So, I’m trying to finish up some residential projects, but snow is messing me up. I keep slipping and falling on snow and ice covered roofs with no indoor access, and my ladder feet feel like they’re going to kick out. I’m using wiper fluid (in solution), and pouring it on the ground where the ladder feet go, but they still want to move around, so I’ve been setting really steep.
Try using isopropyl alcohol, 70% or 90%, 90%is better. Should help with the icing on the glass. Also, I used hard rubber last winter and it seemed to work a little better in the freezing temps. As far as your ladder goes, I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe carry a small hammer on your belt and lightly bear up the ground for your ladder to get a good bight in the dirt.
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Make sure you have ladder feet that have teeth you can point towards the ground. Level Loks are essential in my opinion on any slick angled surface. Anytime I worry that the feet will not be secure, I angle the teeth of the feet into the surface- concrete, ice, loose rock, etc. Don’t mess around on ice and snow without the proper equipment!
I use enough alcohol to the point the water stops freezing before I get it off. Really depends on temp and wind conditions. I put it straight on my washer. And keep a dry detail tag handy
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I use the levelers with orange rubber feet (xtendaleg?). Maybe I’ll sprinkle some sand when I have to in order to get some grip. I think they also sell cleated feet, but are a pain to swap.
Right on. I’m scheduled out until late December, so I need some help with this snow/ice stuff. I’m a mountaineer/climber, but won’t be walking shingles with crampons. What do you do on north facing roofs? They hold an inch of snow for weeks…
I don’t really have the snowy roof problem that much. However, I don’t think I’d be on a roof covered with snow. Just curious, are you doing gutters from the roof? Just wondering if what you’re on the roof for could be done more safely from a ladder.
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I’m doing gutters after 12pm on warm days. Otherwise the whole run is frozen, and I can’t do anything but pick out leaves and chop ice with a putty knife. Everyone has their sprinklers and spigots blown out, so it makes for less than perfect gutter jobs.
I still walk wet roofs, but after today, I’m not walking 3 story roofs coated in ice.
Good idea. I try to stay off roofs with more that an 6/12 pitch. Sometimes an 8/12. Past that it gets way to dangerous for me. I just put a stand off on my ladder and clean both directions as far as I can reach with my tools then move my ladder. I wouldn’t be on snow or ice at all. If that tree hadn’t been there you’d be typing these messages from a hospital bed. Gotta take care of yourself first
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Yeah, don’t leave your gear in your boab outside overnight. Suuucks trying to defrost. Sucks even more if you leave your mop in your bucket and have a solid block of ice to melt.
Yea. I’ll be jumping ladders for gutters when it’s bad. I’m known for Steve-O antics, but also now know my livelihood depends on my physical health, so “safety first” I guess. I thought ‘Dangerous Dave’ was dangerous.
I guess I’m just crazy.
I ski and ice-climb, so I figured windows couldn’t be too bad. I can’t be digging my crampons into shingles is the problem. Trickier than I thought.
Need reliable weather people here. It was supposed to be nice today.
washer antifreeze is diluted methyl hydrate (can’t remember what you 'mericans call it…methanol?).
you will do better either using washer fluid straight or getting pure methyl hydrate to add to your regular mix in as high proportion as you need to keep it from freezing.
keep in mind alcohol evaporates quickly so the tip about applying it directly to your equipment is good also.
there are some good wcr videos called “weather or not” from awhile ago.
