How To Walk On A Slippery Metal Roof

Steep metal roofs are especially slippery when they are wet so contractors should avoid working on a wet roof when possible.

How to walk on a slippery metal roof.

Choose the right footwear to get started you need good shoes. A harness will keep you from falling off the roof if you slip. 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. For your own safety it s important to know how to walk on a metal roof.

Walk up a roof and lean your body over towards the roof to help maintain your balance. Crouch down slightly to walk down a metal roof safely. Consider using a safety harness. The steeper the metal roof the more you ll need to lean over.

Never work on a metal roof in the rain or wind when the roof is wet or in wet or dirty shoes. A sheet of metal roofing is like a sail with knives on the edges. On metal roofs it s a must to wear rubber soled shoes. Fall arrest and fall restraint systems.

Walk up or down a slightly inclined roof by walking as you would on the ground but slowly. You should have the feeling that your shoes are sticking to the metal. Walk sideways when moving up or down the roof so you descend the slope gradually. Try to move parallel to the roof s edge rather than straight up and down.

Wear soft soled shoes or sneakers for better traction. The metal surface is very smooth and slippery so you need to have good traction and a secure grip.