Roofer Safety: The Basics for a Professional

‍

Your roof is an incredibly important element to your home. It keeps water, wind and debris fromdamaging the interior on a daily basis. Most roofs last about 20 to 30 years before they show anysigns of decline. When it's time for a repair or replacement, you want the roofing professionals on therooftop to be as safe as possible. Learn the basics about roof safety so that you know what'snormal on the job, and how you can avoid any negative repercussions from unsafe practice.

Proper Footwear

Roof safety starts with the proper footwear worn by each worker. Roofing shoes look like boots,but they have specialized features for this unique job site. The boots have strong ankle supportbecause the foot and leg are constantly at an angle during the workday. You'll also notice that thesole of each shoe has grip. The rubber must grab onto the roofing surface without damaging it.Other features in a quality roofing shoe include:• Ventilation holes• Reinforced toesIf you notice that workers are wearing worn or improper shoes, there are safety concerns involved.You're welcome to speak to the project manager who should be on-site at all times. It's alwaysbetter to double-check about safety issues.

Harness Science

Your roof has a slope that's designed to move water and other debris off of the structure. Becauseit's difficult to maneuver on a steep slope for many hours at a time, roofers should have a harnesson. These specialized belts wrap around the shoulders, waist and legs. They're designed to catch aperson if they slip on the roof. Be cautious if you see workers without harnesses. If they slip and fall, injuries and legal issues arise for you. You want everyone to be safe, including yourself! For those workers who are wearing harnesses, verify that the straps are attached to a rope or chain connected to the structure. A detached harness is useless in a fall situation.

Ladder Security

An overlooked item on the job site is often the ladder. It leans against the structure so thatworkers can access the rooftop. However, the workers and some materials are also moved up thispassageway. The ladder must be attached with certain accessories, such as:• Hooks• StabilizersMost roofers select the hook accessory because it's simple to secure on a busy day. The ladder'sbase should also be stabilized by angling it in the proper direction. The soil at the base and hook atthe top should immobilize the ladder for the day's work. If you notice a wobbly ladder, point it outso that the workers can correct the situation and improve roof safety!

Guardrail Options

Roofers who are truly dedicated to a safe job site will install a guardrail. Similar to its description,this rail extends from the roof and encircles the working area. The workers can hold onto the rail orbalance part of their weight on it. Accidental slips are caught in a heartbeat with the guardrail.

Custom Steps

Roof jacks with planks are literal steps for workers to use as they climb rooftop sections. Workerstake some time to fit brackets to the roof where the structural beams reside beneath the shingles.Wood planks fit onto these brackets where they create a foothold for any workers.Workers typically install these steps on steep-slope roofs. Because they have a level area to standon, the roofing professionals can lay the materials in record time with safe and secure conditions.

Extreme Temperature Considerations

You may be anxious about completing the roofing project, but the proper steps take time. In fact,the weather plays a major role in the project's duration. During extreme heat, the workers shouldbe taking more breaks or swapping out employees on the rooftop's surface. A hot day on theground equates to worse conditions on the roof. Make sure that workers are getting their much deserved breaks. On the other hand, a region that hit a cold spell could have ice on the roof as the workers start in the morning. Roofers should wait for the icy areas to thaw while working on the sunny sections. Every contractor must takethe weather into consideration so that the structure and workers are safe and sound. Be wary of a roofing company that agrees to work in extreme conditions.

Trust The Roofing Safety Experts At Roofr

Does these roof safety considerations seem like a lot to take in and review to make sure your roofing job is done right? Don't worry! When you choose Roofr, you are choosing the roofing company that strictly hire safety conscious, high quality roofers - for every job!  Begin the Roofr process today. Our satellite imagery offers a detailed account of your home. You'll know exactly what you need for a repaired or replaced rooftop. Reputable installers and accurate quotes are our promises to you. We make roofing easy!