How to keep from falling off metal roof?

[jmh21586]

I work on the exterior of buildings. Some 30+ stories. You'll never see me on the 6/12roof of my house though.

What I will say is go up there when the tin is cold. Don't wait til the sun warms it up. Anyone with kids and a playground slide will know what I'm talking about. They're not slippery when cold.

 

[rustybill]

Have you considered using ladder hooks and a ladder?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000224MR

 

[whaler2001]

True story... there is a guy down the street from us that is kind of a nut job, and at first i laughed at this... but it works.

The mat that you can buy in a roll that you put in your drawers, cabinets, etc.... you can kinda see through it as it looks mesh, but it's soft. if you've ever had it somewhere you'll know things won't slide on it.

He took this stuff and wrapped it around his shoes, knees, and his bottom, and taped it on. He never slid off...stuck like glue.

 

[Ironcrow]

The contractor I had on my metal roof used rolls of spun bonded mat about 1/4 thick, 2 feet wide. He had rolls about 20 feet long and just tossed it out where he wanted to walk. It was a yellow stuff. I asked the crew where they bought it, but they didn't know.

 

[onewaydave]

Make sure your tie-off is not the bumper of a moveable vehicle.

Beat me to the punch I remember a commercial on TV fo just that event, only he used his WIFES car. I used my truck hitch. If dry, my 7/12 is not too bad and my 4/12 shop roof is like walking on a beach. I used tinnis shoes. Except one morning there was still dew in a shaded area and I slipped. Caught myself before going over the edge but it was an expierence

 

[willymakeit]

How high is your leading edge ? Scafold or rent a lift ? Wont have to get on roof.

 

[babzog]

I chickened out and asked my Dad to do it. LOL I went up there a couple of times to finish the strapping (kinda painted myself into a corner, as it were) and had no choice but to go up. 4/12 pitch, strapping that's rough sawn 1x4 and 1x5 boards (so they're strong) at 16" centers.. should be like walking in the park, right? I was maintaining at least three attachment points at all times while "crab walking" around. The building's slight movement (not yet sided so she's wobbly) plus the height (12' max at the peak) was terrifying and nearly sickening. No way I could have brought the steel up and secured it.

I have so much respect for guys that can work at height. I hope my son does not get this fear of heights as it's so debilitating.

 

[BWS]

Someone already mentioned ladder hooks.

We use metal strapping and screw to roof,after looping around a 2x4,3 sets and a 6' toe bd.

Safeway scaffold's are the most proffesional way....not only because of obvious safety factors....it gives you a place to work and store materials,tools.I like the 4' bucks(we have a chit load),but the 6's get you there quicker.They set up so quick its amazing,buy them used from your tool rental joint......and have seen some goin real cheap lately on Craigslist.....My kids take them down in the woods for stupid cool treestands.Have even pulled engines out of cars with them....unloaded heavy equip.....ect.ect.

 

[MikeYC]

HD sells a Product called "Compliance in a Can"... 5 gallon bucket with a 5 point harness lanyard and anchor point. I think it also comes with a rope with a clip and a safety break rope ascender/grab.

Put the harness on, Lanyard in the back. Set the anchor point (and this is the only time you are free climbing) in the middle over the ridge. clip the rope in to the anchor point and use the ascender/grab on the rope attached to the lanyard. maintain at least six feet from the leading edge and you should be good.

When you done leave the either leave the anchor point or remove and repair the holes. Keep the kit for future installs or sell it on Craigslist.

 

[usdemt]

I know I am digging up an old thread here but I came across it while searching for something else and have something to add that some of you may find useful.

There is a lot of mention about and ascender in this thread, they are great but can be spendy, and worse of all cumbersome to work when you are going up and down. They also may not protect you if you fall while it is in the release position and you dont react fast enough. The solution is very simple cheap, much easier to work with, and most importantly safe. All you need to do is cut off a length of whatever rope you are using from one end about a yard long then but both ends together and tie them so you have a big loop. I usually use a Figure 8 knot but the site I found uses a double fishermans. Then wrap it around the rope 3 times and loop it through. Here is a demonstration on how to tie it. http://www.animatedknots.com/prusik/index.php

When you are working it will slide easily up and down the rope but if you fall it pinches the rope and stops your fall. The only catch is you have to keep your hand on it to move it around, and having back tension on the belay end will help a lot. So tie it off on both ends of the roof. Hope this may help someone next time they get to take the climb.

 

[jdieter]

Just did this on a 4/12. Had wife lift me up to roof line in bobcat bucket directly in front of cupola, climbed to cupola and roped off. Was up there to blow off leaves. Wear clean gym shoes, don't go on it when even a little damp, take your time and tie off to something. I'm 60 years old and all I used was patience and common sense.

 

[snorky18]

....Had wife lift me up to roof line in bobcat bucket directly in front of cupola,....

At my house this would have been the dangerous part

 

[tcianci]

C'mon, a 4 1/2 pitch is a cakewalk. If you're really worried duct tape a bunch of Harbor Freight Chicago Magnetics magnets to your ***. If HF stuff scares you, you can always get some good magnets from ACME magnet company, mention the coyote and you'll get a discount.

