How to Get on Your Roof Safely

Hey, we get it. We understand there are some times when you might need to get up on your roof. Maybe it’s to remove some branches or clean your gutters. Perhaps you wish to make some minor repairs, take down your Christmas lights before the Fourth of July, or heck, even retrieve a kite or rescue your cat. We know stuff pops up that doesn’t necessarily seem like it requires a pro, but this isn’t your average “take out the garbage” chore. This can be dangerous. That’s why we created these guidelines to ensure you know how to get on your roof safely, not to mention get back down!

Don’t Go it Alone

It’s always wise to have someone spot and assist you if you’re getting on a roof. Ask (or bribe!) a friend or family member to help out by holding the ladder and hoisting up any tools you happen to forget. That way, you won’t have to go up and down the ladder to retrieve what you need. It’s also smart for the simple reason that someone else is there who can get help in case of an emergency.  

Wait for the Right Weather 

Never just decide to venture up without checking the forecast first. Make sure the weather is appropriate — not windy or wet! You don’t want to take the chance of being knocked off your feet or slipping and falling, so if it’s not a dry and calm day, check something else off your to-do list instead.  

Dress for Success

When you’re getting on your roof, it’s super important to wear the right shoes, with rubber soles and good traction. No bare feet or flip-flops allowed! A good tool belt is key as it will save you from trying to carry tools while navigating the ladder, and leather gloves can help you keep a good grip on things. 

This may seem over the top, but it’s also a good idea to equip yourself with a safety harness, especially if your roof is high or steep. Even if you’re only up there for a short time, it can save you from serious consequences if you happen to slip or trip on something. Temporary toeholds are also a good investment. They can help you keep your steps steady and can be removed when the job is done. You can typically find these things at your neighborhood hardware store.  

Climb Carefully

Perhaps one of the most important tips of all is to make sure you have a good, sturdy ladder and are using it safely and correctly. 

• Place your ladder on level, dry, and firm ground, or set a board beneath it. The ladder should extend several feet above the roof. 
• A good rule of thumb is for every 4 feet of ladder, you should move the base 1 foot from the house. 
• Avoid leaning the ladder against gutters so it doesn’t slide at the top or cause any damage, and pick a place away from powerlines. 

• Next, have your partner hold the ladder for extra stability. 
• Always face the ladder and when you start to climb, be sure to keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times — both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand. 
• When you reach the roof, hold onto the top of the ladder with both hands and step around, not over it. 

Step Safely

Congratulations, you’re on the roof! Now, be sure to move slowly and carefully, check that each step you take is stable before proceeding. Before you move forward, make sure the path before you is clean and hazard-free. Take your time and of course, don’t get too close to the edge.

Repeat in Reverse

Whether it’s right away because you’ve decided this wasn’t the best idea you’ve ever had, or if it’s after you’ve accomplished what you set out to do, when the time comes to head back down, let your partner know to spot you. Next, descend the same way you went up — holding the top of the ladder with both hands, stepping around and then down, facing the ladder, and maintaining three points of contact until you’re safely on the ground. Then, hope you didn’t forget anything up there and go get your partner the cold one you promised! 

Rather Not Get On Your Roof At All?

If you don’t feel that climbing up on your roof safely is something you can physically do, or the thought of being up so high and walking on a sloping surface gives you the heebie-jeebies, not to worry. We’ve got your back! For repairs, inspection, maintenance, and replacement, just give us a call at 616-844-5382 or connect with us online today.  

We’re told by our doctors about the importance of annual physicals, flu shots, vaccinations, and checkups. Preventative care is just as important for maintaining our health as it is for our home’s roof. Just like our bodies, your home’s roof needs regular maintenance to keep it healthy and working in optimal condition. Here are five reasons why regular roof maintenance is so important.

#1 Roof Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Roof

Your roof is a big investment and maintaining it can actually extend the life of your roof, which protects your investment in your home. Think of it like a flu shot. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but then you’re protected for a whole season and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it. When you spend a little on regular roof maintenance, your roof will last longer before it needs replacing, which makes your money go a lot further.

#2 Roof Maintenance Keeps Your Family Safe

Your home’s roof is what stands between your family and the elements. It’s important to maintain that barrier to protect your family from obvious dangers like weather events, falling tree branches, or excess moisture which could lead to mold — but also the less-obvious protections that keep your family healthy, safe and warm. For example, regular roof maintenance like insulation inspection makes sure your home is retaining heat which prevents energy waste and saves your family money. 

#3 Roof Maintenance Keeps Your House Safe

Your home’s roof not only protects the contents of your home, but it also acts as a layer of defense for the elements of the structure itself. If your roof is well-maintained, you’re also maintaining the supporting beams, the rafters, the walls and the foundation, which keeps your home safer and extends its life. If the roof were to fail due to neglect or skipped maintenance tasks, it would put the rest of your home at risk.

#4 Regular Roof Maintenance Saves You Money

Regular roof maintenance year after year will actually save you money over the course of your roof’s life. This isn’t just because maintenance extends the life of your roof. It’s also because the cost of maintenance or small repairs is less when problems are detected early. They only get seriously expensive when significant damage has occurred when a problem is left too long. 

