I just couldn't do it...

[930addict]

...there aren't many things I won't do. But getting on my roof defeated me. I wanted to install some heat tape. A couple roofing companies quoted me nearly $600! Parts at Lowes are $60. I said eff that I'll do it myself. My roof line is about 12 feet up and it has a steep pitch. I fastened the ladder to the gutter screws and brought all my stuff up to the roof. I climbed all the way up the ladder only to chicken out.



I think it's the pitch. I used to get on my dads roof all the time but the pitch wasn't so bad.

On a high note, I'm still on the right side of the grass and managed to relocate and replace the garbage disposal in the kitchen.

[flatbutt]

I have a wicked pitch too. When I did my cables I simply stayed on my arse. Jeans don't slide on the shingles.

[rwest]

Yup, if you aren't comfortable doing it, smart move is to hire it out. Besides, you did the plumbing which is the more expensive job.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I patched my roof the other day. Found an old 32 foot ladder on CL, made in Brooklyn, super sturdy. Have to figure out how to get a patio set and grill up here next summer.

Big thanks again for Craigster recommending the Henry's patch stuff. Lot of old patches that were all cracking and had dry rot holes.

[Bugsinrugs]

I went up on my roof today to clean my wood stove pipes. It's a metal roof and the timing is critical. Too hot and the metal will fry you, dampness is a no no. I am not as nimble nor confident as I used to be. Tomorrow I go up on my really steep metal roof on the garage to clean my other stove pipe.

[930addict]

I think if my roof was flat it wouldn't be a problem. My pitch is pretty steep. The arrow is where I was trying to get on. The gutters are 12' up.

[M.D. Holloway]

I know a girl...

[DanielDudley]

If you aren't comfortable on a roof, you aren't doing anyone any favors by going up there.

You did the right thing, 930 Addict.

[billybek]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

I know a girl...

Got pics?

(and a model release?)

[chocolatelab]

i remember that thread

does that mean I've been here to long

[porsche4life]

I got up on our tile roof today. Didn't love it but I did it... Need to get up there and clean off the pigeon crap and make it so they don't come back.

[Hugh R]

The wifey wants me to put up holiday lights every year under the eaves. I rigged a flag pole set up with plastic coated steel cables and pulleys under each eave. Now, I just attach the lights with electrical tape and pull them up.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I can empathize - there isn't much that scares me - I fly airplanes (including in bad weather), have raced bikes and cars, ride motorcycles, have done martial arts competitively, etc. I hate pitched roofs - I'll slide around on my butt nervously but don't at all like standing. Ladders? Man lifts? No problem. Flat roofs? No problem. I have good balance but just can't see being on a pitched roof standing or walking around as "normal" - can't shut off the warning claxon in my head. Residential roofers are a crazy breed fo' sho'. I've walked around on structural steel framing (like ironworkers) too - a bit unsettling but not as bad (for me) as being on a pitched roof.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Do you think that big red arrow will hurt your home's value if you sell? Are the neighbors OK with it?

Originally Posted by 930addict

I think if my roof was flat it wouldn't be a problem. My pitch is pretty steep. The arrow is where I was trying to get on. The gutters are 12' up.

[Crowbob]

I'm looking out my window last fall watching the neighbor remove his old shingles and paper to reroof it. He starts sliding on the bare decking. His helper grabs him. Both start sliding. Right off the roof.

One sprained wrist, one broken ankle and two cracked ribs.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

By moving the trucK, 930addict can gain safe access to remove the red arrow before neighbors complain.

[don gilbert]

Get an old couch cushion to sit on. Will not let you slip off.

[mattdavis11]

I would have utilized the truck, but would have backed it in square to the front windows.

My brother once got stuck on his roof. He didn't get stuck, he chickened out. His wife called my brother and I to help him get down safely. First thing I asked was if he had been drinking. "No." Well there's your problem, you p*ssy.

[Lapkritis]

Replaced the roof on my sisters house along with my 3 brothers(including the one she married) 3 weeks back. Her husband is a certified guide for ice climbing with his home ice in the Northern Rockies. He's used to being on the high slippery stuff, sleeping in a tent that's hanging from a rope etc. The roof job had him spooked. He only came up at the end for a few ceremonial fasteners.

You can spend some money on safety harnesses but they're in the way a lot of the time. When roofing my garage last fall we strapped to a large tree on the opposite side of the building which made things much more comfortable. You could probably do the same and tie to a car on the other side of the building over the roof peak. Good climbing rope has multiple uses when you're done.

[ckelly78z]

I end up cleaning the chimney and cap for our wood burner 3-4 times a year. It's a pretty steep pitch, so I do the backwards crab walk (butt and at leat 1 foot and 1 hand in contact at all times) up the roof and then shimmy along the ridge line. It is a solid 30 feet up to the chimney cap.....you just have to respect the danger, and wear tennis shoes for the grip.