Leak in slate roof, use JD4310/430 + to access

[North Country]

How about access from the inside? Sheathing & drywall are easier to repair than slate. Whatever you do, you should definitely get some hard points installed once you're up there.

Got any pics or a sketch?

 

[JB4310]

I've been working on slate roofs for 30 years and have never seen one that could not be walked on, unless it's to steep, which is often the case, but they still have to be able to support significant weight.

We would typically prop a ladder against the edge of the roof, and push a hook ladder up over the peak and climb up. That would be on a 2 storey and up structure. For a single storey, just lay the ladder flat on the roof, you have to bring the bottom of the ladder way back and stake it, it's a little funky going up and down a ladder in that position, but it's doable. you could always put another ladder next to that one and just use the ladder on the roof, above the edge.

IMO, you are overthinking this. it shouldn't be that diffecult.

Just be careful.
JB.

A couple of pics of some slate roofs for those who never get to see them.
These are monster roofs, we do use boom lifts to gain access. The gutters on the brownstone church are 55 feet off the ground, the ridge is 95 feet.

 

[Egon]

scaffolding?

 

[Gizmo2]

I've been working on slate roofs for 30 years and have never seen one that could not be walked on, unless it's to steep, which is often the case, but they still have to be able to support significant weight.

We would typically prop a ladder against the edge of the roof, and push a hook ladder up over the peak and climb up. That would be on a 2 storey and up structure. For a single storey, just lay the ladder flat on the roof, you have to bring the bottom of the ladder way back and stake it, it's a little funky going up and down a ladder in that position, but it's doable. you could always put another ladder next to that one and just use the ladder on the roof, above the edge.

IMO, you are overthinking this. it shouldn't be that diffecult.

Just be careful.
JB.

A couple of pics of some slate roofs for those who never get to see them.
These are monster roofs, we do use boom lifts to gain access. The gutters on the brownstone church are 55 feet off the ground, the ridge is 95 feet.

JB,
I have to say if that was my roof and it was leaking.....I'd let it leak cause I would not be going up on that roof to fix it.

 

[Rustyiron]

I don't know if this will help you with reaching your leak but we regularly put a ladder up against alum. gutters, and unless you have a 300lb gorilla on the ladder playing around, the gutter will be fine. At worst a little paint scratched. If the gutter is installed with spikes/furells, set your ladder centered over a spike. Good luck and be careful.

 

[teg]

I hope the safety police aren't watching... Don't try this at *your* home. It's stupid AND dangerous... I originally had the ladder against the loader but the old gutter was fine (and easier). Another use for the grapple...

The house is only used for storage and we had some strong wind that knocked a few shingles off. We might do a metal roof but most likely it's a tear down...

 

[JB4310]

JB,
I have to say if that was my roof and it was leaking.....I'd let it leak cause I would not be going up on that roof to fix it.

:laughing::laughing: I like to show off those type of pictures for that wow/pucker factor.

I actually still enjoy it. I only get to go up on those big roofs a couple times a year, so it's kind of exciting, a break from the everyday jobs on the 1 and 2 storey houses. Those pics are not very impressive

JB.

 

[alternety]

Here is the roof. The sun does not shine on this part. Due North orientation. I repeat - IT WILL NOT SUPPORT PRESSURE. IT IS NOT THE SLATE YOU HAVE BEEN INSTALLING FOR n YEARS. Please try to stop telling me I do not understand what I have and address the problem.

Scaffolding does not really address the problem. It gets you to the edge of the roof and then we are back to the "can't put pressure on it" constraint.

teg - that is the sort of thing I am thinking about, but I do not believe I can lay the ladder on the slate. Personal experience.

 

[JB4310]

Here is the roof. The sun does not shine on this part. Due North orientation. I repeat - IT WILL NOT SUPPORT PRESSURE. IT IS NOT THE SLATE YOU HAVE BEEN INSTALLING FOR n YEARS. Please try to stop telling me I do not understand what I have and address the problem.

Scaffolding does not really address the problem. It gets you to the edge of the roof and then we are back to the "can't put pressure on it" constraint.

teg - that is the sort of thing I am thinking about, but I do not believe I can lay the ladder on the slate. Personal experience.

OK. Can you do something like what teg shows, maybe with some plywood under the ladder to spread the weight load further?

You would be able to work on eggs like that

JB.

 

[North Country]

What's the upper structure? Is it also slate covered? Can you hang anything off that?