Almost every occupation has some degree of risk; however, there are certain jobs that are extremely hazardous where extra safety precautions must be taken, such as any involved in the building, repairing, or replacement of a roofing system.
Following are some things to consider in order to work safely and avoid injuries.
- Fall Hazards – The first step to a safe inspection of a roof is to consider what contributes to accidents while performing such a task. Careful consideration must be given to the degree of inclination since the steeper the roof, the more difficult it will be to maintain balance. Other things to keep in mind are what might cause a slippery surface, such as moisture and dirt and good traction shoes should be worn to avoid any problems. Another important item to examine is tripping hazards such as electrical cords or protrusions.
- Risk Evaluation – While a risk assessment is usually done by roofing companies to protect workers; building occupants can do the same to be protected. It is essential to evaluate anything that could cause harm to determine what necessary precautions necessary will avoid that risk. Basically, a risk assessment is an overview of all that should be done during an inspection, taking into account anything that could possibly go wrong and determining the right actions to take to avoid any injuries.
- Maintenance – Ideally, inspections should be done once or twice a year; however, there are other factors to consider with a roof such as the age, current condition, climate, environmental factors (natural or mechanical), and foot traffic.
- Inspection – Climbing up onto the roof without knowing what to examine is a bad idea; therefore, it is essential to learn what to look for before attempting this task. Following are some red flags that could occur: faulty flashing; excessive granulation of asphalt shingles; brittleness, warping, curling, or buckling of asphalt shingles; signs of corrosion, open seams, denting, and rusting of metal materials; and broken, chipped, or missing pieces of slate, clay, or tile sections.
- Assessment – To safely check a roof for possible problems, there are three things to remember: take a buddy, a pair of binoculars, and a ladder. An assessment can start from inside the house by checking the ceiling for coffee-like stains. Continue on to the exterior and using binoculars from across the street, inspect and pay particular attention to gutters, vents, and chimneys. Then with the help of a buddy, take a ladder and climb onto the roof and check for signs of damage, especially any areas prone to water pooling. Keep in mind this is only a preliminary examination and is very risky when done alone.
- Professional Help – The safest method for inspecting a roof is to contact a reputable contractor, many of whom offer free inspections. They have the right experience, follow proper safety guidelines, and can examine a roof’s condition and suggest ways to fix any problems.
For any roofing project, it is important to take precautionary measures to avoid accidents. Since a roof is one of the most essential components of a home, periodic inspections should be given the highest priority. A task such as this does carry some associated risks; therefore, proper steps should be taken to minimize and reduce any accidents. There is no other method more safe than calling professionals who know safe working practices and have the proper knowledge in roofing assessments and repairs. This is the safest way for a building owner to examine a roof!
Let Schulte Roofing Be Your Houston Roofing Repair Experts!
Are there problems with your roof that require the expertise of a Houston roofing repair company? Call Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 as they are the greater Houston area experts who can help with everything from a small repair to a complete roof replacement!