If you want to attempt your own roof repairs in Salem, be careful and follow these tips and tricks for ladder safety to avoid getting injured.
While most of our customers are perfectly happy to let us handle their roofing needs, we do run into customers who like to try their hands at DIY roof repairs before calling us to handle the larger projects. With that said, we want to provide some ladder safety tips for our more adventurous customers. Be careful getting on your roof in winter– it can be very slick. Many Salem roofers have spikes they can attach to their boots for more traction; if you intend to get on your roof this winter, they might be a wise investment.
- Your ladder should extend approximately three feet above the roof line when you set it.
- When factoring for load capacity, you should account for your body weight, tools, materials, and even clothing.
- Never stand higher than the fourth rung from the top of an extension ladder in order to maintain balance.
- You should maintain three points of contact with your ladder at all times.
- If your shoulders pass beyond the stiles of a ladder, you are overextended and should reposition.
- Do not use a metal ladder near an electrical source, even if it has rubber feet at the bottom.
- The base of a ladder should be placed one feet away from the structure for every four feet of ladder height.
If you don’t feel safe or secure on your ladder at any time, climb down. Slate & Slate Roofing has been a family owned Salem roofing company for nearly 25 years, and would love to put decades of experience to work for you. For a free roofing estimate in Salem, give us a call at (503) 585-2338.