How to safely climb onto this roof?

[Participant]

Hi all

I need to install two roof vent tiles and just generally be able to do general maintenance on my roof, as all "reputable" roofers seem to want to install scaffolding for everything.

I've just had a quote for £1,500 to install two vent tiles . I'm just not paying this much, but don't really want a ***** doing it up a ladder either, as they have to cut into the roof felt and do a decent job so we don't get leaks, so am looking into options to doing it myself.

The roof in question is as per the below picture. The two red arrows are above the ensuite and main bathroom and roughly show where the vents will need to go.

The red box is the area I will need to climb on / above.

The yellow arrow is the location of eyelet-style anchor that I might be able to use to hook onto with a safety harness...assuming it's actually bolted in OK.

I have two smallish step ladders designed for general low-level home stuff.

I think I will need:

- One step ladder to reach first roof section
- Proper roof ladder to reach second section - or maybe just a single decent ladder to get to the top section?
- Floor mat or something to secure the ladder on the ground
- Harness and rope for anchor
- Grippy shoes
- Bicycle helmet
- Good accident insurance to be more brave than I currently am about heights

How does this sound? Would you do it or am I a fool for even considering it?

 

[Participant]

Thanks all. I will mull it over and do some internet shopping tomorrow.

I am definitely a wimp at height but not a complete jelly legs, so I think I'll get a decent tall straight ladder to get to the upper section, then a separate roof ladder to hook over the ridge.

 

[Participant]

To be fair mate, the roof has been fine for 50+ years. Why do you want to install vents so intently?

It's the only way I can see to get proper bathroom ventilation.

There's currently no extraction apart from what the open windows can provide, and with 4 of us showering every day we're getting mould problems.

 

[Participant]

Thanks all. Here's my shopping list:

I think that lot should allow me to do most roof jobs myself with my arrangement. The mat is because we are on a slight slope so the ladder feet will probably need to be levelled.

Ah fair. It's why I wanted a vented roof tile too but I've since found a decent bit of eaves I didn't know existed

No way to tap into your ridge tile?

What does roof at the back look like?

Have you tried a plumber Vs a roofer?

What do you mean tap into ridge tile? I know almost nothing about roofs.

Not tried a plumber yet actually. That's worth a go if I chicken out. I am getting more and more determined to risk mine and my family's livelihoods by doing it myself though.

Looks fairly shallow so easy enough to work on. My roof is 45deg so I need cat ladders.
As others said, I would use one ladder from the ground to the roof right over the porch, this may not be at the ideal angle (too shallow) but if you nudge the car up against the base of the ladder then the ladder cannot slip.
Can use some sheets of card, or a sheets to protect the car paint if needed. I did this several times at my old house which had a similar porch.

That is a very good plan. I will definitely back the car up against it; I think the angle of the ladder will have to be more shallow than optimal because of the porch.