Using a roof as a makeshift observation deck has been romanticized in many movies and TV shows. But is it safe to sit on a roof for fun or while carrying out DIY roofing work?
The short answer is that sitting, walking, or working on a roof isn’t safe and can put the roof’s structural integrity and the individual at risk. That’s why it’s best to leave any work to professionals and your stargazing for a safer venue!
Why It’s Not Safe to Sit or Walk on a Roof
It isn’t safe to sit or walk on a roof because roofs aren’t built as load-bearing structures. Roofs are designed to protect your home from the elements, not to support human weight. Stepping or sitting a roof could lead to damage of the outer materials like the shingles or tiles or even compromise the underlying structure. Over time or repeated use, sitting or walking on a roof could lead to cracks or leaks that require extensive repair work.
Sitting or walking on a roof also presents a serious health risk. Over 97% of accidents involving roofing and ladders happen at home. This indicates that DIY attempts at roof inspections or repairs are hugely dangerous. This makes it even more important to leave any roofing work to the experts.
Is It Safe to Sit on a Flat Roof?
It isn’t safe to sit or walk on a flat roof. Flat roofs can seem like a safer option, but they’re still susceptible to damage. Weight and pressure can cause the materials to wear down faster. This can lead to water damage over time.
Is It Safe to Sit on a Pitched Roof?
Sitting on a pitched roof is dangerous for the individual and the structural integrity of the roof. Pitched roofs are more vulnerable to damage and their downward-sloping shape increases the chances of people slipping and suffering a fall.
DIY Roof Inspections Are Not a Good Idea
DIY roof inspections are not a good idea because roofs aren’t designed to be stepped or sat on. Homeowners are also unlikely to own professional safety equipment that makes accidents less likely. Well-constructed roofs are sturdy and can withstand flying debris, high winds, or heavy rain. However, they’re not built to support the weight of a human, especially not an adult.
Putting pressure on loose or old shingles—whether from sitting or walking on the roof for a DIY inspection—can cause them to move, shift, lift, or loosen. Any changes in the structure of your roof will expose it to water damage. Even a small, innocuous-looking crack caused by a DIY inspection can turn into a full-blown leak that will compromise the structure of your home.
If you suspect you need a roof repair, the safest option for you and your home is to get help from a reputable roofing company like Bayside Roofing Professionals. Roofing professionals have the knowledge, tools, and safety equipment to conduct inspections and necessary repairs without damaging your roof.
Working with reliable roofing professionals is always recommended. There are several reasons why hiring experienced professionals will protect your home and the people in it:
1. Professionals Understand Where to Step
Quality roofers undergo training to walk on roofs in a way that prevents them from compromising weak spots or causing damage. Companies with years of experience know how to identify stress points and distribute their weight evenly. This ensures your roof remains intact.
2. They Can Spot Problems Before They Occur
Sometimes signs of damage are difficult to spot. Only professionals with years in the business can detect these types of problems. A professional will identify potential problems before they turn into costly repairs.
3. They Use the Right Tools
Roofing specialists use equipment to avoid setting foot on the roof unless absolutely necessary. Using harnesses, ladders, and even drones reduces the risk of causing further damage to your roof and keeps them safe.
How Sitting on Your Roof Causes Damage
Walking or sitting on your roof can cause significant damage to its structure. For example:
1. Cracked or Damaged Shingles
Roofing materials like shingles lose their flexibility over time. At this point, even a small amount of pressure can cause them to crack or break.
2. Dislodged Shingles
Stepping on the wrong spot can loosen your roof’s shingles and dislodge them from their original position. This leaves gaps where water can leak through.
3. Compromised Roofing Membrane
Your roof’s waterproof membrane is vital for preventing leaks and water damage to your home. Walking or sitting on your roof can puncture, compress, and weaken the membrane and increase the chance of water coming in.
4. Gutter Damage
Exerting excess weight on gutters can bend or break them. This leads to poor drainage and can contribute to additional water damage in and around your home.
Safety Risks of Sitting on Your Roof
Sitting on your roof puts its structural integrity at risk. More importantly though, it also puts you at risk. It’s risky to sit or walk on even sturdy-looking roofs for these reasons:
- The risk of falls and injuries: Falling through a roof or slipping off it often leads to extensive and severe injuries. Fractures, impalement, and brain or spinal cord trauma are all too common consequences of ill-conceived DIY roofing plans (according to the same retrospective review cited earlier).
- Unstable or weak surfaces: Roofs commonly have difficult-to-spot weak points that people don’t notice until it’s too late. Stepping in the wrong place can cause the roof to collapse and puts you and the people inside the house in danger.
- Electrical hazards: You may come into contact with power lines or electrical equipment on the roof. This is an often overlooked yet potentially perilous element of DIY work.
Don’t Put Yourself at Risk
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 431 fatalities occurred in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations in 2022 (page 8 of the PDF). This statistic underlines just how dangerous this line of work is, even for professionals.
The best way to keep yourself and your family safe is to hire a reliable roofing company with years of experience. Look for companies with clear values that prioritize the safety of their workers and offer high-quality work at a reasonable price point.
Avoid Unexpected Repair Costs
Many homeowners attempt roof repair themselves because they think it saves them money. This often isn’t true. Footfall can cause damage to your roof in multiple ways. The cost of these repairs is likely to be significantly more than hiring a professional to carry out an inspection.
Prevention is better than cure when considering roof work. Hiring a professional prevents additional damage to your roof, saving you from dealing with broken shingles, leaks, or even more extensive damage. Remember that the most serious structural problems caused by foot traffic can run into the thousands. An experienced roofer can therefore save you money.
Prioritize Safety and Quality with a Roofing Expert
Climbing up onto a roof to attempt DIY inspections or repairs is dangerous and can prove costly. Sitting or walking while attempting amateur roofing work can lead to personal injury and extensive roof damage.
Never risk your own safety or your home’s structural integrity in an attempt to save money. A trusted roofer will keep you and your roof in good shape while identifying preventative work that can save you even more money in the long run.
