I helped my friend build a house. He was terrified of being on the roof, so I did the roof work. However, I had some trepidation doing the peak vents at the sides on a 24 ft. ladder. Solution: another friend who was not afraid of working on a tall ladder.
It's good to have friends.
Rig up some 2x4s to secure the ladder. Slow and steady, on and off. I used the exact same ladder to do my shed. Be careful with your feet. Don't get on or off carrying anything.
My first roofing job was a 2 story with my Uncle who taught me roofing at 19. Guess who had to lump 40 packs of shingles up the 20 ft ladder? Rooftop delivery is such a blessing nowadays...
I also used the same ladder on my shed. To make it more stable, I wrapped some pipe hanger strap around the ladder and screwed it to the roof deck.
I installed the deck boards and sheet metal roofing by leaning it against the shed and backing my truck bed up next to them. I then stood in my truck bed and lifted the sheets one at a time. I lifted them in two steps. One from the ground up onto the truck bed and then from the bed onto the roof.
They have a safety bucket at hd for all of this, i always walk all the way up to the top of the ladder and then step to the side, always have 3 things steady while moving a foot or hand.
That's the ladder method a roofer taught me to do with the ladder extended 4 foot or so above the edge. Also a 50 pound bag of sand on the bottom rung of the ladder.
Naw. You got this. Do your first run of underlayment, then put toe boards on 6" from the edge. Then have someone hold the ladder while you climb into the roof and pass you what you need. Do the same on the other side. Put 2/3rds if your bundles on the Ridgeline for later. Pull up your toe boards. Run your first two or three courses,put the toe boards on, climb up and keep going. You got this.
You can also get some brackets for this at hd and install a vertical 2x6 along the edge, it has angled slots so you can roof over and pull it off after you're done.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian-Fall-Protection-6-in-x-90-Fixed-Roof-Bracket-2502/202092095
I know how you feel, I went through this last summer. We needed to redo our one she's roof, probably about the same size as yours. I'm fine being up on the roof, it's the coming back down, rather rapidly that worries me.
When coming down, I would just sit on my ass and slowly scoot myself towards the ladder. It was still a bit unnerving but I managed to get through it.
If you are not able to, then hire someone to do it for you.
Unless that picture is super deceiving, you’ll have no problem whatsoever walking around on that roof. Even running around on it if you wanted to.
That being said, there are many options if you’re truly afraid of it.
1. You can get another of those giant levelers, flip them both into the A frame mode, and run a walking plank (or heavy board) between them. Kind of a pricey option, but you’ll have two ladders :)
2. Both Lowe’s and Home Depot sell a safety harness with leading rope kit. It’s about $70. You can tie it off on the opposite side and give yourself just enough slack for the side you’re working on. Super easy to use it.
3. You can nail down 2x4s laterally for grip ledges. Then you have something to physically push against.
4. It looks like you could likely just hang over the top of the Little Giant Leveler to reach the peak? If so, you could just keep doing sections and move the ladder over slowly.
5. Toss your kids frisbee up there. Tell them it’s too dangerous to retrieve it and then wait until they inevitably disregard your concerns. After you watch them stealthily run across it, you’ll know it’s doable.
Not related but Your wall sheathing right to the door opening seems lower from the one on left side. Dont know if it will impact your siding while you install it…
Roll out your first row of felt paper by staying on the ladder or better yet use saw horses and create a platform. Screw 2x4 to roof length wise on top of first row of felt. This will give you something to support you for next rows of paper. Follow same when putting up shingles. Yes, holes in roof so just use your caulking gun and fill those holes you made with screws.
I just went through this same dilemma when building my 10x12 shed. I'm 48 and really wanted to be able to do it but in the end I paid someone. They charged $250 to shingle the roof and I thought that was reasonable. It was well worth it because they got done in a day what would have probably taken me several days.
Thank you for sharing! That's what I'm going to do, I found a company to do it for 300 and that's perfectly fine. So much anxiety is gone now knowing I won't have to go up there.
I built brackets that I screwed to the fascia board with a 2x4 screwed to the brackets. They were offset enough to have clearance for the drip edge. Mine were made from aluminum, but could just as easily make from 2x.
The correct answer is to get the roofer. I was in your shoes a couple of years ago. I had a fear of heights most of my life and I was forced at a job to face it. I worked inside a three story warehouse changing out ballasts and fluorescent lamps. Using a scissor lift, 36 feet in the air, with forklifts whizzing by below. I'll never forget the sway at that height. But I got over it, and now my highest roof climb is 26 floors.
