How To Walk On A Slippery Metal Roof

Consider using a safety harness.

How to walk on a slippery metal roof.

Crouch down slightly to walk down a metal roof safely. Use a sturdy extension ladder that extends at least 3 feet above the eaves to climb onto the roof and secure the bottom to the foundation and the top to the eaves or fascia so it doesn t move. Steep metal roofs are especially slippery when they are wet so contractors should avoid working on a wet roof when possible. For your own safety it s important to know how to walk on a metal roof.

A sheet of metal roofing is like a sail with knives on the edges. Never work on a metal roof in the rain or wind when the roof is wet or in wet or dirty shoes. If you are installing the metal roofing avoid working in windy conditions. Fall arrest and fall restraint systems.

Try to move parallel to the roof s edge rather than straight up and down. Walk sideways when moving up or down the roof so you descend the slope gradually. A harness will keep you from falling off the roof if you slip. It should be a soft soled rubber bottom that almost feels like it s gripping the roof it should feel somewhat sticky especially on hot days.

Metal roofs are more slippery than some other roofing products so you must wear the right footwear in order to safely walk on your roof. On metal roofs it s a must to wear rubber soled shoes. The steeper the metal roof the more you ll need to lean over. Wear soft soled shoes or sneakers for better traction.

Choose the right footwear to get started you need good shoes. Walk up or down a slightly inclined roof by walking as you would on the ground but slowly.