Proper Way of Walking and Standing on Tile Roofs

28/12/2011 14:13

Clay roof tiles are elegant looking roofing materials that are commonly used for their ability to keep water from entering into the house. These are usually installed on the framework of a roof by keeping them securely attached with nails.  They come in different colors, sizes, and shapes (profiles) which were designed to match or blend with the theme of the house or any establishment. With the modern technology, plastic and concrete roof tiles are also made available as an alternative to the traditional ones.

Roof tiles have been used since the earlier centuries for the sole purpose of shielding rain and direct heat. These have been successful in serving their goal to the homeowners who at the same time share their part in preserving these materials through cleaning and clearing procedures to avoid clogging that would result to cracks, crevices, and deterioration of the tiles. However, getting rid of dirt and debris on tile roofing is not an easy task as improper walking can do more harm than good to any tile-roofed house.

So how do you perform the proper way of walking and standing on tile roofing? This article would serve as a guide for those who are not accustomed with the design and built of clay tile roofing materials. The first thing you should do is to get familiar with the product by researching through the Internet, reading books and magazines, or consulting with a professional roofer. A clay tile is designed to receive water and flush it down to the gutter which goes through the drainage system of the house. Although it was not designed to accommodate the weight of a person, any homeowner knows that regular maintenance of the roof system is essential to prolong the longevity of the material and cut the expenses on the repairs or replacement.

  • Proper Way of Standing – the best thing to do when you are standing or in a stationary position on a roof tile is to distribute your weight on both feet. Never stand or focus all of your weight on one foot as you may most likely break a tile or two. By evenly spreading your load on each foot, you are not risking the tiles from breaking or cracking which will definitely lead to repairs or replacements at worst.
  • Proper Way of Walking – tiles are not made to hold a person as these are prone to breakage unlike with the other types of materials used for roofing purposes. The best part of the clay roof tiles to step on to is the area where both tiles overlay each other as these can properly carry the weight of a man. However, extreme care and caution should be followed and executed in order to prevent the risks and dangers of accidentally breaking the tiles.

Although the safety of the tiles are important, you should also remember that your security as you walk, stand, and work on the roof is more valuable than these roofing materials. It is highly advised that you should never work on windy, rainy, and extremely hot weather condition as these can contribute to blinding your judgment. 

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