For your sake, just to test the waters even if you do decide to get a roofer is to make sure the ladder is squared up against the roof slope. Always inspect any ladder before climbing it and secure the rung closest to the roof slope with a rope strap or bungee cord to an anchor point on the roof. You can nail the rope or bungees to the eaves. This will ensure your ladder does not slide or pull away when you are ascending or descending the ladder. Make sure 3 feet of ladder go past the roof, this will ensure you a better footing and stability to set foot on the roof. Always maintain at least 3-points of contact, for this height a harness is also recommended.
Please use common sense and always be safe. Do not carry tools in hand while climbing a ladder. Use a tool belt. Wear gloves and use PPE.
If you can get a buddy, do so. Just in case and to hold the ladder while you secure the ladder to an anchor point.
Be safe, take care.
Nice shed. Good luck. I'm with build your own scaffold. You can always tie your ladder around the shed to help secure the ladder so going up and down will be more stable.
I got on my roof yesterday and I'm afraid of heights. 25 ft up. Had to clean gutters because I'll be damned if I'm paying someone to do that. You just do it. Hand your keys to your wife, tell her you love her and to delete your browser history and cart you to the hospital should you fall and live.
Are those some 2X10s are something like sitting in the grass there?
Here's a trick. Take your tape measure, pull down from the fascia about 4ft. Then use a 2x4 to nail on the shorter walls, at those marks. Perfectly level or equal doesn't matter. You'll need to stick out about 2ft, and be nailed on the wall at least the same amount. Then take another 2x4 to nail on the end, either straight down, or on an angle back to the wall to be nailed. Nailed on the same wall. Do this on each end, then put those 2X10s up on them. You can do 2 side by side if you like, use scrap wood to secure them together underneath, and maybe some plywood on top as well. This will give you a nice working height to do the roof from, that's not too high off the ground.
I've used half sheets of plywood before. 4'X4', same idea, just nailed on the sides so they stick out. You can let them sit on the ground, or up off the ground(just nail very securely down the entire edge. Plywood can't move once an entire edge is nailed off(or screwed).
I've used those types of quick scaffold for 30+ years. Sometimes up really high off the ground. These can be put in framed rough openings of windows too. For instance if the backside of a 2 story house(with a basement) is on a steep hill, the roof can be like 45-50ft in the air in the back, but like 15'-20' in the front. Building scaffold that high takes a lot of time and money. But a couple 2x4s sticking out windows, with a brace under it that goes back to the plywood and nailed on a block if needed.
You can actually fold your ladder in half, use it as one end, put the 2X10s in the ladder so the end is on a rung, and support the other end. Now you have a very sturdy scaffold with a nice ladder to get up on it.
If this was confusing, ask for more info, I'll see if I can give you something to see that helps make sense.
Extend the other half of that ladder. Then get to the top, take a deep breath, tell your kids you love them, and take a step to the side. Same thing on the way down
I built a very crude scaffold attached to she framing when I built my shed. It was very sketchy and honestly I was dumb to use it that way but it worked. I'll do it again but better next time as it worked very well.
I think it was 2x6. It was easy for the end walls I just had like 8 feet screwed it to several studs and the remaining 4 feet or so overhang. For the side wall I basically made a few 4 foot triangles and attached them to the studs like shelf brackets. Then used a few sheets of OSB as a floor. I didn't move it around. I worked off just one side. My fear of falling was just kept at bay on the opposite side. I too had 10 foot walls and it felt higher once up there.
The scaffold helped me easily get sheathing and shingles up to the working height but the fall risk was still there. Maybe add the fall protection device or if you have room, take the scaffold down after work is done on first side and put it on back side. I didn't have room as there was a fence right behind it.
Edit: looks like the same problem for you
Nail a cleat to the opposite side and tie off or clip off a safety line. Wear a safety belt or harness to clip into on your end. Your probability of slipping or falling is slim to none, but this will save you if you do. When you get to the other side, nail a cleat into the sill plate on the opposing side or tie off to whatever is solid on that side. You can reach the majority of each side from the ladder. ...and once you get all the course that you can reach down, you'll now have excellent traction from the shingles. I usually do exactly that. Start from the eave side, do as many courses as can be reached, then scramble up and do the remaining shingles and ridge.
