How long after rain can go onto roof?

Phil4432

I have a gutter that's leaking badly from the main roof and onto the flat roof, I need to get onto my main roof to sort it out.

I'm by myself, have only been on a roof once.

We had very light rain this morning, so grass is damp.  Leaning out of the window and putting my hands on the tiles, they seem dry.  Maybe very, very slightly damp in places.  I believe they are concrete tiles.

The advice online seems to be to give a roof 24-48hrs to dry.  I'm inclined to follow this advice, but also don't want the worry of the flat roof leaking.  We're due about 5hrs light rain tomorrow, 4hrs the day after.

Probably best to put safety first and endure the worry about a leaking roof, than slipping and causing damage or death to myself.

Thoughts appreciated as always.

Section62

Phil4432 said:

Probably best to put safety first and endure the worry about a leaking roof, than slipping and causing damage or death to myself.

Thoughts appreciated as always.

Damage from a leaking roof can always be repaired.  Death (or permanent injury) can't be.

Personally I don't go onto (sloping) roof areas anymore... having had a near miss once I leave it to someone else now.

casper_gutman

There's no set time. I would leave it until paving at ground level is dry, by which time the roof should be dry too (unless there is thick moss, or the ground you're looking at is in the sun and the roof is in the shade...). Mind you, I don't think I'd go onto a sloping roof at all.

GDB2222

You can hire a roof ladder for £30 from HSS. That's the quoted price. Probably £20 if you haggle.

Bigphil1474

OP, if you've only been on a roof once before and are intending to go up and repair a leaking gutter in questionable conditions, I'd suggesting writing a will. I'd also suggest not doing that and getting a professional in, shouldn't cost too much. For me, there's things you should DIY and things you shouldn't. Falls from height are one of the biggest killers at work, and that's professionals. 

ThisIsWeird

And flat roofs are the slipperiest of all - bludy lethal when a near-invisible layer of algae receives a light shower of rain.

daivid

I wouldn’t contemplate going onto a two storey high sloping roof without either scaffolding or a securely fixed safety line. I also always anchor ladders to the wall (and use a standoff to get past gutters). If you don’t already own the equipment you need, paying someone else may be cost effective and save you the risk/trouble. From your description I'd be considering if the guttering could be accessed via a ladder from the flat roof, thus avoiding going onto the sloping roof. The ladder would need to be securely anchored and boards may be needed to distribute weight on the flat roof but it may be a viable option.

Phil4432

Thanks very much for the suggestions, greatly appreciated.

At the very least, I'll wait for the roof to dry for a full 24 hrs after a light shower, or 2 days after heavy rain. 

The gap between the neighbors sloping roof and mine is small, making it less likely but not impossible to fall to the ground.  I'm young enough and in shape, but a slip is not what you want.  A tile needed replacing at a family members house, the slope goes directly to the ground.  I got someone to come round and do that. 

Last time I got up there by putting a ladder from the flat roof to the main roof, and securing the bottom.  It was very easy and I unblocked the gutter with ease.  That was a very dry day in July though.

I will make sure I'm safe and as Section pointed out, "Damage from a leaking roof can always be repaired.  Death (or permanent injury) can't be."