climbing & cleaning a roof
#1
12-06-08, 05:48 AM
climbing & cleaning a roof
Have a small cape with fungus that pine needles have attached to on the roof. I've cleaned off the lower half but can't reach the upper by ladder. Is there a safe way to get up or do I need to hire someone to do it?
#3
12-06-08, 09:12 AM
Super Moderator
Ya, we'd like to help but it is pretty hard to visualze what you have.
If you could provide some pictures it may help us advise you.
You can not upload pics directly here but if you sign on to a free host like Photo Bucket you could link to the pics and we could take a look.
If you are really unsure about this your safety is worth more than the few hundred it would cost to have it done.
If you could provide some pictures it may help us advise you.
You can not upload pics directly here but if you sign on to a free host like Photo Bucket you could link to the pics and we could take a look.
If you are really unsure about this your safety is worth more than the few hundred it would cost to have it done.
#4
12-08-08, 04:39 AM
cleaning off pine needles
I was using a bristle brush at this point (since it's cold/winter) to brush off the needles and fungi. Maybe my question is just -- is it safe o somehow climb on to the roof to brush off the top half because of the pitch or if using a longer ladder how do you set it at an angle to go up to the top of the roof? We are talking about a small two story Cape.
In case you haven't guessed I'm female and never dealt with the roof before.
In case you haven't guessed I'm female and never dealt with the roof before.
#5
12-08-08, 06:22 AM
Would a push broom help? You can screw in a roller pole extension inplace of the handle [provided the hole in then broom is threaded]. The longer the handle, the harder it will be to control but it might keep you on the ladder and off of the roof.
The steeper the roof pitch, the harder it is to stay on it - but if your not comfortable on hte roof it's best to stay off of it. On steep roofs it often works best to use a long ladder that can be laid directly on the roof and use it to work off of. Of course the bottom needs to be well secured so it won't slide on you. You can rent most anysize ladder but if you can't transport it, it might be better to hire the job out.
The steeper the roof pitch, the harder it is to stay on it - but if your not comfortable on hte roof it's best to stay off of it. On steep roofs it often works best to use a long ladder that can be laid directly on the roof and use it to work off of. Of course the bottom needs to be well secured so it won't slide on you. You can rent most anysize ladder but if you can't transport it, it might be better to hire the job out.
#6
12-09-08, 06:00 AM
re: cleaning roof
Thanks - that helps alot! I did try using a long handle broom but it couldn't exert enough pressure to scrub the fungus off. The pitch of the roof is not that steep but my husband (has fear of heights) will kill me if I fall off so I will try the longer ladder approach.
#7
12-09-08, 08:32 AM
Member
There are products like Spray and Forget and others that will remove and inhibit regrowth of fungus because of zinc as an ingredient. Some install zinc strips along roof to prevent fungus regrowth.
Climbing onto a steep roof is taking a gamble, not only for the DIYer but for contractors as well. Using the proper ladder and knowing how to balance and tie off the ladder for safety is important.
As stated, it may be best to hire out the cleaning of the roof and gutters. Better safe than sorry.
Climbing onto a steep roof is taking a gamble, not only for the DIYer but for contractors as well. Using the proper ladder and knowing how to balance and tie off the ladder for safety is important.
As stated, it may be best to hire out the cleaning of the roof and gutters. Better safe than sorry.
#8
12-09-08, 10:00 AM
Super Moderator
If you are going to do this yourself make sure you know how to use a ladder properly................we want you back to ask more questions. 
Here are two videos that explain it fairly well.
These types of films are commonly used in construction safety training.
Ladder safety link 1
Link 2
Here are two videos that explain it fairly well.
These types of films are commonly used in construction safety training.
Ladder safety link 1
Link 2
