One of the reasons why residential roofing contractors discourage taking the DIY route to roofing work is because of its inherent danger. However, if you really must work on your own roof, Creative Construction Group shares safety tips on roofing work.
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Don’t Work Alone — Always have someone to help you hold the ladder, load and unload supplies, or to be available in case of an accident. This can be difficult if you’re the only adult in the household. You’d be placing yourself at great risk by working alone, so hiring a professional would be the safer option.
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Use the Ladder Properly — Whether you’re looking into doing some roofing installation or cleaning, invest in a quality, safe ladder. That means you should have one that has the right weight rating, the right length (it should extend at least three feet beyond the roof edge) and should have additional features such as safety hooks or spikes. Remember the “4-to-1 Rule”: for every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be secured 1 foot away from the wall.
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Use Proper Attire and Equipment — You need to wear clothing that’s appropriate for working on the roof. You may need to wear a light-colored shirt with long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun. Wear safety shoes, particularly those that provide protection against nails. Most importantly, learn how to use a safety harness and use it every moment you’re on the roof. Roofers like us are trained for workplace safety and use such equipment as standard gear.
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Practice Using Your Tools — If you have not done any roofing work before, practice using the tools on the ground, in a safe environment. Nail guns, in particular, can be dangerous when used improperly. Make sure you follow manufacturer instructions on how to calibrate it, and practice on a few pieces of plywood until you get the hang of the right amount of pressure. Of course, if you don’t own a nail gun, or if you’re uncomfortable using it, the best solution is to just leave it to the pros.
Creative Construction Group is the residential roofing company to turn to when you need roofing installation and repair services. Give us a call at (815) 339-0550 or (262) 581-1209. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Crystal Lake, IL, and nearby areas in Illinois.