Can You Walk on a Clay Tile Roof?
Whether you own a commercial building or a residential home, clay roof tiles add a beautiful finishing touch to any property and offer many benefits. Among those benefits are:
- Durability
- Long lifespan
- Environmentally friendly
- Low maintenance
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Fire resistant
- Great insulating properties
Eventually, you may need to access the roof to inspect it, to paint an upper story, or to fetch the errant football. When this happens, many people may wonder if it’s safe to walk on your clay tile roof. While walking on a clay tile roof is generally not recommended, it can be done if you have experience and take the proper precautions. Although clay tiles are more durable than most other roofing materials, clay tiles can be fragile and may crack or break under excessive weight, or if not stepped on correctly. Moreover, walking on a clay tile roof without proper care can be very dangerous and can lead to personal injury and damage to the roof.
If you need to access your clay tile roof, here are the recommended procedures to follow:
Take a Look at the Tiles and Assess Their Condition.
Before climbing up to your roof, inspect the clay tiles to ensure that they’re in good condition and securely fastened. Look for any cracked or loose tiles that might pose a hazard.
Use the Appropriate Footwear
Non-slip rubber soled shoes are recommended. They will go easy on the tiles and can prevent you from slipping or falling. Avoid wearing shoes with hard soles or heels that could damage the tiles or cause instability.
Plan Your Path
Identify the area of the roof where you need to work and plan the safest path to get there. Look for areas with solid support, such as roof beams or battens to help you distribute your weight more evenly.
Use a Stable Ladder
Use a sturdy ladder to access the roof safely. Make sure that the ladder is secured and placed on a stable surface, such as level ground or pavement, and have someone hold the bottom of the ladder for extra stability.
Distribute Your Weight Evenly
When walking on clay tiles, it’s crucial to distribute your weight as evenly as possible. Step on the lower portions of the tile instead of the overlapping edges or center of the tiles, as these areas are more fragile.
Use Safety Equipment
If at all possible, use safety equipment such as a harness or roof anchor system to prevent a fall. This equipment can provide an extra layer of protection and help keep you safe and secure while you’re on the roof.
Move Slowly and Deliberately
Walk as softly as possible and take small deliberate steps to maintain your balance. Try to avoid any sudden movements that may cause you to lose your balance, keep your center of gravity as low as possible, and try to maintain a stable posture.
Minimize Foot Traffic on the Roof
Limit the number of people that can be on the roof at the same time. Too much foot traffic can increase the risk of damaging the tiles or causing structural distress.
Watch Out for Bad Weather Conditions
Stay off your roof in wet or icy conditions that can make the roof slippery. Instead, wait for dryer weather. If the weather forecast is for high winds, leave it to another day.
Consult Professionals
If you’re unsure about walking on your clay tile roof, it’s best to call in the professionals. They will have the expertise, experience, and equipment to handle the job safely.
Final Words
Safety should always be your first priority when working on any job around the home, but especially when working at heights. Unless you’re absolutely certain that you can access your roof safely, call in the pros instead of risking injuries or damage to your roof.
If you need to access your clay tile roof, but you’re not confident as to how to do so safely, reach out to the experts here at Paul Bange Roofing, Inc. For over 30 years, we have served residents and business owners alike with quality roofing, affordable prices, and outstanding customer service. The level of high quality workmanship we bring to each job site is unparalleled, and all our work comes with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. In addition, your roofing job will be backed by a lifetime warranty via membership in our Overhead Care Club.
Whether you need a roof for your small warehouse or large estate home, you can trust us to handle the job with careful precision. We show up on time, fulfill any promises made, and we work hard to make sure that everything is done right the first time. If you are in need of a roofer, if you’d like to request a free estimate, or if you just want some information about our company, visit our website or give us a call at 954-981-ROOF(7663), 561-981-ROOF(7663), or 305-981-ROOF(7663).