Do you need to add Christmas lights to the roof or want to inspect the surface after a storm? Typically, your first step is grabbing a ladder and heading to the roof. However, is it safe to walk on the roof? You don’t want to damage the shingles and then have to call out someone to fix it. If you want to know whether walking on the roof can damage it or not, here is everything you need to know.
Is It Safe To Walk on the Roof?
When there are issues with your roof, you may want to check it out. Walking on the roof can be done in a safe manner if you know what you’re doing. Any missteps can cause you to fall and end up with a serious injury. Roofs are not meant for people to walk on them. Even a missing nail or loose shingle can cause you to tumble off your home. Any falls can lead to serious injury.
You can avoid all of that by calling a New Jersey roofing contractor to inspect your roof. A professional roofing team will have the right equipment and experience to walk on the roof safely. If they fall, the safety harnesses can prevent them from sustaining any serious injuries. You might think it is safe, but some conditions can be dangerous, especially after a rain or snow storm. Algae, moss, or missing asphalt granules can create hazardous conditions on the surface.
Generally, it is not a good idea to stand on the roof. You may indirectly damage the shingles or other components. Professional roofers understand how to evenly distribute their weight so that they don’t cause damage to the surface. When in doubt, talk to your roofing contractor. Some companies even offer a free inspection so that you can stay safe on the ground while they look at any damage.
Can Walking on the Roof Cause Damage?
Now that you know walking on the roof can be a safety hazard, will it damage the surface? If any shingles are damaged, they might buckle under your weight. With that, you could slip off the roof. Plus, you will need to have the shingles replaced.
Walking on your roof can cause other problems, such as water leakage. If a contractor improperly installed the shingles, they might not be attached to your home’s roofing deck. As a result, water and moisture can seep under the materials. Other components on a roof can become damaged with extra weight, including gutters, nails, and downspouts. Yes, you can damage your roof by walking on it.
Can Walking on Your Roof Void Your Insurance?
Unfortunately, some insurance companies will look for reasons to deny a claim. If you have homeowners insurance, walking on the roof could void the policy. When stepping on the roof or attempting to fix the repair, your insurance company may decide to deny any of your claims.
In some cases, broken shingles or leaks can be attributed to physical damage. The insurance company might deem the damage as “intentional.” They may argue that you are responsible for the damage by stepping on the roof. Walking on the roof may allow your insurance company to void the policy and deny any additional claims.
Alternatives To Walking on the Roof
Instead of walking on the roof, call one of the roofing companies in South Jersey. These professionals will handle the task of checking for damages. Plus, they understand those safety precautions when heading up to the roof. If repair work is needed, they can quickly resolve that for you.
In many cases, the homeowner will only call a professional roofer after they have caused more damage to the roof. Don’t make that mistake. Always contact your roofer before heading up to the roof.
If you are completing chores, you might not need to call a roofer for the job. However, make sure to stay safe. For hanging Christmas lights and cleaning gutters, an extension ladder can get the job done. You can also use extender tools from the ground to reach those high heights. Investing in a large extension ladder will keep you safe and prevent any damage to the roof. Don’t forget that some companies offer professional gutter cleaning services so that you don’t have to worry about this chore.
In some cases, you may need to inspect potential roof damage. Make sure to stay on the ground and take pictures. Once again, you can always call out a professional roofing team to complete the inspection for you. Many of these companies know what to look for on the roof. They can check out the roofing structure and ensure that nothing is damaged. Ask the roofer to take a few pictures if you want proof of the damage. With that, you can have a visual look at the issue. Most roofing technicians will be happy to snap a few pictures to put your mind at ease.
Call a Professional Roofing Team
If you want an inspection of your roof, reach out to RGB Construction. We have trained, experienced, and knowledgeable roofing technicians who know how to stay safe on your roof. Keep yourself safe, stay on the ground, and let us do the hard work. We will provide you with an estimate and go over the extent of the damage. You can count on us. Schedule a consultation by calling 856-264-9093.