 

[57210]

I read one suggestion was to shake a 2 liter coke up and spray it on the roof. It will dry sticky and wash off at the next rain.

 

[rcayot]

All I have to say is that I went up on my 6/12 pitch metal roof with good shoes, and could not stand without slipping. I sat and turned around and nearly slid off!

Haven't been back up since. Don't plan on going back without a safety harness.

Don't go up there if you are not prepared to slide off!

Good luck, stay safe!

Roger

 

[Rick98Z]

My building only has a 4/12 pitch but to me is very slippery. Unfortunately I have a couple leaks on my metal roof from where too many people were up there with a bunch of screwguns and I think not all the screws got set to the propper depth with the washer sitting down good against the metal. I have been dreading going up there to check them all since there is like a bazzillion screws. I tried tennis shoes before but I don't think I have ones with a good sole for the job. Maybe now that it is cold I will stick better to the metal, didn't know about that. I learn some good tips on here!

 

[danski0224]

Looking for suggestions for staying put on the roof while I trim the tin after installation. Roof pitch is roughly 4/12. If this were a shingled roof, I would go up there with few issues - I do go up on my shop roof which is about the same pitch - but being metal, I'm worried about smooth, slippery metal and the resulting lack of traction leading to me taking a header off the backside.

I've got a 5pt harness I use in my tree stands (why I hunt from tree stands when I'm utterly useless with heights is beyond me...) that I was thinking of attaching to a length of rope that's been tied off to the front beam and thrown over the top edge of the roof. Attach the rope to the harness once I step on the roof so that the rope keeps me from going over the edge. Or, have a buddy reel in the rope as I climb and tie it off to a post once I'm in position.

Or maybe I'm overthinking all this... I just don't want to slide off and kill myself so I'm looking to work safe and smart.

Probably a little late...

But what you need are Cougar Paw boots.

Put on a pair of these, and you will run out of stomach before you run out of traction.

Never go on a metal roof when there is even the slightest chance of moisture on it, whether it is from rain, fog or dew.

 

[Shadowdog500]

When the crew put my building up they always kept the man lifts right up to the roof on the section they were working on. The theory was that it would catch them if they slid off of the roof. They also had harnasses, this was only a backup.

Chris

 

[csp]

This is probably not the OSHA approved method, and might even get me into one of those "work safety" emails if I had pics, but in my younger teenage years, we just used a tractor loader with a big bucket on it, one of us drove, and the other sat in the bucket and got raised to the roof, got out, did work, and stayed directly above the bucket the whole time. The bucket would not allow us to slide over the edge of the roof. Need to move sideways? Get back in bucket, move tractor, get back on roof.

I use a similar method. I put the bucket up to the height of the eave and lay a ladder directly on the roof with the bottom end of the ladder in the bucket.

Sometimes if the tractor won't fit in a spot I'll just extend the ladder all the way to the ground, laying on the roof (32 ft ladder).

 

[BlindViper]

If u are going to use a harness make sure there is someone on the ground to call 911. You are only able to hang from a harness for so long.

 

[Groovy]

Pro Tip: do not put tools in your back pocket while up on anything. I fell off a boat on Sunday while winterizing it with a pair of channel locks in my back pocket. I fell about 6' and landed directly on those channel locks its amazing how much that hurt and amazing how much your cheeks actully get used and what they get used for during the course of the day when you are trying not to use it. No prison jokes please...

 

[Bevis]

I did my 4/12 pitch roof, with good tennis shoes on, and in a light misting rain one afternoon. I had no problems at all.

 

[mslisaj]

I have a 4/12 pitched metal roof on my 40X80 shop. I have to get up there occasionally for one thing or another. The soft shoes on the screw/nail heads works well. The hard part for me is the transition from the ladder to the roof and back again. I have done rock climbing and have the "sit harness" and the belay gear. What I really like is the idea of some stainless eyes where I get on the roof and then along the ridge line. I am too old and too close to retirement to get hurt now so I am going to get those eyes installed and create a system to keep me safe up there and keep me up there! I'm not afraid of the height but respect it. While I don't have to get up there too often it would be worth a $200 investment in equipment to give me the peace of mind to be up there and be safe is well worth it....................

Thanks for all the great ideas guys..................

Lisa

 

[Schtauffer]

Here's a tip: try to get off a tin roof as soon as it starts snowing.

We were laying up a chimney two winters ago and had three more courses to go when it started to snow. Next time I'll wait until the next day and just mix up more mud. That was some scary poo, climbing down off of that.

My advice to someone scared of a 4/12 pitch: keep yourself on the ground and hire someone who is confident at heights with a 4/12 tin roof.

 

[nate379]

You sir have iron balls!

My house, garage and shed are all 6/12... asphalt shingle and it's not very comfortable to walk that. I wouldn't even consider an 8/12 with asphalt, never mind metal.

Mind you I am nursing a broken back as we speak from falling off the roof about a month ago. 12ft fall.

