I have cedar shake on battens on my roof (not sure if I have the lingo right, but that about describes the way it is constructed), and one of the ridge shingles has lifted in the wind. My question is, how can I get up there to fix it? Can I walk on this type of roof? From inside the attic it looks like I would risk punching my foot through. If I can’t walk on it, how do I get up there? My first thought was to lay a ladder on it, although I’m not sure how I would secure the ladder. Any help would be most appeciated.
Replies
The battens are called skip sheathing.
If your shakes are in decent shape, they're probably strong enough to support your weight. However, cedar shakes and shingles can be very slick, even on a lower pitch of roof and/or an individual shingle may be split or the nail loose and pull out under your feet. (I was wearing cork boots on a roof one time and almost went off it despite the traction of the boots).
I always use a climbing butt harness and a roof rig (OSHA approved safety line), but I have gear like that and it's expensive for doing a one-time quick repair. You might try an equipment rental yard to see if they have a roof rig available, or if you know somebody with basic climbing gear that will help you or show you how to use it safely.
Once you learn to trust a line and harness and your tying off ability you can actually find such equipment and skills quite useful. (And you don't get nagged much when you give the appearance of risking life and limb for the sake of your humble home).
Tool Crib and other sources have ridge hooks at a very reasonable price. These are JAY shaped pieces of spring metal that bolt to the upper rungs of a single ladder section. Some have rollers on the back side to help with installation, but basically, you carry the ladder up to the eave (on another ladder) and hook the ridge hook over the ridge. Then you climb up the ladder to do whatever work you need to do. If you have a cedar roof, like slate, there is constant maintenance. This might be good investment for you. Check this link out
http://www.oldworlddistributors.com/cart_m2150.html
gl
A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain. Mark Twain
you can get a ridge hook for your ladder for about $10.. it hooks to the top rung.. even has a castor wheel to roll it upside down up the roof then you flip it over and hook it over the ridge...
does two things for you.. keeps your wieght off the shingles ( which will support you fine, but you can damage them if they are old and brittle) & it gives you a working platform ...
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
The ridge hooks are about $20 now. I bought mine for $10 about ten years ago. I had sticker shock when I found the link above. Well worth the money though.
gl
"His vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever."
Thanks all. Very helpful.
You can make yourself a roof ladder by using a 2x6 (the length of the roof) with 1x4x12" laid across it in a sort of ladder rung formation. At the end (peak side) attach another shorter piece of 2x6 that will hang over the othe other side of the roof. You can use some heavy duty "L" brackets to keep it secured together on the underside and top side as well.
Be well
Namaste'
Andy
It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
I suppose golf shoes would be out of the question.
Good traction but poor mobility.