Is It Safe To Walk On Roof Tiles

Always move slowly and carefully to keep your balance.

Is it safe to walk on roof tiles.

Slate roofing tiles are very delicate and can easily crack and dislodge under your weight. When you walk on your roof make sure you are walking on the reinforced part the lower third of the visible tile. Image showing how concrete tiles are installed on a roof. Ideally you would only allow specially trained roofers to work on roofs covered in slate but for emergency repairs or the retrieval of the occasional frisbee it can t be avoided.

What does all of this mean. Following the techniques above will not only save you money but can also save your life. Essentially with each step place the heel of your foot in the gap between tiles roll the arch over the tile and end up with your toe in the next gap. Wait until you have nice weather before safely climbing onto your roof.

If it s raining or the tiles are wet for some reason the risk only compounds and walking on your roof becomes extraordinarily dangerous. While it s usually best to stay off your roof if possible you can still walk on the tiles if you need to make repairs. It s hard to stay safe if you re walking on a tiled roof. Best places to step most concrete tiles are lifted a little off of your roof and sit on wood batten strips creating a gap under the tiles for ventilation.

Ideally you should avoid walking on a tile roof if you can. That said if there s no other course of action you can take except to walk on your roof here are some top tips to help you do it safely. Instead transfer your weight gradually as you walk and curve your step with the arc of the tile as it falls. A normal walk is not generally the best approach upon a tile roof.

The risk of slipping is high and the risk of breaking tiles is even greater. As you walk on the tiles be slow and careful when you take steps so you don t damage them. As far as possible walk only on line of screws on metal roofs and on front of roof tiles where they are double thickness and suppor ted by a timber batten underneath. If this is impossible make sure to stay mindful be careful and work slowly.