Tips for Working Safely While Tarping Your Roof

credit: service.com.au

A ladder lock makes it easier to get on and off your ladder.

Working on a roof is dangerous, and if you aren't comfortable doing it, don't hesitate to call someone else to install the tarp. If you choose to do it yourself, here are a few guidelines to help you do it safely:

• Wait for good weather. Never work on the roof when it's raining, snowing or windy.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes.
• Never walk on the tarp itself. You can damage the tarp, or the tarp may cause you to slip.
• Secure the ladder to the eaves before you climb onto the roof tarp. If the ladder can move, it can easily slip out from under you when you try to get back on it from the roof. If you have ladder locks, use them.
• Get a helper to spot you on the ladder and to hand you supplies while you're on the roof.
• Determine the pitch of the roof before you walk on it. You can do this by making measurements of the rise and run in the attic. If the pitch is steeper than 8/12—which means it rises 8 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance—do not walk on the roof without a harness.