How to Paint on a Steep Roof

Mark the center of your 2-by-4-inch board, using a tape measure and pencil. The center of an 8-foot-long board is 48 inches. Place a straight edge next to your pencil marks. Use your pencil to trace a line up against your straight edge.

Cut your 2-by-4-inch board in half with the circular saw.

Clamp your two, 4-foot sections together in the shape of an L. Lay one board flat with the 4-inch side facing up, and set your second section of wood directly up against the side of the first board, with the 2-inch side facing up. The 4-inch side of the second board should be up against the 2-inch edge of the first board.

Drive 3-inch deck screws, with your drill, through the 4-inch side of the second board, into the 2-inch edge of the first board. Space your screws a maximum of 6 inches apart.

Set an extension ladder up against your house in the area that you will be working. Take your drill, at least six 3-inch deck screws, and your L board up the ladder with you. Set your L board on your roof with the tallest side sticking up. Slide your board over so that it is a minimum of 2 feet from the side of the house or overhang you will be working on. You do not want to be positioned too close, or too far away.

Drive your deck screws through the face of the bottom board and into the roof.

Carry your second extension ladder up to your roof and set the feet of your ladder up against the portion of board sticking up off the roof. You will now be able to climb onto your board and extend your ladder up your roof. Make sure your ladder is locked into position before you get on it.