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walking on a 45deg roof ?

12K views 28 replies 13 participants last post by  rossfingal 
#1 ·
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 ?
 
#3 · (Edited)
#4 · (Edited)
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!
 
#5 ·
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?"
 
#7 ·
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 :wink:

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.
 

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#11 ·
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
 
#12 ·
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.
 
#13 ·
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.
 
#15 ·
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.
 
#16 ·
I think someone with limited experience walking a roof can walk a 6/12 with ease.

It can be done and is done so everyday.But on the flip side many experienced roofers with many years experience walking roofs fall and cause serious damage to themselves and sometimes death.

I have recommended to several homeowners that if the must walk the roof to use safety as its already been mentioned.

Also another tip is using a couch cushion minus the material.But once again don't rely solely on the sponge exercise common sense.

BTW.,statistically more roofers fall from flat roofs and roofs 8/12 and under..,Just be safe.
 
#17 ·
Another word of caution, if you do take the chimney down, beware, the sand, morter and junk on the roof from the chimney will cause you to loose traction and off the roof you will go, no doubt, do not step in it.
 
#18 ·
That roof in the pic is what we call a cupcaker.

By way of comparison a 12/12 we call a piglet.

We just got done with a 50sq 10/12 tear off and the crew and I all felt very confident up there and it didn't feel that steep. The roof before was a 14/12:eek:

Next we go to a 5/12 then to a 75sq 12/12 tear off. That will feel steep after being on a "flat" roof.
 
#20 ·
thanx, fella's :thumbsup:

believe you/me, i AM heeding your advice. and i know the possible dangers.
if it was a 1 story, i would not worry about it. but for some reason (perhaps i'm chicken :laughing::huh:) that extra 4' skurs me a lil. so, as it is now, i will not go up there. no need anyway.

as far as the chimney goes. yes, it is deteriorated in the attic. there is a small pile of brick rubble on the attic floor. now, i was just thinkin (yeah, i do that now&then). could i put something over the damaged bricks ? like mortar or something ? the flashing looks to have been replaced recently, and it looks dry in the attic.
 
#27 ·
ok fella's

i happen to notice a bunch of 'whirrly birds" in the gutter that i had cleaned 3 weeks ago :furious: . so i got my ladder and got up there. all of a sudden i got full of "piss&vinegar" and got onto the roof. going up to the chimney was easy. going down to the ladder was a little unnerving . but no issues.

btw. the chimney looked just fine.
 
#28 ·
Agreed, going up is easier than coming down. I have at times gotten into a pickle getting up to find out the shigles are in terrible shape and making the return trip expremely dangerous. I had to drop my tape, clipboard, pitchgauge and pen before the descent...just incase i fell i didnt want to impale myslef on any of it :laughing:
 
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