Can You Walk On a Metal Roof Without Denting It?

You can walk on a metal roof without denting it or causing damage, but there are some things you should know before attempting it. In this guide, we’ll discuss some safety concerns, offer some tips on how to walk on your metal roof without causing damage and provide some insight into when you should hire a professional for roof inspections or roof work.

Is It Safe to Walk on a Metal Roof?

Walking on any roof is inherently dangerous, and you’ll be putting yourself at risk of severe injury if you fall. Metal roofs can be particularly dangerous because the surface is slick and can be very slippery, especially when wet, so it’s never safe to walk on a metal roof after rainfall or snowfall. If you do need to go up once it dries, make sure you wear rubber-soled shoes for maximum grip. In most cases, it’s best to call a pro.

Can You Walk on a Metal Roof?

Metal roofs are durable and get direct support from roof decking underneath, so it’s possible to walk on them without causing damage or denting the material. However, the risk of damage is always present with roofing material, so you call a pro to handle the work in most cases.

Can It Cause Damage?

Yes, walking on a metal roof can cause damage. The risk is higher with thinner metal roof material, but most metal roofing on a residential property will stand up well to light foot traffic.

With that being said, it’s possible to dent your metal roofing if you’re not careful with foot placement or if you drop tools on the surface while you’re inspecting or working. If you do damage or dent the material, you’ll likely lose some of the home value added by your metal roof.

Your risk of roof damage increases if you have a roof leak, as water intrusion can rot the wood decking underneath that provides even support to the roofing material. If you’re noticing signs of a roof leak and are planning on inspecting your roof to find the source, your best bet is to hire a professional instead to avoid damaging the material.

What Gear Is Needed to Walk on a Metal Roof?

Pros will need a few pieces of gear to walk on a metal roof safely:

• Secure ladder: Avoid using extension ladders that only have two feet on the ground and instead use a multi-position or articulated ladder that keeps four feet on the ground for better security. Have someone hold the ladder while you’re climbing up and down.

• Safety harness: A safety harness or roofing harness will protect you from severe injury in case you slip and fall. Roofing harnesses can use a variety of anchor points, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for securing the anchor and setting the line length.

• Rubber-soled shoes: Metal roofs are slick and can be slippery even when they’re dry. Always wear rubber-soled shoes to get the maximum amount of traction and reduce the risk of slipping.

• Tool belt with locking straps: Finally, make sure you have a high-quality tool belt to avoid dropping your tools and denting the roof surface.

Tips for Walking on a Metal Roof

There are a few things pros can do to make walking on a metal roof safer and easier.

• Never walk on your metal roof when the surface is wet, especially after rain or snow. If you’re cleaning your metal roof, do so from the ground or call a professional.

• For standing seam metal roofs, avoid walking on the raised seams, which can dent more easily.

• Always have a friend or family member hold your ladder in place while you climb up or down.

• Spread your weight across your hands and feet to reduce the risk of damage.

• Never walk or stand with your back facing the bottom of the slope.

• Keep your weight off of metal drip edges. These are made of aluminum in most cases and will dent much more easily.

When to Call a Professional for Inspection or Repairs

Walking on a metal roof is dangerous, so you should always call a professional to do the work for you. If you’re installing a new metal roof, your best option is to call a local metal roof repair pro to carry out the work for you to reduce the risk of mistakes and costly roof leaks. Professionals have the experience to get the job done properly and will often provide a roof warranty that you won’t get from a DIY installation. The cost of metal roof installation by a professional will be higher, but it’s well worth the investment.

If you need to identify an issue, call a roof inspector near you. They’ll have a better idea of what issues to look for and can recommend repairs. Plus, you’ll eliminate the risk of personal injury.