For example, if you notice ice dams forming on your roof in the winter, but don’t perform the small maintenance tasks of insulating and ventilating your roof, that small repair could turn into a big one when your roof starts leaking and causes water damage. Preventative care for your roof will pay off in the long run when you save yourself the expense of serious repairs or early roof replacement. 

#5 Roof Maintenance Protects Your Home’s Value

A well-maintained roof not only looks and performs better, it also sustains your home’s value. Better curb appeal alone will fetch a better price when you decide to sell your home, but regular roof maintenance makes your home more valuable to a buyer, who can trust its quality and protective ability.

Regular Roof Maintenance Tasks

These roof maintenance tasks should be completed annually by a professional roofer to check for damage and assess your roof’s condition and performance:

• Examine roof for stains, peeling or missing shingles
• Inspect pipe boots for cracks or damage
• Check for evidence of pests or animals
• Remove debris from roof and gutters
• Make sure roof ventilation is working properly
• Inspect flashing and caulking for potential leaks
• Sweep and inspect chimney

Regular roof maintenance makes the difference between an expensive, leaking, eyesore, and a protective, attractive barrier on your home. Completing the necessary tasks every year will ensure your roof lasts a long time and continues to perform at optimal efficiency.

If it’s time to get your roof checked and regular roof maintenance completed, don’t put it off. Schedule your roof maintenance with your local roofing company to make sure your roof is in good condition and protecting your home and your family the way it should. If it’s been some time since your roof has had an inspection or any upkeep, talk to the Werner Roofing team.

Cleaning roof shingles is not a difficult task to do, but likely requires the help of a professional. Let’s talk about why you should clean roof shingles, how to do it, and some tips to prevent algae and moss growth in the future.

Why You Should Clean Roof Shingles

Taking steps to regularly clean roof shingles is important for your roof’s health. Keeping clean roof shingles will extend your roof’s life, improve its protective ability, and most importantly, not mask deeper symptoms of possible damage. 

Extend the Life of Your Roof 

Algae feeds off the oil in your shingles and can literally eat them away over time. Moss damages shingles by causing them to curl. Curled shingles are easy targets for wind gusts, which get underneath the shingles and pull them off, exposing your roof to the elements. Regular cleaning and maintenance to remove these organisms is critical for your roof’s protection. 

Improve Your Roof’s Protective Ability

 Moss and algae growth inhibit your roof’s reflective abilities, making it less efficient and . Moss and algae also encourage water retention on your roof’s surface. If left unaddressed, water can seep under shingles and through your roof, which could cause mold, rot, or leaks.

Uncover Symptoms of Roof Damage

If your roof is showing certain signs, such as peeling shingles, low spots, or , it might need repair. Significant staining, algae or moss growth can mask these symptoms, so you don’t notice the damage until it becomes serious. Removing them will allow you to accurately assess your roof’s condition. On the other hand, if your roof looks like it’s in rough shape, a thorough cleaning may be just what it needs to look new again.

Due to safety risks, you shouldn’t attempt to clean roof shingles on your own. It’s best to leave it up to a professional, who has the expertise and equipment to complete the job safely. Contact your local roofing company to help you clean your roof shingles.

How to Clean Roof Shingles

When it’s time to clean your roof shingles, the roofer will use a chemical solution, likely bleach and water, to kill any algae, moss, or mold on your shingles. 

• Step 1: Mixing bleach and water in a one-to-one solution, your roofer will use a sprayer to evenly distribute the chemical over your roof. 
• Step 2: Then, they will let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes so it can seep into the moss or algae and start loosening its hold on your shingles. 
• Step 3: Finally, they will carefully remove the moss or algae by spraying the roof down with a hose. If any stubborn pieces remain, they can be wiped by hand.

To clean roof shingles, the roofer will need to use a ladder to get onto your roof. The surface could become slippery, which is why the job should be left to professionals. 

Tips for Maintaining Clean Roof Shingles

Once you have clean roof shingles, you’ll want to keep them that way. Perform routine maintenance on your roof to remove any debris, algae, or moss growth to keep it from causing damage to your roof. Here are a few other tips to help you maintain clean roof shingles:

• It’s a good idea to give your gutters a good cleaning when you clean roof shingles. Gutters help drain water away from your roof, and a drier roof is less likely to grow moss or algae. Also, gutter cleaning removes organisms living in your gutters which could find their way onto your roof.
• You can prevent algae and moss growth by trimming tree branches that touch your roof or block the sun. These organisms grow well in low-light, moist environments, so keeping your roof dry and open to the sunlight can prevent them from taking hold.
• Never attempt to use a power-washer to clean roof shingles. The forceful stream of water can damage shingles, or force water underneath them, which could damage your roof.

If you’ve noticed a lot of debris, moss, or mold on your asphalt roof, and aren’t sure what the right move is, talk to the experts at Werner Roofing. We’d be happy to assess what’s going on, and give you a free, no-obligation estimate of how we can help you solve the problem.