There is nothing under the sun that is risk-free, and roofing repairs are no exception. They can be especially dangerous when a contractor is not very cautious. Slipping and falling off a roof usually leads to major injury, and sometimes even death. As a result, there are some key things you’ll want to consider when having your roof repaired in Wheaton.

Safety Considerations

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the third leading cause of death in all construction-related fatalities. Here are six things that should be taken into consideration by someone who will be working on a roofing repair project:

1. Ladder – Before climbing up a ladder for a roof inspection, make sure that the ladder is stable. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual to determine what the maximum weight capacity is for the ladder, and also follow the instructions on how to properly set up and position the ladder for stability.

2. Fall protection systems – There are fall protection systems that OSHA has specified in the workplace; these same systems can be applied when doing home roofing repairs. Guard rails, personal fall arrest systems, and safety nets are three types of systems the agency has specified, and any one of these systems could be used for such repairs. It’s recommended that someone only climbs onto the roof with personal fall protection in place, including a full-body harness and a lanyard.

3. Avoid damaged areas – Avoid walking on severely damaged areas that appear to have loose shingles or tiles to avoid slipping.

4. Avoid snow or ice – Do not attempt to walk on a roof covered with snow or ice, as it could be extremely slippery (especially if it has a steep slope).

5. Safety with power tools – When working on a roof with power tools, you should protect your hands by wearing gloves that are sturdy, and make sure that the power tools are plugged into an outlet with ground fault protection. In cases where the power tool is excessively noisy, using ear protection is recommended when the tool is being used.

6. Inaccessible areas – There is a great danger when working in hard-to-access areas on tops of homes, which is why it’s important to have the appropriate safety gear and protection. A safety harness is an important tool that will allow you to safely access those hard-to-reach areas of the roof. Knowing the following important steps on how to properly use the harness can save a roofing contractor’s life from the threat of falling:

• Read instructions – Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and fasten the harness around the body accordingly. Make sure to get the correct fit for the harness.
• Wear harness properly – Ensure that the harness is properly tightened for a snug fit. Get rid of loose or dangling straps, as this may cause slipping.
• Secure safety rope anchors – At the peak of the roof, drill screws into rafters, which will then make the anchors secure. The safety rope should be connected to the ring on the roof anchor.
• Use the lanyard properly – Lanyards should be attached to the D-ring, and when advancing along, be sure to adjust the lanyard by squeezing the rope.

Final Notes

People who are comfortable in performing roof repair tasks need to be sure they take extra precautions to avoid slipping. Using the appropriate safety gear can help make the roof repair project safer. Regardless, roof repair tasks are best left to experienced professionals. With their experience, expertise, tools, and safety equipment, they can complete the repairs safely and on-time.

Looking for a Roof Repair Company in Wheaton?

If you are looking for reliable and affordable roof repair services for your home or business in Wheaton, contact Best Deal Inc. today to request a free quote!