While we're all grateful for the roofs over our heads, we don't always look after them in the way we should. One of the first steps you need to take to keep your roof functioning properly is to perform a roof inspection to identify potential problems. You might not be very confident about climbing on the roof, but with the right equipment and know-how, you can keep your roof in tip-top condition for years to come
Why do I need to inspect my roof?
Here in the UK, our winters can be very damaging to roofs and other exposed areas of your home. Your roof takes the brunt of the harsh weather and can be damaged by rain, snow, or even wind. With this in mind, it's vital that you carry out a roof inspection before and after winter to ensure that any developing problems are dealt with quickly. It's much easier to resolve a minor problem before a major one occurs.
How can I get on my roof safely?
Climbing on the roof can be dangerous, but if you have the right equipment and you know how to use it, then you should be able to carry out a ladder inspection, no problem. Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a wide range of roof ladders that are designed to help you access your roof safely.
This Super-Trade Double Section Roof Ladder is one of our best sellers because it features heavy-duty galvanised steel hooks and an aluminium crossbar that provide strength without being too heavy. This roof ladder is perfect for carrying out a roof inspection several times a year and is built to last.
Buy This Roof Ladder >
What am I looking for during my roof inspection?
Whether you have roof tiles or roof slates, the general things to look out for during a roof inspection are the same. Here's a checklist of things for you to consider while you're assessing your roof:
- Can you see any general wear and tear?
- Do you see any loose materials that could potentially fall on passers-by?
- Can you see any tiles or slates that are missing?
- Do you see signs of algae/moss that could indicate it's damp under the tiles?
- Is your guttering damaged or leaking?
- Can you see pooling water?
All of these things indicate that your roof (or parts of the roof) are damaged. You should seek to have these repaired/dealt with quickly to ensure your roof remains functional and doesn't damage the inside of the house.
So, to answer the question "how often should you have your roof inspected" the answer is, often! Investing in a roof ladder from Ladders UK Direct will help ensure you can carry out roof inspections for years to come.
Browse All Roof Ladders >
Whether you're using a ladder for the first time or the 100th time, it's important that you know whether the ladder is safe before you start climbing. Ladder accidents are far more common than you might think, and in some circumstances, they can be fatal. That's why we're always encouraging you to use your ladders safely! Today we're going to look at some of the things you should check to determine if a ladder is safe to use.
Check that you've got the right ladder for the job
There are lots of people who think that there's a "one size fits all" approach to using ladders - but that simply isn't the case. To know whether your ladder is safe to use, you should first start by looking at its specifications.
- Is it the right kind of ladder?
- Is it the right height?
- Can it support your weight?
- Is the workspace large enough for the job at hand?
If you find that the answer to any of these questions is no, then you should probably consider ordering a more appropriate ladder before you get started.
Risk assessment: Is your ladder safe?
How do you know if a ladder is safe? Well, when you've ensured that you've got the right ladder for the job, your next important job is to carry out a risk assessment. Physically checking the ladder before you use it is the only way you can ever guarantee that your ladder is safe. So, how do you go about it? We've covered a step ladder risk assessment in detail before, and the same principles can be applied to any ladder you're using. Here are the main things you should check:
- Are there any signs of wear and tear on your ladder?
- Is your working area safe? Are there any obvious hazards eg. uneven or loose ground?
- Will you need any additional tools? Do you have a safe method of transporting them up and down your ladder?
- Can you estimate how long you'll be working on the ladder? If it's longer than 30 mins, can you factor in suitable breaks?
If you identify any of the risks outlined above, you need to put some precautions and solutions in place before you attempt to carry out the task at hand. A damaged ladder, uneven floor, or prolonged period of working at height can put you at serious risk of an injury, so you should never skip over the risk assessment if you don't know if a ladder is safe.
More on ladder safety:
If you don't know if a ladder is safe - don't use it! We'd always recommend edging on the side of caution and acquiring a new ladder that you KNOW is safe before undertaking any work at height. For more information about the ladders that we offer, drop us an email - sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk.
To increase the health and longevity of your building's roof, it is recommended that you conduct a roof inspection around twice a year. In some cases, not inspecting your roof and leaving it in a dire state can void your roof's warranty if you were ever to make a claim. So, it is vital that you carry out regular roof maintenance to avoid any unnecessary stress and issues in the future.
More...
If you ever have to work outdoors, the weather conditions that you find yourself in can have a tremendous effect on your overall safety, especially when high winds are involved.
The wind is often a neglected and ignored weather condition when working outside, most likely down to the fact that it is invisible and as such is not top of the mind. However, despite us not being physically able to see high winds, they have the ability to cause real damage to anyone that is caught working in them, especially if you're on a ladder!
So, how do you keep yourself safe when working in windy conditions? Ladders UK Direct are here to give you some easy ladder safety tips that help minimise the risks involved with working outdoors in high winds.
More...
Need a bit of extra height while working? A ladder isn't always the most practical solution - sometimes, it's both quicker and safer to use a hop-up work platform.
When trying to complete a task or access an item that’s just out of reach, sometimes a ladder isn’t always the best option. Hop-up steps are quick and easy to use, and give you the boost you need to get your task done quickly and efficiently.
There are a variety of different designs when it comes to hop-up steps, so no matter what the task at hand is, there’s a hop up step suited to you and your needs. Hop-up steps are undoubtedly a handy reaching tool, but how do you know which hop-up step is right for you?
More...