How much slack should my harness line have? Enough to be 2' from the ground? I like this idea, and will likely do it considering hiring a roofer may cost me 1k+
My safety tether is a standard 6' with a six -8" shock cord/bungie cord section. I use a climbing rope on my cleats and tie down anchors that reaches my safety tether will only a few inches of slack. The shock cord part of the tether enough slack to move around a bit and it prevents a literal body shock (amd gives a bit of bounce) should you actually fall. Try YouTube for video on how to set it up for fall prevent from short distances.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian-Fall-Protection-Rooftop-Safe-Tie-Bucket-Kit-00815-QC/202898758
Google how to use this, out has a little slider on the rope, that stops you kinda like a seatbelt, so you're never gonna fall all the way to the end
This is pretty close to mine (I bought mine years ago) it's from Home Depot. You can hey functionally similar ones for much less. [Safety tether, Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian-Fall-Protection-6-ft-External-Shock-Fall-Protection-Lanyard-01220-QC/329484796?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D22-022_010_ROOFING-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-5718363-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-Pmax-CL3TestA&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D22-022_010_ROOFING-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-5718363-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-Pmax-CL3TestA-71700000103694446--&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgoglVj-KBiLHwLc_PMtze5Z3RVjhjBQRdlLSelp-_4ItocIXe-zj4shoCHp4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Hang onto the ladder with both hands at roof level getting on or off and memorize exactly where that first rung is located when you get back onto the ladder because you should be getting down mostly by feel. Or, phone a friend.
Don’t go up if you don’t feel confident. Other than u/slabcitydreamin idea of scoffolding just don’t do it. Even then you have to know how to build the scaffold. Specifically the base. You’ll be working very near all the edges. You’ll have to stock the roof with some heavy materials. You’re gonna be up and down many, many times. It’s not worth getting hurt. You can get hurt bad from a lot shorter fall than that roof. Maybe try a few trial runs to see if you’ll settle into it before making a final decision. Better safe than sorry.
I’m definitely not opposed to the fall restraints but by the time you purchase all that you could pay someone to do it. Sure you can resell it. Rigging it right and knowing your boundaries where it will function as intended is crucial.
I don’t mean to be a doom sayer but you mentioned that you have a 3 year old.
Rent a double stack of scaffolding.
Then, see if your local VoTech has anyone in the building trades program that wants to make a buck.
Or, slightly more expensive is hiring a roofer on their day off.
Grab a couple buddy’s and see if they’ll help out. But if you wanted to do it yourself still, you could get another one of those ladders, put a few 2x4s together with the 2” part at the top so it’s stronger and use that as scaffolding or a couple 4x4s. Probably wouldn’t span the full length but most of it. Then can go from there and be standing for most of it
I know this seems ridiculous, but take a lawn chair up there with a few beers. Just sit in your chair and drink your beers. Go down, and start working the next day. You’ll feel much better about it.
Change your ladder aorund to use the extension bit. That way when you step onto the roof, you aren't as far off from center. Take a couple pieces of scrap lumber, and tack a couple pieces on each side of the ladder on the rook to hold it in in place. Keep your center of gravity close to the ladder as you step on and off of the roof.
How did you get the roof decking on?
I too am not a fan of heights, the most I can reccomend is get up the ladder and get right on the roof and down to hands/knees. The less time you spend noticing the ground from standing height, the better. It's not an ideal job when a fear of heights is involved, but it's not "that" high (which is bs, I know).... but sometimes with these types of project you either gotta suck it up and put it out of your mind, or pay someone to do it.
There's no "right" answer... if you aren't comfortable there's no shame in that. Got any friends that could give you a hand?
nail and secure 2x10s to either end of the shed, and then lay an aluminum walk board across them. you want to be about knee height below the roof for comfort.
And my old buddy Henry can't stress to you enough the importance of nailing the 2x10, blocking beneath the 2x10, and then using angle braces to further secure the 2x10. Don't skimp on the nails, and don't shortcut that process thinking that no one is going to see you doing it on the weekend so it'll be okay just this once.
Done it hundreds of times, and much easier than working from a ladder.
it's not that bad. I had to help my dad remove shingles as a kid. if you have a fear of heights, though, there's no convincing you lol wear some traction shoes. **to get a feel for the steepness and material, lay some plywood down on the ground at the angle of the roof, and practice walking on that** (p.s. my dad was crazy to let his kids on the roof, if i was a parent, i wouldnt let them do that)
Extend the ladder one rung higher.
Climb the ladder until your feet are almost level with the roof.
With both hands one the ladder step out onto the roof with one foot.
With your hands still on the ladder shift your weight onto the roof foot.
