Whether metal roof services are checking for damage or a homeowner is doing a DIY cleaning, sometimes someone needs to walk on a metal roof.
Unless done the right way, walking on metal roofing can be extremely dangerous, both for people and for the roof itself.
Follow these instructions from experienced metal roof contractors should it ever to necessary to access the top of a metal installation.
This is how the pros do it without causing damage or ending up hurt!
Know What Type of Metal Roof It Is
The most important detail that metal roofing contractors stress is knowing what type of metal installation the roof is and how the manufacturer recommends walking on it.
Standing seam roofs can be walked on anywhere other than on the seams themselves.
According to metal roofing contractors, corrugated metal and metal tiles should be walked on with footfalls placed in the lower troughs, although the higher ones are still strong enough to withstand a person’s weight.
Metal shingle roofing is more weight-bearing at the top half of the “shingle”, where the metal is flatter and there is little risk of crushing the shaped part of the shingle.
Wear Appropriate Shoes
Knowing these safer areas to walk, the next factor is what to wear.
To avoid slipping on these smooth, shiny surfaces, metal roof services recommend wearing soft-soled shoes like sneakers or work boots with gummy soles to walk on a metal roof, as these will give more traction.
The stickier the sole feels, the better the shoe will be for walking on a metal roof.
Additionally, always make sure that shoe soles are clean of any debris that can scratch or gouge the metal and leave it more susceptible to rusting.
Along similar lines, metal roof services warn to avoid stepping on debris on the roof, stepping instead only on clean areas.
Be Sure The Metal Roof Is Dry
Last of all, since even rubber can slip on wet surfaces, metal roof contractors strongly suggest avoiding going up on a metal roof unless it is fully dry and there is no rain expected.
Along with these tips, always use other essential safety gear like safety harnesses and ropes, anchors, and some kind of fall protection system.
Now You Can Walk Like A Pro on Metal Roofs!
Walking on a metal roof to check its condition or see if it needs to be cleaned can be done with care using these tips.
Unless it is an emergency or the person going up there is fairly skilled, calling a metal roof contractor to handle the job might be a better and safer idea.
With the right gear and training, metal roof services can go on that roof and inspect it, repair it, or take care of whatever is necessary without a homeowner having to worry about damaging their roof or worse yet, getting hurt themselves!