Understanding on how to properly walk on a metal roof is very important for installers and even homeowners. Navigating a metal roof safely can be difficult especially when the metal panels are wet from rain or condensation which makes them extremely slippery. For this reason, it is not even recommended to avoid walking until the metal rooftop is completely dry.
While there are advanced fall protection equipment one can and should use in order to prevent accidents, the most important piece of equipment for walking safely is proper rubber footwear. Soft rubber shoes that do not have completely flat soles allow the ability to grip the roof's surface and provide the most friction. Rigid work boots lack flexibility; a flexible shoe means the toes can exert pressure to assist with getting a good grip. This is why you will often see a roofing professional with sneakers or tennis shoes when installing a metal roof so they can avoid slipping. If you see a worker with flip flops then you probably hired the wrong company!
Another benefit when you wear rubber soled shoes is that it helps protect the metal surface from paint damage. For standing seam and metal tile, it is necessary to place the feet on the flat portion and not the seams or ridges in order to avoid denting them. Significant foot traffic will cause roof damage that is visible to the customer.
So can you walk on a metal roof? Yes by using rubber soled shoes; however, other fall protection equipment is also recommended. A safety rope and safety harness properly mounted to the ridge will catch you if you slip. Even with soft soled shoes, you still need to walk slowly to avoid an unfortunate accident. Make sure to double check the safety equipment for possible defects and confirm that the fall protection system has the correct rope length to keep you from hitting the ground.
Generally speaking, other than using extreme caution, there are no other precautionary measures for safely walking on a metal roof apart from what has been mentioned. Make sure your roofing contractor is properly insured. If an accident happens and the contractor does not have the necessary insurance, the homeowner can be held liable for the damages.
Any worker on a roof should wear proper footwear and use fall equipment in order to protect themselves and avoid injury. Apart from sound safety procedure, anyone walking on a metal roof should also try their best to avoid damaging the roof as well. A standing seam metal roof has vertical seams that can be damaged if a person puts their full weight on them, possibly bending them which would result in comprising the seal under the seam. To walk on a standing seam metal roof without damaging it, you would need to place your foot on the flat portion using the proper footwear with rubber soles. The metal should also be as dry as possible.
Metal tiles are very often the opposite. It is important to place the foot on the portion that has no gap between the metal and the deck otherwise you will dent the raised portion with your weight. Metal tiles which have stone-coating will also have their granules removed with too much friction so it is important to walk in such a way as to limit the sliding of the foot.
Our company, Pro-form Roofing, uses high-quality materials for our residential and commercial clients. With 30 years of experience, our metal roofing experts have the knowledge to perform a proper installation and from which fabricators to purchase the best metal roof materials.
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Pro-Forming Roofing Co. is a second-generation family-owned Miami roofing company with over 40 years of experience delivering high-quality roofing services to residential homes and businesses in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. We specialize in roof replacements and repairs for all roof types: metal, asphalt shingle, tile, and flat roofs. We aim to deliver fair pricing and unparalleled service with minimal disruption to your family or business. Give us a call today for a complimentary roof inspection and estimate.
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