface, and in a place in a place that doesn’t have snow , ice or any. An extension ladder is more secure than the step ladder. The ladder’s rungs should extend 3 feet above the edge line. Make sure the rungs are free of the presence of ice. A slippy step can cause an accident before you reach the roof. The ladder’s base at a distance from the vertical wall that is equal to one-fourth of the duration of your ladder. For instance, if the roof connects with the ladder at 16 feet from the floor, put the ladder’s bottom four feet from the wall of the building or home.

Dry and clean your shoes of snow prior to climbing the ladder. The most common method of doing this is the “3 point rule’. In essence, it is essential to maintain at least three contact points with the ladder always. Two feet with one hand or two feet and one hand are acceptable positions to be taken when climbing the ladder.

Stop when your head is around 2 feet above the surface of the roof to be able to reach down and reach the roof. In the event that there’s snow on the roof it’s vital to remove it completely snow. A snow shovel made of metal or hammer for breaking the ice could cause damage to the membrane. Instead, you should use an knife-shaped plastic shovel. Take the snow out as completely as you can safely lift it from the base on the ladder.

When you are removing the snow, ensure that you keep the middle of your body within the rails of your ladder. Do not lean over to the side until you’re hanging above the rails. This can cause an injury-causing fall. Instead, use a ladder if you must climb to the side.

The ladder must be secured using rope in the drain or a tight pipe prior to climbing the roof to the ladder. It should be secured enough to stop it from sliding off to the side as you climb onto or off of the ladder. Do not step on a step that is higher that the line of the eave because it could cause the lower rungs of the ladder which could cause the ladder to slip.

If you notice an ice-like layer over the roofing, then you might prefer to add salt to break up the membrane. If there’s not a layer of ice, grab the towel and scrub the area you’ll be walking over. It is important to thoroughly dry the area to ensure that it is not slippery to feel. When it’s completely dry, you are able to step up on.

Repeat the process of removing snow and ice , then drying the area you’ll walk on with a clean towel. Be conscious of where you are standing. Avoid stepping anywhere there is snow. Don’t think you’ll be able to maintain your balance when you walk on the snow. It is extremely slippery and you could easily slip and fall.

Other Safety Measures

Even if the membrane were not so slippery to walk on, you would still have to take off the snow to expose potential hazards when traversing the roof. For instance the snow could easily cover an opening in the skylight or another. If someone were to step into the space and fell, they could be swept off the roof. There are gas pipes, as well as other hazards for tripping on the roof. To prevent them, and to avoid the possibility of a serious accident the snow must be cleared.

To protect your roof, it’s essential to keep in mind not to treat your roof as you consider your driveway. For instance, don’t wear shoes with cleats on your roof to enhance traction. The shoes can cause gaps in membrane. The slashing of the snow or ice can create problems. Use only a plastic bladed shovel and salt to get rid of the snow or ice.

Safely Hanging Christmas Lights

If you’re planning to climb your rooftop to put up Christmas lights consider hanging them using the ladder instead. We suggest the Home Depot’s instructional safety video. Be sure to move your ladder frequently when hanging lights.

At the final point, it’s unnecessary of climbing on your roof in winter. Contacting a professional is an appropriate, secure option that can still resolve any issues you may face. If you’re worried about the cost make sure you consider that any cost an expert would be charged to get rid of snow will be less expensive than the cost of a hospital bill.