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Climbing on roofs

adamangler

Wakefield Window Warrior
Messages
4,263
Location
Wakefield
When u first started cleanin windows I took this job on and used a ladder to get on the roofs and walk about (for all the top windows you can just about make out) well I got asked to do it again today and I had forgotten about the access issues. So I simply didn't do them claiming health and safety.

Just wondered if anyone would climb up here?

Wanted the money before but now seems too much hassle it's underpriced anywayView attachment 8289

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I personally don't as my insurance won't cover me for it, plus if I fall through the roof I damage myself and the roof. I just tell people that and that I could damage the roof walking on it and most people understand. It's not worth it risking it.

 
I don't think the working at height regs include access, seeing as you're not working from the ladder but using it for access to a flat roof.

 
I've had a number of flat roofs go under me in my forty years in this trade. On the last one there was absolutely no warning. Roof felt solid as a rock when I walked to the far end of the job and on the way back I just went straight through it. Left a hole the size of a bucket. Fortunately I wasn't injured, just a little shook up. The boards under it were left exposed and were completely rotted. After that I always asked any new customers with flat roofs to put scaffold boards on the roof to spread the weight, otherwise I wouldn't get up there. At the moment I can reach over all my flat roof jobs with my 25ft Carbon pole

 
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I've had a number of flat roofs go under me in my forty years in this trade. On the last one there was absolutely no warning. Roof felt solid as a rock when I walked to the far end of the job and on the way back I just went straight through it. Left a hole the size of a bucket. Fortunately I wasn't injured, just a little shook up. The boards under it were left exposed and were completely rotted. After that I always asked any new customers with flat roofs to put scaffold boards on the roof to spread the weight, otherwise I wouldn't get up there. At the moment I can reach over all my flat roof jobs with my 25ft Carbon pole
Did insurance pay out ?

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On that last one I was fortunate in that the roof was quite old and the customer had planned to redo it anyway so although he did talk about making a claim from my insurance, he never did. The earlier ones I felt going soft and warned the customers that I wouldn't be climbing on them again till they got them sorted. They chose not to so I never cleaned those windows again. One of them I still work for twenty years later. They eventually got their's repaired but never asked me to do those windows again which I was more than happy to comply with for my own peace of mind.

 
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one things for sure ,if you walk the roofs often youre going to be in sh/tstreet sooner or later .my lads and i now rarely walk any

 
I was a roofing labourer so I know if a roof is in good shape or not. I still go on them if they're in a bad way anyway

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I grew up with a roofer (mums other half) and regularly worked with him when I wasn't working on the windows with my mates dad

Never gone through a roof but then i know what to look for

Flat roofs..sloped roofs..tiled roofs..i don't care I'll walk em

Recently stood and walked all over the tiled sloped roof of a bungalow to clean solar panels and then the conservatory roof which I cleaned from above by doing that

No biggie

 
Have a few on my rounds that I have to walk on flat roofs, never seen it a problem apart from the hassle of getting ladders off the van, I make sure I add a few quid on the quotes to make up or the extra work.

 
I also walk just about everything including con roofs, glass is safer than beams. The secret is in common sense and first class footwear. Google Shoes For Crews. I've used them for 20 years and never slipped.

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I put my 4.5m ladder down on flat roofs that are a bit suspect - just to spread the load. Low level pitched roofs are only considered if they are concrete and rough, I agree about the footwear thing - I wear approach shoes which give that big of extra security under foot. Obviously the price goes up if the ladders have to come off the van!!

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17 houses today, 15 flat roofs, did all 17 trad with my father in law, roofs dont bother me, unless there in **** state or covered in moss, my father in law asked all his customers with flat roof to sign a form stating he is not liable if he goes through the roof. All those that didnt sign we dont go on and the ones we do re sign every 2 years

 
Have a few on my rounds that I have to walk on flat roofs, never seen it a problem apart from the hassle of getting ladders off the van, I make sure I add a few quid on the quotes to make up or the extra work.
I always try find a way round it than having to get ladder out the van 80% of the time I will but does drive me mad having to get it out just for 1 bloody window

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When it comes to footwear i don't care whether i am wearing trainers or my steel toe cap riggers

It's about balance not grip

If the surface is too slippery with moss or green muck then not worth the risk whatever footwear you have

A decent condition sloped roof will be fine even when raining

 
When it comes to footwear i don't care whether i am wearing trainers or my steel toe cap riggersIt's about balance not grip

If the surface is too slippery with moss or green muck then not worth the risk whatever footwear you have

A decent condition sloped roof will be fine even when raining
Ive found just going up in socks work, or my old army steel toecap boots, even oil doesnt affect the grip, moss is a different matter though!!

 

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