I think some of the flashing around the chimney stack of my 2-storey house is leaking - some water is getting into the loft during heavy rain.
So, I've bought one of these
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would appreciate any tips on how to use it. The roof ladder instructions talk about using a conventional extension ladder to get up to the roof, but I've also got a aluminum scaffold tower - I'd be better off using that rather than the extension ladder wouldn't I?
Is it worthwhile attaching a rope to the top-end of the roof ladder, chucking it over the roof, and tying it to some immoveable, or is that excessive?
The roof tiles are some kind of grey concrete-ish type stuff, and seem fairly strong. The roof ladder has rubber-coated bars that sit on the tiles. Any tips on how to avoid breaking any tiles while I'm up there?
When you=92ve got the roof ladder over the ridge, take some tiles out at the bottom of the roof next to the roof ladder and tie the roof ladder and the extension ladder or tower to the roof. Tie the lot to a couple of the tile lath. The type of roof ladder you have is very sceptical for braking tiles especially if you stand on top of one of the support bars. The other bad design is that you can=92t place any tools on the runs as they slide under the roof ladder and down the roof. You will most likely have to put every thing in a bucket and wedge it between the runs. If you use a tower put the ex ladder leaning towards the roof not on the side of the tower and tie the lot.
and would appreciate any tips on how to use it. The roof ladder
I wouldn't want to encourage any upset between yourself and your neighbours, so it's your call. But, from what you have said about their lack of acknowledgement of any problems, I'd just go right ahead and make good the chimney without bothering to consult them and have the potential confrontation regarding the chimney. All you are going to do is improve it, so you're not harming anyone. Plus they have no idea what it's like up there now, so how will they know you've made any changes anyway?
Same here, only happening during the recent and frequent thunderous downpours, and I let a professional deal with it. We hope it was just the loose mortar/rendering from the stack which he found wedged in the flashing and which might have been blocking/diverting the drainage. Will have to let it dry out and see if next thunderous downpour causes recurrence. I can see from my window that next door neighbour has same blockage in his flashing.
I'm no expert - my first use of a roof ladder 5.5 m was last week! My expeience was that...
The first time is scary.
The worst bit was coming down stepping OFF the roof ladder on the double extension ladder below. Two reasons: 1) can't see the extension ladder step, 2) as you leave go the roofing ladder it moves away from you back up the roof a little. This is obviously the spring effect of the hook as load goes off it.
Also, the opposite happens of course as you step onto the r-ladder, it comes toward you a a little. Not a lot, but be ready for it. Diuble check the hokk is locked over that ridge!
I securely lashed the loof ladder to the extension ladder where it met the roof.
Don't be tempted to use the ext ladder steps that are above the tiles
- risk the base kicking out. I tied the ext ladder base to the wall as a saftey measure against that. Also tied the top of that ladder to stop sideways movement - to a steel bar which I screwed to the house boards - with some 4" screws.
They was a lot of prep - as was very much diy for me.
I marked the ext ladder at it balance point with tape. Then when I pulled it up past me while on top of ext ladder, when the tape past by, I was ready for it to tilt - and made sure it was toward the roof! :-) Make sure the ext ladder has the wheels the right side too :-)
The ext ladder tilted easily onto the roof - make sure you are secure on the main ladder before begining the big push of the ext ladder to the top. I turned the ext ladder in direction so that it interlinked with the main ladder - and tied them together.
Please note these are only my own experiences - I am not an expert - and it is a risky business. Is satisfying when up there and to do a good job though. I found a few big holes in the ridge tiles that was able to fix easily and several other pointing files. Also spotted work needed on the top of the stack - (see other thread inc's picture) HTH Good luck.
ps I now have a 1 piece 5.5 m roof ladder to store....!
I concur with the advice of having all the bits tied together etc.
Worth mentioning that having a ladder stay about 5 rungs down the extension ladder so that it can sail past the eves makes the whole experience of getting off the roof ladder much more agreeable since you can see exactly where the extension ladder is, and more importantly have something to hold onto. Same procedure for accessing a flat roof really.
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