I have been on my 8/12 pitch metal roof with just very good tennis shoes. The screw heads do a good job of holding you. I wasn't trying to stay in one place though. I just needed to get to the ridge to install the ridge vent. Once up there I could straddle it and sit down. 4/12 really isn't that much pitch if the roof is clean and dry. If you are uncomfortable use the rope.

P.S. The hint about not tying off to a car is real. My old boss had this happen to his cousin. Wife came out, jumped in his truck and headed to town. Fortunately he wasn't hurt very badly. Broken arm I think. He forgot she had a set of keys, his were in his pocket. If you decide to tie off to a car, disable it.

 

[Tman]

4/12 is easy. I have a 8/12 on the strawshop. Built a lightweight steel "ladder" out of 3/4 x 2" tubing. has 4 rungs spaced over 15 feet with adjustable feet that hang over the other side. I welded on some d rings to clip into and tie tools to. Works great and gives you lots of options. My pal josh just walked the areas of the roof that I could not get.

 

[drmoonshine]

Rope and rubbery soled shoes.

 

[danski0224]

I have a 4/12 pitched metal roof on my 40X80 shop. I have to get up there occasionally for one thing or another. The soft shoes on the screw/nail heads works well. The hard part for me is the transition from the ladder to the roof and back again. I have done rock climbing and have the "sit harness" and the belay gear. What I really like is the idea of some stainless eyes where I get on the roof and then along the ridge line. I am too old and too close to retirement to get hurt now so I am going to get those eyes installed and create a system to keep me safe up there and keep me up there! I'm not afraid of the height but respect it. While I don't have to get up there too often it would be worth a $200 investment in equipment to give me the peace of mind to be up there and be safe is well worth it....................

Thanks for all the great ideas guys..................

Lisa

Just remember that the simple act of connecting to a roof anchor point and disconnecting when the job is done adds at least 2 more opportunities for a mishap.

Your anchor points need to withstand a 5000 pound impact force to meet OSHA requirements.

Cheapo Chinese hardware store bent (not forged) stainless hardware isn't gonna cut it.

You need to buy a factory made and certified device.

An internet search for permanent roof anchor points will show what is needed.

If u are going to use a harness make sure there is someone on the ground to call 911. You are only able to hang from a harness for so long.

You have less than 15 minutes, then you are losing a leg or dying from a blood clot in the brain/heart when circulation is restored.

They have special harnesses that allow you to "stand up" when suspended and maintain leg circulation... if you are still in a state of mind and/or body to do so.

Keep in mind that once you fall off something like a roof in a harness, and if your line is long, you will bounce off the side of the building and may be knocked out. The control you think you have will instantly vanish. You may hit the ground if the line is much too long. Line control is incredibly important.

Working alone in dangerous conditions is very stupid, and worse if you have the ability to have an additional set of eyes on the job and choose not to do so.

 

[nate379]

Yes when I fell off my roof I was by myself and it was getting close to dark... and about 10*.

Had I broken something to where I couldn't walk/drag myself I don't even want to think what would have happened.

 

[venom50svt]

Ha !!!! What you need is 4 options,
1. long finger nails to dig in--- awe causes scratches in roof
2. A glacier hammer/pic ---- so you can dig in on the way down
3. A rope tied around your waist --- so you can cut off circulation
4. shovel/pile snow up against the garage so you don't fall so far

Pay some one... don't put your health at risk its not worth it

stevo

 

[chance_wayne]

What do you guys think about using 10-12ft scaffolding ? I am planning this i will try to attach the scaffolding to the house. Then use the ladder.
I have bungalow with a steep roof. about 45'. I guess the heavy scaffolding couldn't tip over?

 

[nonhog]

Pollen is my issue right now. Spring rain didn't rinse the pollen. I get on my shop which is less shrouded by fir trees and have no issues walking with normal shoes.
The house is closer to more trees so it gets less sun and more needles. I have only been up there once and it was scary. I had my wife swap me shoes twice.(one being my boys rock climbing shoes) Also had her toss me some good rubber gloves. Now I am washing the pollen off the best I can in hope that it's more like the shop roof. Those that say 4/12 is no big deal have not tried my house roof.

Searching recommended shoes now!

 

[TractorJeff]

4/12 tin on a 12 foot wall is a long fall!
I just got done on one.
Some days I had no issue going all the way to the bottom, other days I "felt" slippery even at the top! I have an OSHA harness and rope from work which I use.
I slid off from a 5/12 one evening, all the screws did was bruise my "Ego"(****) as I slid off the edge. Fortunately it was only a 7 foot drop at that spot.

 

[nonhog]

A worker slid off the shop roof when it was getting built.
My daughter was home and saw it. He brushed himself off and said, " I'm going home"

 

[tcianci]

We were up on top of a big manufacturing building clearing snow with snow blowers feeding into big wheel barrows. The wheelbarrows were coming by in rotation and handed off to a guy who took them to the edge of the building to dump them. Of course the further we got from the edge of the building, the more rope we had to play out on the harness of the guy who was doing the dumping. After a while he asked why he had to wear a harness since the length of the rope was longer than the distance to the ground.
My boss just told him "that's so we can pull you back up again."