When To Avoid Walking On The Roof And Call A Contractor
Walking on the roof can be dangerous for two main reasons. First, you risk damaging some roof sections. Secondly, walking on the roof is also an injury risk. The risks depend on several factors, including your roof's condition. Below are some circumstances that increase the danger of walking on the roof.
The Roof Is Sagging
A roof sags if it cannot support the weight on it. For example, your roof might sag if:
- Water and pests damage and weakens the roofing structure
- The weight exceeds the roof's load-bearing limit (for example, if you install multiple heavy items on the roof)
- The roof is aging, and its age-related wear and tear has weakened its structure
In such a case, any additional weight on the roof risks a collapse. Don't walk on the roof since you might accidentally step on a rotten or damaged section and fall through.
The Roof Has Visible Damage
Never go up on a roof with visible catastrophic damage. Say your roof has suffered storm damage, and some sections are missing. Or a huge tree has fallen and caved in a roof section. Resist the temptation to go up the roof to check the damage extent. The visible damage might just be the tip of the iceberg. You might step on weak roof sections without knowing.
The Ceiling Is Cracked
If your ceiling is cracked, you might not know how far the damage extends without a professional roof assessment. Some damages don't extend beyond the ceiling, while others extend or even originate above the roof.
For example, thermal expansion and contraction of the ceiling material might damage it without necessarily affecting other roof parts. However, other ceiling damages, such as settling foundations and heavy weights above the ceiling, affect other roof structures. Therefore, don't go up the roof after noticing a ceiling crack you haven't diagnosed.
The Roof Is Very Old
Roofing materials and structures deteriorate and weaken over time. The weak materials might give way if you step on them. For example, don't walk on an aging roof due for replacement. Note that weak roof sections or materials won't necessarily have visible damage.
The Roof Is Wet
Lastly, think twice about walking on a slippery, pitched roof. For example, don't go up the roof after rainfall or snowfall because it will be slippery. The risk of slipping and falling is not worth the benefits of your DIY roof inspection.
Contact a roofing contractor today to learn more.