walking on a 45deg roof ?

Fix'n it · 03-30-2012, 10:11 AM

idk how to calculate the pitch of my roof . but it looks to be at a 45deg angle.
new'ish asphalt shingles.

can a regular, determined, DIYer walk on this without a harness ?

Windows on Wash · 03-30-2012, 10:19 AM

Picture will be helpful.

You should not be walking on a roof un-harnessed in just about every application.

At the end of the day, it is not worth the potential fall hazard.

joecaption · 03-30-2012, 10:21 AM

http://www.ehow.com/how_12769_determine-pitch-roof.html

Not a great plan to be walking on that roof if it's a 12 -12 pitch.
We use what's called ladder hooks, or roof jacks depending on how big a job it is when working on a roof that steep.
http://images.search.yahoo.com/image...mb=cpCLpHoH11V
http://images.search.yahoo.com/image...mb=cpCLpHoH11V

rossfingal · 03-30-2012, 10:41 AM

Walk a 10/12 - 12/12 roof?
Yes, it can be done.
However, one "Oops" - you're gone!

You and the ground will have a very, serious, "Meeting"!
(It wouldn't be for "coffee and donuts"!)

Follow the advice of the previous, "posters" -
If you don't have extensive, experience - "playing" around on roofs.
You probably, should not do it!!

rossfingal

Just to add, to what "joecaption" says - in regard to using "roof-hooks" -
you better know how to set them and; use decent lumber!
To add, to what "Windows on Wash" says - if you are going to use a "harness" -
(I would!!)
Anchor it down! - correctly!

packer_rich · 03-30-2012, 11:19 AM

Yea, back in the day we walked those roofs all the time. Just a toe board at the bottom. I think the toe board was to get you airborne. That,s when I was young, dumb and full of it. I would never walk anything over a 5/12 without some kind of fall protection. You don,t want to be lying in your casket having all your friends saying,"What was he thinking?"

Fix'n it · 03-30-2012, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by packer_rich

I think the toe board was to get you airborne.

brb, i am going get a pic.

Fix'n it · 03-30-2012, 11:34 AM

ok, here it is (and my tree). in the pic the slope doesn't seem too bad. but when i was cleaning the gutters on my ladder, it looked a little scary. perhaps i am being a sissy

right now, i do not need to get up there. but, some day in the furture, that chimney will have to come down. as it is deteriorated somewhat, in the attic.
i was thinking i could get up there, build some kind of landing. and, brick by brick, take it down.

Fix'n it · 03-30-2012, 11:37 AM

oh. i have walked on my moms and MIL's roof many times, with easy and no worries . but those are not pitched as much as this one.

OldNBroken · 03-30-2012, 12:00 PM

45deg is a 12/12 Your roof is only a 6/12. (about 22deg)

I'm not going to tell you not to use proper safety but as far as walking on it it is easy for a reasonably agile person.

One full set of scaffolding up to the eave under the chimney would be easiest to work with

Windows on Wash · 03-30-2012, 12:01 PM

That is about a 4-5:12 roof.

Very walkable but you should take proper precautions.

Falling from that roof could still be fatal or serious if you land the wrong way.

rossfingal · 03-30-2012, 01:03 PM

To people that "play" on roofs -
We consider your roof a "sidewalk" - nothing - no big deal!
However, one "Oops" - away you go!
(Discretion, before valor!)
I've seen people get very, hurt (and, worse!) - from going off of a roof
that high!
Bad landing - bad for you!!
Be careful!!

rossfingal

DexterII · 03-30-2012, 01:41 PM

As far as the roof is concerned, yes, it is walkable, but not for everyone, so, just like with guns, motorcycles, chainsaws, or countless other things that can bite, YOU have to make an individual decision regarding your comfort level with it. It's not one that I would advise someone who has not been on a roof to practice walking on. And remember that there is a big difference between "look mom, I'm up here" and actually working on it.

As for your chimney though, they last a long time, so the plan should be to correct the problem before it needs to be completely replaced. The first thing that I would inspect is the crown, which is the concrete on top of the bricks. It should be concrete, not mortar, about two inches thick, overhang the bricks by at least and inch or so, pitched away from the flue, and no cracks. After that, check the mortar joints, as well as the bricks for any sign of deterioration.

Nice home by the way; I like it.

DexterII · 03-30-2012, 01:52 PM

Meant to mention too that if the bricks above the roof are fine, and the damage is limited to bricks in the attic, check the flashings around the chimney, and, unless you find something obvious, you might do well to hire a local reputable roofing company to inspect it for you. It's one of those cases where an ounce of prevention could save you a lot of time and money down the road.

Windows on Wash · 03-30-2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldNBroken

45deg is a 12/12 Your roof is only a 6/12. (about 22deg)

I'm not going to tell you not to use proper safety but as far as walking on it it is easy for a reasonably agile person.

One full set of scaffolding up to the eave under the chimney would be easiest to work with

Yep.

Just looked at it on my pitch gauge and 6:12 it was.

Good eye.

AndyWRS · 03-31-2012, 12:12 AM

I agree its not anywhere close to 12/12. However, a word of caution is in order...just because its 5 / 12 does not mean it is walkable. All depends on the age of the roof and the condition of the shingles. I measured a 6/12 job we are doing in a couple weeks ( waiting on HOA approval) and it may as well have 15 /12 due to its condition.

Last thing we want to do is tell you it is safe and then have you fall. If it feels slick at all ( loose granules ), i would be extremely carefull and advise against walking on the roof.