Step lightly: The right way to walk on a tile roof

By Eagle Roofing Products.

Avoid costly damage and protect your tile roof with expert walking techniques and safety tips.

It looks solid. It feels sturdy. But don’t be fooled — tile roofing isn’t built for casual strolls. Every year, well-meaning homeowners and even contractors crack tiles underfoot, turning a simple task into a costly repair. Eagle Roofing Products reminds property owners that whether you’re assessing damage after a storm or just clearing out debris, knowing how — and where — to walk is more than a matter of care. It’s a matter of protecting one of the most expensive surfaces on your home.

Often, roof tile manufacturers specifically do not warrant breakage due to foot traffic, so it is important that caution be exercised when doing so. Not only do you not want to break your roof tiles, but you also do not want to put your safety at risk. It is suggested that you hire a licensed and bonded roofing contractor to do the job and avoid walking on the roof yourself altogether. We recommend asking your roofing contractor what their method is for walking on a tile roof before they start working.

For professionals walking on a tile roof, it is recommended to step at the bottom three inches of the installed tile. This section is supported by the lapped tile beneath it and the weight is then transferred to the deck below. Orient your feet in a direction parallel with the ridge and try to distribute your weight evenly, walking as softly as possible.  

On high barrel tiles, such as Eagle Roofing Products’ Capistrano concrete roof tile profile, you should distribute your weight with the heel and toe on the high points of adjacent tiles. If tiles are broken, you’ll want to have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid damage to the underlayment from water intrusion and exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

You will also want to stay away from hips or valleys to avoid breaking cut tiles that could be more difficult to replace. The exception to this would be in situations where the hips and ridges are bedded in mortar or foam, in which case they may be preferred walking paths.

Whether your roof needs a simple cleaning or a deeper inspection, doing the job yourself is not worth the risk to your safety. Hire an experienced tile roofing contractor to complete the work and ensure they are aware of how to properly step on tiles to avoid breakage.

Original article and photo source: Eagle Roofing Products