Does Walking on Your Roof Cause Damage?
Do you have a suspicion that walking on your roof can cause irreparable harm? This is a common concern among homeowners, especially those with new roofing material. While some types of roofs can handle foot traffic better than others, the truth is that any roof can suffer damage when walked on improperly.
As you may know, your roof is a crucial part of your home’s structure, designed to protect you and your family from weather conditions. A quality roof can last for many years, but only if it is maintained correctly. Ignoring warning signs and failing to address potential problems can result in expensive roof repairs or even a total roof replacement. Walking on your roof may be necessary to perform routine maintenance or inspect for damage. So, what kind of damage are we talking about?
The Risks of Walking on Your Roof
Walking on a roof improperly can cause a spectrum of problems that may lead to significant repairs. Some of the most common risks of walking on your roof include:
- Cracked, Missing, or Broken Shingles
Shingles are the roof’s protective layer, and walking on them could crack, bump, or even pull them out completely. This not only compromises the roofing system but also exposes the substructure to water and other elements that can rust or create leaks inside the house. If you need to walk on your roof, best practice is to wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid slips and falls that can cause harm to the shingles.
- Damaged Flashing
Walking on a roof can loosen the metal flashing that seals the roof’s edges, vents, and chimneys. Flashing plays an essential role in directing water away from the openings and protecting the roof’s edges. When flashing is loose or improperly aligned, water can penetrate the roofing system and cause internal water damage.
- Roof Deck Sagging or Collapsing
Excessive weight pressure on the already-weakened roof deck can cause them to sag or even collapse. Roofs have maximum weight limits that are designed to protect the structure, and excessive foot traffic could put the roof deck under unnecessary strain.
- Personal Injuries
Walking on the roof is inherently dangerous, and falls from the height of a roof can be deadly. Slips and falls can happen when roofing is wet, mossy or if the surface is uneven. It’s not worth the safety risk, especially when you can hire experienced professional roofers to perform the required maintenance work safely.
The Bottom Line
Walking on a roof can cause damage, and you should always take precautions when doing so. While it’s important to keep your roof well-maintained and functional, always consider your safety and the potential cost of repairs should something go wrong. To avoid costly damage or personal injuries, it’s worth hiring a reliable roofing contractor to perform the routine maintenance and inspections for you.
If you live in Hattiesburg, MS, or anywhere in the surrounding area, Reliable Roofing & Construction is here to help you with all of your roofing needs. Our highly experienced team can provide a range of services, including roof installation, repair, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule your routine roof maintenance and leave the foot traffic on the ground where it belongs.
How to find us:
- Reliable Roofing & Construction LLC
- 5267 Old Highway 11, Suite F, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
- 601-550-6286