Replace Roof Shingles Safely
Wanting to save money on a home project should not come at the risk of personal safety. If your house has a steeply pitched roof, you will need to take extra precautions in order to prevent an accidental fall. Before you become a weekend warrior and jump into this do-it-yourself project, make sure you consider the safety procedures you and your assistants will need to follow so that you can perform your roof repairs without incident.
Instructions
1.Brace a sturdy extension ladder against the roof edge and place blocks against the feet of the ladder in order to prevent slippage. Tie a rope around the top of the ladder and secure the rope to the roof with a sturdy anchor. Nail or screw hooks into the roof beams as an anchor. Extend the top of the ladder at least 3 feet above the edge of the roof, and use both hands to get on and off the ladder.
2.Secure yourself with a safety harness on a steeply pitched roof. Strap the harness to your torso and secure the opposite end to a solid wood base, such as a rafter or beam. Place the roof anchor as directly above your work area as possible and relocate it as needed. The safety harness will come with instructions that show you the best way to attach it.
3.Work on a dry roof in order to avoid slipping. Roofs that are wet from snow, rain or dew are unsafe and will need to dry before any work can begin.
4.Wear rubber-soled shoes for good traction. Worn-out soles do not have the grip that newer shoes will provide.
5.Clean the roof frequently with a broom to remove particles from shingles or sawdust. Dirt on the roof will increase the danger of slipping because shoes cannot get a good grip.
6.Nail 2-inch by 4-inch inch blocks for temporary footholds into beams or trusses. The size of the blocks can vary, and they can be reused as needed.
7.Remove shingles starting at the top and moving down. Remove nails and place them in a pouch or pail attached to your body. Toss old shingles in a dumpster or an area on the ground designated for the old shingles.
8.Cover the exposed wood with underlayment, and then attach the new shingles starting at the bottom and working your way to the roof's peak.
Instructions
1.Brace a sturdy extension ladder against the roof edge and place blocks against the feet of the ladder in order to prevent slippage. Tie a rope around the top of the ladder and secure the rope to the roof with a sturdy anchor. Nail or screw hooks into the roof beams as an anchor. Extend the top of the ladder at least 3 feet above the edge of the roof, and use both hands to get on and off the ladder.
2.Secure yourself with a safety harness on a steeply pitched roof. Strap the harness to your torso and secure the opposite end to a solid wood base, such as a rafter or beam. Place the roof anchor as directly above your work area as possible and relocate it as needed. The safety harness will come with instructions that show you the best way to attach it.
3.Work on a dry roof in order to avoid slipping. Roofs that are wet from snow, rain or dew are unsafe and will need to dry before any work can begin.
4.Wear rubber-soled shoes for good traction. Worn-out soles do not have the grip that newer shoes will provide.
5.Clean the roof frequently with a broom to remove particles from shingles or sawdust. Dirt on the roof will increase the danger of slipping because shoes cannot get a good grip.
6.Nail 2-inch by 4-inch inch blocks for temporary footholds into beams or trusses. The size of the blocks can vary, and they can be reused as needed.
7.Remove shingles starting at the top and moving down. Remove nails and place them in a pouch or pail attached to your body. Toss old shingles in a dumpster or an area on the ground designated for the old shingles.
8.Cover the exposed wood with underlayment, and then attach the new shingles starting at the bottom and working your way to the roof's peak.
- 15a9eb11cd6963c948ca6606ef35dd496c.jpg