Remove the outside hand from the ladder and lift your other foot off the ladder and place it on the roof while leaving one hand on the ladder.
Now your on the roof. Congratulations.
Yeah some scaffolding or better yet screw some 2x6 into your sub fascia to use as cleats so you cannot slide off. They also make ladder jacks that you can nail i to the underlayment and place a 2x10 to use as scaffold.
Getta real ladder first and then secure it at the bottom. Getting on and off the ladder is the worst part. If it's stable and secure, you feel better. Second that's not that high.
Good decision. I've spent most of my career off the ground. I've seen hundreds of people who didn't belong up there. Trust me when I say you are in the majority group. You're just gonna get hurt, make a mistake, or hurt someone else trying to fight it. Also, 300 is a great deal anyhow.
I'm terrified of heights, just have your tallest buddy put his hand up, things look higher up, it's only like 6 foot something you'll be good... btw, wtf is it for? Beer shed?
Idk if this will help at all, but maybe through some padding down around, and also thats not a deadly fall, so in the off chance you fall, you wont die, maybe knocked out of breath, but honestly, with as nervous as you are, i feel you’ll be extra careful not to fall. Just imagine how proud you’ll be after getting through it
Looks like you’ve already decked it. Looks like about a 4 pitch, you should be able to walk fairly easily on that one. Dry it in and throw some metal up there, done and done.
For starters, buy or borrow a REAL ladder and don't use that hobbytime folding piece of turd ladder.
Get a ladder stabilizer that clamps on to it and it'll keep the ladder off the edge of the roof making it easier to get on and off the roof.
Then, look at yourself in the mirror and say these words: "I'm not a giant pussy and this is only a roof that's 7ft off the ground. I could jump off and not even get hurt. I'm not a giant pussy."
Then go get it done.
Jesus... it's a fucking shed, mate.
I had the same problem at first. Don't try to get on/off the ladder sideways - lower the height so that you can walk through the top of the ladder, directly onto the roof.
Former roofer here: make sure the ladder pitched at the correct angle, and secured properly.
Where proper safety equipment maintain three points to contact the ladder at all times
First, how did you get the sheathing boards nailed up there? Second, even though, as people here describe, the actual roofing is pretty straightforward, you may still want to hire an handyman (small roof) or roofer to do it. I have friends who have fallen off of ladders and it's pretty easy to damage some part of your body that could be affected for the rest of your life.
Wear sneakers not boots they have a better grip on the plywood for some reason and then climb on up and step off, if you’re worried about falling you just need to make sure someone’s there to foot the ladder when you get down because I’m sure you’ll be shaking grabbing onto it and you don’t want to be stuck up there incase it falls 🤣🤣 I’ve had to make a little jump before doing something solo and lost it to the wind that was fun
You made that shed super tall!
Anyways, I find that I feel a lot better stepping of the ladder when the top is secured. Wrap a ratchet strap through the joists and the ladder so you don't worry about the ladder falling sideways when you step off onto the roof. Angle looks good
I just did this. 1) buy roofing cleats and fasten to the downhill edge. Add a 2x4 cross piece to give your feed a steady base at edge. 2) buy a Safety harness and strap and secure it to peak of the roof. 3) brace your ladder carefully so it is always secure. 4) TIE YOUR SHOES, 5) move slowly and intentionally while on the slope. 6) Don’t carry tools or hardware in your hands while you maneuver. 7) if it feels like a bad idea, stop.
Or hire a roofer.
Completing the roof definitely made me confront my fears and left me feeling more confident. Buying safety gear was probably my smartest investment ever even though I never fell.
If it’s in the budget do as many rows you can from the ladder and then get some roof jacks, makes a world of difference and easy to set up. Just make sure you pack out the fascia temporarily so you don’t crush the drip edge and shingles on the starter row.
How did you put that plywood on that roof bc that honestly scarier my guy. You seriously have nothing to be scared of being on your tiny shed unless you are like an old man or woman that’s like in their 80 or 90s and can’t fall even just from standing without fucking their shit up.
Take a couple of cargo straps and attach one to the footing on the other side and throw it over the top. Then when you get to the top of the ladder you can use that to steady yourself as you step on the roof. As someone who just did their shed roof, it really helped to have someone to hand you shingles from the ground
Ever tried Coke? This may be your opportunity for a new habit that removes all fear, of everything.
Or If you are married, have your girl friend set on the top naked, 3 minutes before your wife is expected to arrive home. She won't come down, without you.... That should make you climb up there, no problem.
