Walking on roof tiles

[JansenServices]

Question

What is the best way to walk on roof tiles? Is there a practical way to get to those windows? Do homeowners ask you not to walk on tile? What is the best practice here?

Thanks for the input

[Dormatex]

There is a time tested and proven strategy to walking on roof tiles…DON’T!

Actually I haven’t a clue, so if I can’t safely get to it, my extension pole can.

[thorSG1]

The best way to not crack tile is not be on them, but when you have to, the best way to do it- and if you need me to explain better let me know…

You pretty much have to walk side-ways on the tile once you are on the roof, one foot go’s sideways on the bottom most part of 2 tiles together. The reason why 2 tiles is because it displaces the weight between the 2 instead of just one and your balance is better.

You dont put your feet in the middle of the tile, this part is hollow underneath, whereas the bottom lip actually makes contact with the roof. Avoid areas near the flashing or roofjacks because the tile is cut to fit in these areas and sometimes not even nailed in.

Go very slow, and if you have to you can lean over and put your hands on the roof to steady your feet. If its early in the morning or the roof is wet, dont do it, if its not wet, and the tiles have moss on them…I dont care if its 150 degrees outside you are gonna slip and bust your nugget.

Did that make sense?

[llaczko]

@thorSG1

The best way to not crack tile is not be on them, but when you have to, the best way to do it- and if you need me to explain better let me know…

You pretty much have to walk side-ways on the tile once you are on the roof, one foot go’s sideways on the bottom most part of 2 tiles together. The reason why 2 tiles is because it displaces the weight between the 2 instead of just one and your balance is better.

You dont put your feet in the middle of the tile, this part is hollow underneath, whereas the bottom lip actually makes contact with the roof. Avoid areas near the flashing or roofjacks because the tile is cut to fit in these areas and sometimes not even nailed in.

Go very slow, and if you have to you can lean over and put your hands on the roof to steady your feet. If its early in the morning or the roof is wet, dont do it, if its not wet, and the tiles have moss on them…I dont care if its 150 degrees outside you are gonna slip and bust your nugget.

Did that make sense?

Tory: You’re describing Spanish-style clay tiles, no doubt. There are also cement tiles – typically flat – so easier to walk – but still brittle at times.

[thorSG1]

@llaczko

Tory: You’re describing Spanish-style clay tiles, no doubt. There are also cement tiles – typically flat – so easier to walk – but still brittle at times.

No, this applies for all tile roofs. You cant put a tile roof on without overlaping the tile, which means all tiles, spanish and flat will have a hollow point between the roof and the tile and if your foot is on top of that part with all of your weight you will even crack flat tile too. I have done roofing for a while and have cracked my share.

[Run]

@thorSG1

The best way to not crack tile is not be on them, but when you have to, the best way to do it- and if you need me to explain better let me know…

You pretty much have to walk side-ways on the tile once you are on the roof, one foot go’s sideways on the bottom most part of 2 tiles together. The reason why 2 tiles is because it displaces the weight between the 2 instead of just one and your balance is better.

You dont put your feet in the middle of the tile, this part is hollow underneath, whereas the bottom lip actually makes contact with the roof. Avoid areas near the flashing or roofjacks because the tile is cut to fit in these areas and sometimes not even nailed in.

Go very slow, and if you have to you can lean over and put your hands on the roof to steady your feet. If its early in the morning or the roof is wet, dont do it, if its not wet, and the tiles have moss on them…I dont care if its 150 degrees outside you are gonna slip and bust your nugget.

Did that make sense?

I totally agree. I am on tile quite a bit and I break tile maybe once a year. This exact technique works, but maybe I understand your explanation because I do the same thing. I have tryed to explain this technique to others, not easy for them to grasp.

[thorSG1]

@Acclaim

I totally agree. I am on tile quite a bit and I break tile maybe once a year. This exact technique works, but maybe I understand your explanation because I do the same thing. I have tryed to explain this technique to others, not easy for them to grasp.

Maybe should make a video of it. Even doing it like this, on the crazy spanish tile roofs- the ones on the rich homes that have the concrete slopped in between several tiles in a stack, you know the ones I mean, those are next to impossible to walk on without breaking at LEAST one.