How to Climb an A-Frame House
A-frame homes are cost-efficient, and they provide a unique rustic style in resort-type settings. Unfortunately, A-frame houses also have a very steep roof pitch that makes climbing them a challenge. While this roof type functions very effectively in parts of the country where heavy snows accumulate, since the snow slides right off, they are tricky to climb when repairs are in order. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Toe boards
- Toe board brackets
- Long flat ladder
- Stake
- I-bolts
- Nylon rope
- Safety belt with slip-cam
Instructions
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Observe safety first. The Occupational Safety and Housing Administration (OSHA), requires builders and contractors to provide adequate safety equipment for their employees. While a homeowner is free not to follow OSHA regulations, it is wise to consider their safety aspects when climbing an A-frame roof. (See Resources)
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Wear rubber-soled boots or shoes. The steep pitch of an A-frame requires the most adhesive sole surface available, and that’s a good rubber tread. Make sure you can bend your ankle with ease.
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Nail cleats or “toe boards” on the roof as a support system for balance. Use 2-inch by 4-inch dimensional lumber, cut to the desired length to make your cleats. This is a viable way to climb an A-frame if you are in the process of shingling the roof. Use toe-board brackets to hold the boards, and remove the boards and brackets after the shingles are in place. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. (See Resources)
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Lean a long ladder against the roof. Since the angle of an A-frame roof lines up with the ground, a long ladder may provide the climbing security needed to make repairs in one area.
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Drive a stake into the ground below the bottom rung of the ladder, and use nylon rope to tie off the bottom rung to the stake. This will reduce the chance of the bottom shifting. In addition, make sure your ladder will not slide backwards by flipping down the included ladder braces if your ladder is so equipped.
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Install a heavy I-bolt in the underside of the fascia and tie off the rung closest to the same height to provide stability. Loop the rope around the rung and tie it securely to the bolt. Use this method in addition to the stake tie-off.
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Use a safety belt, equipped with a slip-cam and tie off to a rope that extends all the way over the roof and attaches to an I-bolt securely fastened to the fascia on the other side. Use the cam on your belt in order to easily pull and adjust the rope as you climb. Follow manufacturer’s directions when using a slip-cam.
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Tips & Warnings
Climb the roof only when it is completely dry.
Do not lean a folding ladder against the roof. Use only a flat ladder. Folding ladders will not support weight safely when used in this manner.
Resources
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