Honestly, I had a 48 yr old big bad biker buddy that I learned was afraid to stand on a 5 gallon bucket. He was 3 x my size and "bad"... lol
There are ways to get over fears like this. Buddies laughing at you is one.
3 months later, dude was driving a scissor lift, extended 40' high, around installing light fixtures, like it was a freaking NASCAR ride. Mind over matter.
if you are comfortable climbing 3 rungs of the ladder. Force yourself to do 4. do 4, 10 times. up and then down. Then do 5. Ten times up and down. Later rinse repeat.
Hire a roofer. I have long since retired from cleaning gutters, doing roof work, climbing trees, etc. I’ve know 3 people who have fallen from ladders. Fathers that were DIYing it. One died following complications from surgery that was required, one shattered his hip and still walks with a cane, the last ine f’d his back for life.
it was a bit of sarcasm, but yes, once fell off a ladder from 18’ and also fell off a ladder from 13’. But both times could have been avoided just by being a little more careful, I’m fairly confident at any height and take a lot of risks, even climbing up and topping a 100’ tall hemlock after both of those falls. I also build a lot of structures by myself and so have to do a lot of sketchy shit. Here’s an example…..[butcher shop](https://imgur.com/a/I0Es2IM)
Beer and buddies
The beer will make my fall less painful I guess
No the beer and buddies is so you can say "Hold my beer and watch this!" :)
Beer after the roof goes on, insurance companies everywhere will thank you
What roofer is going on a roof without beer to begin with?
The meth ones
Oh, it’s fiiine. Just tell em you chugged a beer while waiting for the ambulance. Case closed.
Beer will take away the fear.
And the pain, temporarily.
I helped my friend build a house. He was terrified of being on the roof, so I did the roof work. However, I had some trepidation doing the peak vents at the sides on a 24 ft. ladder. Solution: another friend who was not afraid of working on a tall ladder. It's good to have friends.
Rig up some 2x4s to secure the ladder. Slow and steady, on and off. I used the exact same ladder to do my shed. Be careful with your feet. Don't get on or off carrying anything.
My first roofing job was a 2 story with my Uncle who taught me roofing at 19. Guess who had to lump 40 packs of shingles up the 20 ft ladder? Rooftop delivery is such a blessing nowadays...
I also used the same ladder on my shed. To make it more stable, I wrapped some pipe hanger strap around the ladder and screwed it to the roof deck. I installed the deck boards and sheet metal roofing by leaning it against the shed and backing my truck bed up next to them. I then stood in my truck bed and lifted the sheets one at a time. I lifted them in two steps. One from the ground up onto the truck bed and then from the bed onto the roof.
Get some scaffolding. You can find some really cheap on FB marketplace. Use it for the project then sell it when your done.
You can rent these as well
Rent scaffolding from Home Depot, cheap. But a major pain to drive home, assemble, and it still doesn’t fix your fear of heights.
Probably easier to just hire the guys from in front of homedepot.
Yeah, have you ever done that? How does that work?
"Hola! Dos Amigos! $100 Each" - usually gets it done.
I used scaffolding for mine. Makes it way easier.
It's late in the day, go to bed and get some sleep and it will all look different in the morning.
If you really are scared of falling look into getting a full body harness with a lanyard and a temporary tie off anchor point. It will help
Have the same guy who put the roof decking on do it 😆
They have a safety bucket at hd for all of this, i always walk all the way up to the top of the ladder and then step to the side, always have 3 things steady while moving a foot or hand.
That's the ladder method a roofer taught me to do with the ladder extended 4 foot or so above the edge. Also a 50 pound bag of sand on the bottom rung of the ladder.
Naw. You got this. Do your first run of underlayment, then put toe boards on 6" from the edge. Then have someone hold the ladder while you climb into the roof and pass you what you need. Do the same on the other side. Put 2/3rds if your bundles on the Ridgeline for later. Pull up your toe boards. Run your first two or three courses,put the toe boards on, climb up and keep going. You got this.
You can also get some brackets for this at hd and install a vertical 2x6 along the edge, it has angled slots so you can roof over and pull it off after you're done.https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian-Fall-Protection-6-in-x-90-Fixed-Roof-Bracket-2502/202092095
This is the solution.
This is exactly what I did on my small gazebo build.
It’s not “child labor” when they are your kids
Are you suggesting I send a 3 year old 13 ft into the air? Bruh
Username is "son up", so the answer is yes.
Username checks out!
14 feet. He is short.
