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GreenLiving is an award winning roof repair company.  We can easily tell you without a doubt that asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most highly sought after roofs at the moment. With so many roof repair DIY enthusiasts this article will give you some helpful tips on how to safely access a roof if you’re thinking about climbing on top of your house to patch a roof, seal roof leaks or just general roof repair.

There are so many issues that can surface over time with your roof and there will be times when you do have to get on a ladder and jump on that roof for a quick roof inspection.

If you’ve never been on a roof it can be a bit nerve-wrecking as there are major safety hazards you must be aware of.

This guide does not serve as a replacement for any training you might need to properly access a roof or perform major roof repairs.

**GreenLiving strongly recommends that any roof repair work be done by a trained roofing expert. Feel free to give us a call at 844-398-9697

We are the #1 Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor here in Southern California so feel free to reach out to us if the undertaking becomes a bit too much to handle.

Thanks to GreenLiving, we’ve put together some information along with some tips to help you to pull off a general roof repair or roof installation job.

All the necessary precautions must be taken when accessing a rooftop.

1. STABILITY OF THE ROOF FOR ROOF REPAIR

One thing to consider is the stability of the roof. Make sure that the roof is stable enough to support the weight of an adult. Take the time to look for the following issues that can be seen plainly from ground level, sometimes it can get a bit difficult to gauge the severity of roofing issues from a distance so again, please take the necessary precautions. Things to look out for

• Missing or Loose Shingles
• Damp Spots and Patches of Moisture
• Dented or Slumped Gutters
• Structural Weakness or Sagging
• Corroded, Warped or Curling Shingles

Missing or Loose Shingles:

If you see one or two missing shingles – those can be easily replaced and you should focus on replacing those shingles immediately as not doing so opens your roof up to a host of major risks. Moisture can begin to seep into the wooden frame that can potentially rot out your framework and decking. This won’t happen overnight but an intact shingle will ensure a longer-lasting roof.

Damp Spots and Patches of Moisture:

The purpose of your roof is to protect your home against the harsh conditions that nature can and will throw at it. Wind, heavy rain, hail, extreme heat, extreme cold will all grind your shingles down to the framework. One of the biggest threats to your roof is moisture with damp spots being the first sign of trouble.

The pitch of your roof should channel any rainwater into your gutters efficiently preventing moisture from pooling causing your shingles to erode. Any damp patches of moisture lingering long after a storm should get looked at and addressed right away.

Dented or Slumped Gutters:

Healthy gutters are a major component of a healthy roof. A gutters’ main job is to channel rain off your roof and away from the foundation of your home. Misaligned or choked gutters can cause an overflow of water that can then erode your foundation and can even lead to flooding. Clean gutters are a must, we recommend taking a few minutes every 2-3 weeks to clean them out.

Structural Weakness or Sagging:

If you notice that your roof is sagging it is likely due to an underlayment structural issue that threatens the stability of your home. This is a major RED FLAG as it strongly suggests the framing may need to be replaced. Correcting structural issues may require a full-scale roof replacement. It is never a good idea to procrastinate structural work.

Corroded, Warped or Curling Shingles:

If you notice that your shingles are curling, warped or corroded it may suggest issues with your roof’s overall performance. Heat and moisture from inadequate venting can cause your shingles to prematurely wear and fade. Unvented moisture can cause mold to form, this can begin to eat away at the bottom side of your shingle. If you wait to address this issue you may be forced to re-shingle the entire roof.

2. LADDER TO BE USED FOR ROOF REPAIR PROJECTS

The next thing you need to consider is the ladder you will be using to climb onto the roof and the placement of the ladder – safety should be your #1 priority. Ladder safety statistics indicate that around 300 people die each year due to ladder-related accidents, more than half a million are treated for ladder-related injuries every year.

To make sure that your ladder is placed correctly, make sure that it is kept at an angle of 4:1. You should also make sure the ladder is fastened properly to the roofline to avoid any accidents. Make sure that the ladder is in good working condition and safe to use before mounting it. The most common type of roofing ladder to use is an extension ladder.

This type of ladder will help you get onto the roof and can also be used to work on the roof. Some of the extension ladders referred to as portable ladders or straight ladders come with hooks on top so they can be secured to the ridge of the roof.

You should be ok using the following ladders:

Type lll – Light Duty – 200 pounds (Household Use)

Type ll – Medium Duty – 225 pounds (Commercial Handymen, Light Maintenance and Mechanics)

Any rating on a ladder higher than the ones mentioned above are considered construction / industrial use and should also be ok for home use.

3. BEST WEATHER FOR ROOF REPAIR PROJECTS

If you will be accessing the rooftop consider the weather before racing to your rooftop. Certain weather conditions can make the shingles or other parts of your roof extremely slippery and can put you at serious risk.

This is especially true of rain and snow. Make sure you stay far away from your roof in these situations – safety comes first. If you are dealing with a roof emergency please contact a certified professional like GreenLiving – 844-398-9697

4. HOLES IN THE ROOF – ROOF REPAIR 

If you have holes in your roof –WATCH OUT- those can be a recipe for disaster in the future. The dangers of having holes in your roof will be addressed more in-depth in another article, for now just know that holes in your roof can cause major problems for you down the road.

5. EFFECTIVE TRAINING FOR GENERAL ROOF REPAIR

Don’t wing it! When someone who is not trained on roof safety manages to get onto a rooftop to do even the simplest roof repair safety becomes a major factor to consider. If you must access the roof please be sure to use channels like YouTube and other online blogs to educate yourself on proper roof safety.

6. POOR LINE OF SIGHT – ROOF REPAIR SAFETY

It is crucial to know exactly where you are on a rooftop at all times. Knowing where the edges are very important. Things such as ridge vents and chimneys can easily block your line of sight so be mindful of these potential hazards.

7. PITCH – FALL HEIGHTS AND SPLIT LEVEL

Using protection equipment is vital when accessing a rooftop especially if the roof is steep. Fall protection gear like the KwikSafety 3D Full Body Harness Kit can prove to be a life-saver and comes at a price under $100 so well worth the investment.

All protective equipment should be kept on when you are on a roof.

So there you have it!

Roof repairing can be a hard long process. It’s always best to have your roof inspected each year and your roof repairs done by a trusted, insured award-winning roofing company.

GreenLiving is one of those experts and if you call us today we’ll conduct a full Cross-Point Roof Inspection and we will cover the entire cost.

Call us or fill out the form and we’ll get a professional out for your complimentary Cross-Point Roof Inspection.

Roof repairing is difficult so if you just finished a DIY roof repair project and are in the Los Angeles, San Diego or Orange County areas, do not hesitate to give us a call.

We’ll extend the Free Cross-Point Inspection to make sure everything was done correctly, make sure your home is up to code and to give you that peace of mind that your roof is in tip-top shape

Need help with Solar Installation, Exterior Paint or Windows? Feel free to reach out to us as well with any questions.

Call 844-398-9697