Without the knowledge a slate roofer has for being on the roof any attempts to walk on the roof can and probably will result in snap crackle pop perforation or even dislodging of the slate tiles along with other potential damage.
How do you walk on a slate roof.
How to walk on a tile roof.
Experienced slate installers never walk on a slate roof but instead erect scaffolding or prop hook ladders to the side of the building before beginning repairs.
Lesser quality slate most definitely caves under pressure.
If it s absolutely necessary to walk on the slates walk on the middle of the slate and use soft soled shoes.
Walking on a roof can be an unsettling affair doubly so for tile roofs.
When you take a step slowly lift your foot up to ease the weight off the tile.
Your roofer should choreograph the project so that the workers walk on the slate as little.
If you don t apply the right technique you can easily cause breaking and even the potential for you to seriously be hurt.
Secure the rags and towels into place as you work by fastening them with bungee cords or nylon zip ties.
If the roof tiles have curves or waves and they are close together then place the balls and heels on the peaks.
A slate roof can cost from 12 to 40 per square foot according to websites and roofers i consulted.
Slate roofing tiles are very delicate and can easily crack and dislodge under your weight.
It s important not to introduce too much foot traffic on your roof and when you do a ladder safely hooked onto the roof edge is the best way to carry out a full and detailed inspection as this will help to spread your weight.