Ways to Work on a Steeply Pitched Roof

Working on Steep Roofs

• Before attempting to do roofing work on steep roofs, you should ensure that you have the physical ability to undertake such a task. Roofing requires sufficient leg strength, balance, and the ability to maneuver ropes, tools and other equipment while working on an uneven surface. Work shoes with good support for feet and ankles also are important, as well as work clothes to protect skin. Enlist a good assistant to help. Roof materials and tools may be hoisted onto the roof in a bucket as needed. Secure power tools on short lengths of rope or bungee cords.

Roof Anchors

• Roof anchors are devices that secure to the uppermost part of roof rafters or ridge boards. Ropes then are attached to these devices with double half-hitch or clove knots and then snapped onto the worker’s lifeline to prevent falls. Sometimes anchors require sheathing as well to spread the load of weight to other rafters. Anchors generally are place every 8 to 10 feet and 6 to 8 feet from gable ends to prevent a swing fall, called a “pendulum effect,” according to writer Howard Stein of the Fine Home Building website.

Safety Ropes

• Lifeline ropes generally are 50 feet long, 5/8 to ¾-inch synthetic rope. Least expensive types usually are 3-strand rope. Polypropylene is one of the cheapest types, while braided exterior over a braided core are among the most expensive. Additional equipment, such as rope-grabs and lanyards, also are used. Self-retracting lines are expensive pieces of equipment but make managing the rope easier while working on steep surfaces. These devices let out rope easily and pull it in automatically to keep it out of the way as the worker moves from area to area on the roof. Self-retracting lines are available in vertical types and lines for sloped work. Ropes should be moved to the side, out of the way of the work area as you move along the roof.

Safety Harnesses

• A properly-fitting safety harness is a crucial piece of equipment that can save you from serious injury or even save your life. Safety harnesses fit on the lower part of the body and attach to a rope and anchor system. If the worker slips or falls, the harness keeps him securely held to the roof area, even when the roof slope is steep, preventing injuries in ground falls. Rope is attached to a D-ring at the back of the harness.