Have you ever stood looking up at your roof and thought, “Can I walk on that? ” Perhaps you want to clean it or inspect it for damage. When new roof extensions are built, people always wonder if it’s safe to walk on them. The response isn’t always clear. It depends on the type of roof you have, how strong it is, and the reason why you wish to walk on it.
In the following blog, we’ll discuss when it’s safe to walk on a roof and when you need to remain off.
Can Walking on a Roof Create Leaks?
Yes, it can. When you walk on a roof, especially one of the newer roof extensions, you could damage it. Roofs are designed to keep rain and snow out, not to support people stomping around.
If you stand in the wrong place, you might crack a tile, warp some metal, or shift something known as “flashing,” which prevents water from entering around items such as chimneys and windows. Even tiny damage can allow water to seep into your home. Leaking water leads to mold, rotten wood, and costly repairs.
Roofers who make a living repairing roofs understand how to walk on them without doing damage. They wear special shoes and tread lightly. If you’re not a roofer, it’s best to avoid walking on them and call a professional if something needs repair.
What Kind of Roof Should You Not Walk On?
There are some roofs that are simply not safe to walk on. Let’s examine the ones you should avoid:
1. Slate Roofs
Slate is pretty but easily breakable. If you walk on a slate roof, the tiles will break like glass.
2. Clay Tile Roofs
The tiles are hard to the touch, but they’ll snap when you walk on them. Take one wrong step, and you’ll break a few of them.
3. Green Roofs
Some new roof extensions have gardens on them. They are known as green roofs. They contain plants and soil and don’t appreciate being walked on. You might squash the plants or damage the waterproof layer below.
4. Steep Roofs
If your roof is very slanted, don’t walk on it. You might slip and fall, which is extremely dangerous.
5. Old Roofs
If your roof is extremely old, the wood beneath may be soft. You may walk on it and then tumble through.
Therefore, if your roof is one of these varieties, don’t walk on it! Get a professional instead.
Can I Walk on My Roof to Clean It?
You may think that it is all right to walk on the roof to sweep leaves, clean the roof, or dirt off. But it is not a good idea, particularly for newly installed roof extensions. Walking on a roof to sweep it may scratch or dent it. You may even get thrown off if it is slippery.
These are better methods of cleaning your roof:
Use a roof ladder that hooks over the top. It allows you to stand safely.
Call in a roof cleaning professional. They’re equipped with the proper equipment and know how to be careful.
Put up gutter guards so leaves don’t accumulate and you don’t have to climb as much.
If you absolutely must climb, put on soft shoes and be extremely cautious. Don’t go by yourself, and make sure someone is close by in case you need assistance.
Will My Roof Break If I Walk on It?
That is up to your roof. New roof extensions are more likely to be stronger than old roofs, but that doesn’t mean you should walk upon them.
Let’s see what can cause a roof to break:
Weak wood beneath the roof may bend or break.
Bad building work may mean it is not designed to support weight.
Slanted roofs do not provide a flat surface for you to stand on, and standing in the incorrect location may lead to falling.
If your roof collapses when you are on it, you can hurt yourself badly. You might also make holes that cost a lot to fix.
The best thing to do? Get off the roof unless a professional assures you that it’s fine. Even that, be extremely cautious.
Conclusion
So, is it okay to walk on an extension roof? Sometimes, but sometimes it’s not. It will depend on how the roof has been constructed, what it is constructed of, and why you need to get up there. With new extensions to roofs, you should also ask the one who constructed it whether it’s safe to walk on.
Even if it feels safe, a single misstep can ruin your roof or injure you. Rather than tread on it, use safer alternatives such as stepping on a ladder, seeking professional assistance, or installing equipment to facilitate cleaning. New roof extensions are a worthwhile investment and a source of aesthetic appeal for your home. Ensure they remain safe and secure by being cautious and making informed decisions. If unsure, always consult an expert beforehand.
