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​​The Dangers of Working on a Roof

Sloped roofs are notoriously dangerous to walk on, but even flat roofs can be dangerous. If a roofing inspection is needed or if repairs are necessary, it’s always a good idea to let a pro handle the job. For sloped roofs, there is the chance of falling off the roof without necessary precautions in place. A professional knows how to walk on the roof, how to climb on and off the roof safely with a ladder, and how to ensure they do not end up falling while they’re working on the roof.
Flat roofs are possible to walk on, but they can be dangerous as well. If there is water damage to the roof, there is the potential for soft spots that someone can fall through as they’re walking on the roof. For this reason, it’s best to let a professional handle the inspection and repairs. They can do the job while minimizing risk because of safety equipment and proper training.

What to Know Before Hiring a Pro

There are too many roofing scams today, so it’s always advisable to be cautious when hiring someone to work on a roof. Building owners should make sure they take the time to find the right roofing company to work with, even if it is an emergency situation, to ensure they don’t end up losing money or having the repairs done poorly.
After storms, it’s common for fly-by-night roofing companies to show photos of roofing damage, often from a completely different roof, and take the money of the building owner to cover the materials needed for the repair. Then, they’ll disappear, taking the money without ever fixing the roof. To avoid this scam, building owners should work with a company they trust, which has good reviews from prior clients, and that holds the proper licensing for the local area.
Before hiring any roofing company, check their licensing and insurance. The licensing shows the business is legitimate and has gone through the proper legal channels to get everything set up correctly. The insurance shows that if there is damage done to the property during the repair or a worker is injured, the company has the means to cover the associated costs. If a company doesn’t have insurance, and someone is injured while repairing the roof, the building owner is liable for the damages.

Prepping for Roof Repair and Replacement

Once a building owner knows that roofing repair or replacement is needed, they’ll want to prep for the work to be done. If the repair is an emergency, there may be a limited amount of time to prepare for the work, but it is important to do as much as possible so the job will proceed smoothly. The amount of prep needed can vary based on how significant the repair is going to be, but there are some basics to consider before the workers arrive.

• Close the Building or Leave the Home – For businesses, it may be best to close down for the day to have the repairs done. Though this does mean a small loss in income, it prevents injuries to employees or customers. Most roofing repairs can be done quickly, so the closure shouldn’t last long. For homes, it may be a good idea to leave for the duration of the repairs, so kids and pets are out of the way. One adult may want to be home to oversee the work, but other adults and children or pets might enjoy a day out and away from the work.
• Clear a Path for Trucks to Park – Clear out any toys, tools, or other objects around the building and make sure there is an area for the workers’ trucks to park. They will be carrying tools and equipment, so it’s best to ensure they have as much room as possible. Workers can handle areas where parking is limited, but if there is room, make sure they have easy access to the property.
• Make Room for a Dumpster – A dumpster will be needed to collect any materials removed from the roof as well as trash from the materials used to repair or replace the roof. For larger repairs or a full replacement, it may be necessary to park a dumpster close to the roof so materials can be tossed in it as they’re removed from the roof. Clear out the area needed to park the dumpster as close to the roof as possible. If this isn’t possible, ensure they do have somewhere to park the dumpster while they work.
• Talk to the Roofing Company – Talk to the roofing company before they begin to see if they need any other accommodations and to get details about how the work will be done. They can often answer questions like how long the repair or replacement will take, when they’ll start working in the morning, and what time they’ll pack up in the evening. This can help solidify plans for while the work is being done.

As a building owner, whether it’s a commercial building or your home, it’s crucial to ensure the roof is in good condition so the rest of the building will be protected. If you do notice any signs of damage to the roof or you’re worried about the roof after a storm, have a professional handle the inspection so any issues can be taken care of promptly. Professionals can work on commercial and flat roofing, handle residential roof replacements, or handle shingle replacements as needed to help keep your roof in great shape. Call a professional today to learn more about the current state of your roof and what may need to be done to help ensure it’s going to last as long as possible. 

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CALL US TODAY!
​888-888-8888