I have been trying for some time to find a video or even instruction manual on safely climbing a roof.
I have used the Home Depot anchor kits when gutter cleaning and have some issues with them. I also have some questions that I hope someone can help me with.
1. Is there a detailed video or training on safely getting secured on a roof ?
A. If not When you have to climb to the ridge to get "secured" do you use a chicken ladder to get from gutter line to the ridge?
a. If you use a chicken ladder:
1.What happens when the ridge is like 20 feet away ? I have tried using a 16 ft extension ladder with a hook but it's hard and unsafe carrying a ladder up a ladder, also using an extension ladder as a chicken ladder is unsafe because of the extensions, so what tool do you use ?
2.When getting up on the ridge do you nail in the bracket to the customer's roof ?
A.Do you use a drill or hammer ?
B.I have had customers tell me they do not want anything on their roof, but it's dangerous trying to take bracket off and plugging up holes that could lead to leaks. So what bracket or device do you use to to anchor to ?
3.The harness I've used had the hook on the back, how are you supposed to hook up and unhook the rope to your back lol
4. What if the ridge is not horizontal but diagonal? Then what ?
Jim Marchioni said
Nov 20, 2016
Just saw this ......,.OSHA takes this stuff seriously !! Ned Stevens is real big here in Jersey, they are basically a gutter cleaning company moving into roof cleaning
Every year you should get certified in roof and ladder safety it's an osha regulation if you wear a harness. I'm sure their is a safety company in your area that can sell you equipment and train you properly for these issues. Hope that helps
Tim Teed said
Nov 24, 2016
Why do you have to get on the roof? In 5 years maybe 2 or 3 times we needed to get on the roof.
There are some kits where there is a small line attached to a weighted bag or ball that is thrown over roof and pull the line which is attached to a rope and tie off to immovable object like a tree etc. People cutting trees use something similar. Then use your harness.
You can install a permanent anchor under ridge cap or a temporary one on the side of the roof you are working on. Attach roof anchor on top of shingle into rafter using duplex nails. When done remove and slide a "bibby" a small piece of flat aluminum under the shingle that is held in place with blackjack
Bob Riddick said
Nov 28, 2016
Hi Jim. I've been in residential roofing for over 40 years, and your questions are quite reasonable. There are no simple answers, but Chris and Tim make great points.
You are so much safer spraying from a ladder, which is what my guys do. And they came from one of my roofing crews.
Feel free to call me and I'd be happy to spend more time on this subject. BTW, we are over 14 years without an accident.
Jim Marchioni said
Nov 28, 2016
Thank you for all the advice...from what I'm gathering is that 99% of roof cleanings can be done from the ground or gutter line so there isn't a real need to climb a roof . That is good news !! I plan on going to the palooza, hopefully I will be able to meet you guys.
Chad Eneix said
Nov 29, 2016
We also rarely get on roofs, however, I would suggest getting trained and getting some gear anyway. Also, talk to your insurance agent about it. Sometimes, you just have to get up there, or getting up there makes it easier or more efficient in the long run. I always get on the roof for initial training of a new guy, as it's easier to see what is going on and explain the process. Also, if you get a large roof with an easy pitch, say a clinic or something, most of the time you will be faster in the long run to just get up there. You will also use less chemical.
At SoftWashapalooza, I'm hoping we can get the Roof Safety trailer again to use at our event. You can watch a temporary anchor installation around the 25 minute mark.
Jim Marchioni said
Dec 1, 2016
Brandon that was an awesome presentation. Thank you for the link
Vic Irish said
Dec 7, 2016
What Jim said. That was awesome! I need one of those slips to put my email address on ;)
AC Lockyer said
Dec 20, 2016
Looks like Brandon will be doing his safety class at SoftWashapolooza.
Maybe a former roofer can help
archive.northjersey.com/news/business/roof-cleaner-facing-fines-1.1465060
There are some kits where there is a small line attached to a weighted bag or ball that is thrown over roof and pull the line which is attached to a rope and tie off to immovable object like a tree etc. People cutting trees use something similar. Then use your harness.
You can install a permanent anchor under ridge cap or a temporary one on the side of the roof you are working on. Attach roof anchor on top of shingle into rafter using duplex nails. When done remove and slide a "bibby" a small piece of flat aluminum under the shingle that is held in place with blackjack
Hi Jim. I've been in residential roofing for over 40 years, and your questions are quite reasonable. There are no simple answers, but Chris and Tim make great points.
You are so much safer spraying from a ladder, which is what my guys do. And they came from one of my roofing crews.
Feel free to call me and I'd be happy to spend more time on this subject. BTW, we are over 14 years without an accident.
Hi Jim - I taught a class at the UAMCC National Convention on Roof Safety. Here's a link to my class presentation - https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BybRaRFBSC4fQzh2NXJmdWJEQlU
At SoftWashapalooza, I'm hoping we can get the Roof Safety trailer again to use at our event. You can watch a temporary anchor installation around the 25 minute mark.
AC