(2nd try) How do you climb down from a roof?

[jenkinsph]

Originally Posted by roamerr

You need a longer ladder. I need at least 4 ft sticking up above the roof. I have tried stepping on ladders at roof level and it makes me really sick feeling. I wanna grab the ladder while still comfortably standing on the roof.

Ditto,

If your ladder is only reaching the edge of the roof then you need a 28' extension ladder. Fasten the ladder at the top before you climb onto the roof. The time spent securing the ladder and or damage to roof is no comparision to falling and getting severely injured or worse.


Steve

[Duffster]

Originally Posted by drssg

My first attempt to post this got boogered some how, so I'm trying again.

I could use some very detailed instructions, preferably with pictures, on proper technique to get from the roof back onto the step ladder.

From a comfort level, I feel pretty good on the ladder and on the roof, but I get the heeby jeebies going right over to the edge of our 2nd floor roof to get back on the ladder. If I felt like I was using a proper technique, I think that would help my confidence.

I have some minor shingle repair work to do, so I'm hoping I don't have to get too carried away with safety equipment. But I'm not against buying some stuff, as I'd probably use it on other jobs.

No offense but if you have to ask questions like this you don't belong on a roof.

[DELInstallations]

minimum of 3' above surface whenever using an extension ladder.

[weedpharma]

As this is a tractor forum shouldn't you be asking "How do I tie the ladder onto the FEL so I can safely get on and off the roof?"

Weedpharma

[ragkar]

OT

How do you get down from an elephant?

You don't. You get down from a duck.

[BigE_]

Thought you got down from a goose?

[beenthere]

Originally Posted by Duffster

No offense but if you have to ask questions like this you don't belong on a roof.

And with less offense, don't do it if it feels at all uncomfortable. Ask the TBN'rs how to do it. A lot of good ideas here.

A neighbor recalls the time when his aluminum ladder blew down while he was on his roof, and his wife was gone, and there were no neighbors within shouting distance. Cars kept going by, and he waved at them to come to his aid. They just waved back. About 4 or 5 hours, his wife came home and put his ladder back up for him.

I use a wood ext. ladder. And after the comments, I will now raise it 3' above the roof edge. But that will require hauling out both sections, as one only reaches the facia board.

[deepNdirt]

Originally Posted by blueriver

Seriously ... I know a fella who tied a rope to the bumper of his truck, threw it over the roof. Climb up, grabed the rope and tied himself off ... was working and all of a sudden he heard his truck fire up!! Yep the wife pulled him over the roof.... a few things broke and alot of sore. I think something was also CHEWED!!!

This reminds me back when I was working on the outside of a new home, the roofer had finished up and the plumbers came to install the vent pipe boots, the roof was a 10/12 pitch and he was informed by his boss that any roofs over a 9/12 he needs to tie himself off with a rope, he climbs up the roof with rope around his waist toss the end over the ridge and down to the ground tells the other guy to hold onto his end good, and then he starts back down the room to install the vent boots, as he was trying to install one of them he realized he had been given the wrong size and stood up and yelled to the other guy that he had give him the wrong ones, in a minutes or so that guy came walking around back side of the house and told the other plumber on the roof that he couldn't hear a Dang thing he's saying, ooops! who the heck is holding the other end of the rope.................Dah!
I have worked on ladders, scafolding & roofs all my working life, so I'm not even going to suggest that you do as I use to do, But I would simply step forward onto the ladder and walk down heel to heel steps, But again thats me! I am a little backwards

"No offense but if you have to ask questions like this you don't belong on a roof." <---- 2nd this

[foggy1111]

"No offense but if you have to ask questions like this you don't belong on a roof." <---- 2nd this[/quote]

Oh com'mon now!!! The OP asks a question to help him feel better getting on and off a ladder.....I see little issue with this. Getting on and off a roof properly is worth talking about and asking about. Nobody is born with the best methods on how to use a ladder safely (or tractors or other machines for that matter). I think his question is valid. So there!

As for me....high places and ladders don't mix.

[horse7]

I prefer to use scaffolding and Aluma Planks... contractors obviously prefer ladders most of the time for quick set up and take down, easier to carry, etc.. Scaffolding is expensive but resale is pretty good, and like people have mentioned it only takes one accident to vaporize "savings" from cheaper solutions.

My house is on a small hill, and when standing on one section of the roof it appears that the edge drops off 50 feet I know the drop is only 22 feet but it sure looks like more-- I hire people for that section.