When it comes to DIY roofing projects, safety is paramount. Follow these steps to make sure you’re taking all the necessary precautions.

Has your roof seen better days? Maybe you’ve got a broken roof tile that needs fixing, or gutters that could do with a clean? A bit of DIY could be just the ticket to bring your home back to its former glory. However, working at heights can be dangerous. If you’re tackling roofing work yourself instead of calling in a professional, you need to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are our top tips.

Check the environment

Before you do anything, make sure the weather is appropriate for roofing work. If it’s raining, foggy, or windy, save the job for another day – you don’t want to slip or get blown away. Once the weather is clear and you’re ready to proceed, mark the ground below the roof with safety cones or barrier tape. This means that anyone passing by will know you’re working above, and can avoid the area in case something falls. Meanwhile, for your own safety, look out for cracked or loose tiles, or any areas that look potentially unstable. Keep well away from these, as they could slip or break and take you with them.

Use proper equipment

If you want to stay safe on the roof, you need to ensure you’re using the correct equipment. Wear non-slip closed footwear with a soft rubber sole, as this will provide you with the best grip. Always use a properly fitted harness connected to a securely anchored safety rope. Make sure the rope has at least 700kg load bearing capacity, and tie it using a bowline knot to a structural part of your house or a large tree. Whatever you do, don’t attach it to your car – someone might get in and drive away with you attached.

When you purchase your safety harness, have the supplier demonstrate how to use it and practise it with them so you can confidently do it yourself at home. It may take a bit of extra time, but it may save your life.

Choose the right ladder

A ladder is an essential part of any roofing job – so it’s vital that you use it safely. Find an extension ladder that reaches 1m above the gutter of your roof, so that you can step off onto the roof safely. Always check that the ladder is sturdy on the ground (no wobbles), and keep it clear of any doors or other objects that could move and knock it down. Also make sure that you’re well clear of any power lines. Finally, when climbing the ladder, always keep three points of contact on the ladder at any one time – two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot when moving, for example.

Get help

This is the most important point to consider when undertaking any roofing work. No matter how small the job, you need to have at least one other person to spot you while you work, in case anything goes awry and you need help. And if your roof is steep (over 35 degrees), call in an expert who’s trained in roofing safety rather than attempting the job yourself. In fact, if you’re unsure about any aspect of your safety, or if you feel uncomfortable (even after you’ve bought all the equipment and started the job), always get help from a professional roofer.

Decided your project is best left to the professionals? Find a roofing expert near you