Regular roof inspections are necessary to avoid expensive leaks and other issues, but navigating any roof requires the utmost care and caution. We’ve provided some tips on how to safely inspect and maintain your roof, so you can ensure it is in tip-top condition without putting yourself in danger.
Identify hazards before an inspection
Before you even set foot on your roof, it is important that you are aware of any potential hazards you may encounter and have a plan on how to deal with them. First things first, you need to identify the hazard and then assess it. Can the job be done without exposing people to the hazard? If serious harm could result, then it’s a significant hazard. The next step is to control hazards, either by eliminating, isolating, or minimising them. One of the most common hazards when working on a roof is the possibility of a fall. When working at heights, you should always watch out for fall hazards. Basic questions to ask yourself should be: how badly harmed would someone be if they fell and how likely is a fall? Is the structure strong enough to support the weight? Are there holes to watch out for? Are ladders properly placed and not defective? Use an inspection checklist to ask the right questions and assess fall hazards when working from heights.
Be wary of weakened surfaces
If your roof is under five years old, hasn’t been subjected to significant weather since its last inspection, or has shown evidence of interior leakage, chances are there won’t be too much change since your last inspection. However, if your roof doesn’t meet these criteria, it is a good idea to proceed with caution. As time passes, the roofing material will deteriorate and can lose some of its structural integrity. Make sure you are certain that the roof can hold your weight before you get up there. Inspect the roof from inside the building first, as this will often give you an indication of any weak spots that you need to watch out for.
Look for hazards beyond the roof
As well as any hazards you may encounter on the roof itself, you also need to consider other hazards that may be in the surrounding environment, such as power lines. If there are powerlines in the vicinity of the roof, it is a good idea to appoint a safety observer who can alert you to any hazards you are getting close to. The weather is another external factor that needs to be considered when you are inspecting or maintaining your roof. Check the suitability of weather conditions to make sure that it won’t be too hot, windy, or wet to perform the tasks that you need to.
Be Cautious
If you don’t feel comfortable that you can get up on your roof safely, then don’t! There are plenty of great professionals who can help with roof inspections and roof repair in Auckland. Here at Ascent Roofing, we thoroughly inspect roofs and do site measurements properly. Our free job quotes contain site reports and professional recommendations to help you maximise the value of your dollars. We carefully consider all aspects of your roofing project to ensure that each roofing solution is what you need for your home. Whether that’s for a roof replacement, roof repair, or general roof maintenance services — we’re here to help sort that out for you. Get in touch with us today to organise your roof inspection, or for some roof maintenance tips.
