However when it comes to tile roofs in particular there is a proper way to walk on the tiles in order to avoid damage.
How to walk on curved tile roof.
When choosing a home inspector ensure they will walk on the concrete tile roof.
Whether a structure has an asphalt shingle metal clay or concrete tile roof walking on the roof for seasonal inspections and cleanings is inevitable.
Image showing how concrete tiles are installed on a roof.
While it s usually best to stay off your roof if possible you can still walk on the tiles if you need to make repairs.
If you don t apply the right technique you can easily cause breaking and even the potential for you to seriously be hurt.
Most concrete tiles are lifted a little off of your roof and sit on wood batten strips creating a gap under the tiles for ventilation.
First we recommend that you do not walk on a tile roof unless you are a trained roofing professional with experience in tile roofing.
I show how to walk on clay roof tiles.
However if you must walk on a tile roof we recommend stepping near the edges on overlap areas that are supported directly underneath.
Instead transfer your weight gradually as you walk and curve your step with the arc of the tile as it falls.
How to walk on a tile roof.
I find defects with 85 of the concrete tile roofs i inspect.
Overlapping roof tiles are prone to break under load.
A normal walk is not generally the best approach upon a tile roof.
Often times roof tile manufacturers do not.
Essentially with each step place the heel of your foot in the gap between tiles roll the arch over the tile and end up with your toe in the next gap.
You want to walk on that overlapping.
Clay and concrete tiles are a great roofing material since they re more durable than shingles but they can break or crack if you apply too much pressure while you re walking on them.