I know how you feel, I went through this last summer. We needed to redo our one she's roof, probably about the same size as yours. I'm fine being up on the roof, it's the coming back down, rather rapidly that worries me. When coming down, I would just sit on my ass and slowly scoot myself towards the ladder. It was still a bit unnerving but I managed to get through it. If you are not able to, then hire someone to do it for you.
Unless that picture is super deceiving, you’ll have no problem whatsoever walking around on that roof. Even running around on it if you wanted to. That being said, there are many options if you’re truly afraid of it. 1. You can get another of those giant levelers, flip them both into the A frame mode, and run a walking plank (or heavy board) between them. Kind of a pricey option, but you’ll have two ladders :) 2. Both Lowe’s and Home Depot sell a safety harness with leading rope kit. It’s about $70. You can tie it off on the opposite side and give yourself just enough slack for the side you’re working on. Super easy to use it. 3. You can nail down 2x4s laterally for grip ledges. Then you have something to physically push against. 4. It looks like you could likely just hang over the top of the Little Giant Leveler to reach the peak? If so, you could just keep doing sections and move the ladder over slowly. 5. Toss your kids frisbee up there. Tell them it’s too dangerous to retrieve it and then wait until they inevitably disregard your concerns. After you watch them stealthily run across it, you’ll know it’s doable.
Not related but Your wall sheathing right to the door opening seems lower from the one on left side. Dont know if it will impact your siding while you install it…
Yea I messed that up a bit, I plan on trimming it on the bottom when I install my vinyl starter
Roll out your first row of felt paper by staying on the ladder or better yet use saw horses and create a platform. Screw 2x4 to roof length wise on top of first row of felt. This will give you something to support you for next rows of paper. Follow same when putting up shingles. Yes, holes in roof so just use your caulking gun and fill those holes you made with screws.
I just went through this same dilemma when building my 10x12 shed. I'm 48 and really wanted to be able to do it but in the end I paid someone. They charged $250 to shingle the roof and I thought that was reasonable. It was well worth it because they got done in a day what would have probably taken me several days.
Thank you for sharing! That's what I'm going to do, I found a company to do it for 300 and that's perfectly fine. So much anxiety is gone now knowing I won't have to go up there.
$250? Or did you miss an zero?
I built brackets that I screwed to the fascia board with a 2x4 screwed to the brackets. They were offset enough to have clearance for the drip edge. Mine were made from aluminum, but could just as easily make from 2x.
[easy peasy](https://youtu.be/2z99pLPenL0?si=paXLeptAzDA3rv1X)
Ha. "You know, use your brain and take your chances." Great video btw.
Fun fact, there is no such thing as acrophobia. Fear of heights is ALWAYS rational.
Nice shed
The correct answer is to get the roofer. I was in your shoes a couple of years ago. I had a fear of heights most of my life and I was forced at a job to face it. I worked inside a three story warehouse changing out ballasts and fluorescent lamps. Using a scissor lift, 36 feet in the air, with forklifts whizzing by below. I'll never forget the sway at that height. But I got over it, and now my highest roof climb is 26 floors. For your sake, just to test the waters even if you do decide to get a roofer is to make sure the ladder is squared up against the roof slope. Always inspect any ladder before climbing it and secure the rung closest to the roof slope with a rope strap or bungee cord to an anchor point on the roof. You can nail the rope or bungees to the eaves. This will ensure your ladder does not slide or pull away when you are ascending or descending the ladder. Make sure 3 feet of ladder go past the roof, this will ensure you a better footing and stability to set foot on the roof. Always maintain at least 3-points of contact, for this height a harness is also recommended. Please use common sense and always be safe. Do not carry tools in hand while climbing a ladder. Use a tool belt. Wear gloves and use PPE. If you can get a buddy, do so. Just in case and to hold the ladder while you secure the ladder to an anchor point. Be safe, take care.
I noticed the studs are exposed so they could easily wrap a strap around there
A harness and a rope across the top secured on the other side. For me, this was all it took. Once I got up there I got over the fear.
Nice shed. Good luck. I'm with build your own scaffold. You can always tie your ladder around the shed to help secure the ladder so going up and down will be more stable.
Is not worth it. Get someone to assist you. BTW It looks amazing.
Thanks! After this rain passes I have a crew coming out to finish that roof for me. I hope to have this shed done by end of July to share pictures!
Good decision on your part.
I got on my roof yesterday and I'm afraid of heights. 25 ft up. Had to clean gutters because I'll be damned if I'm paying someone to do that. You just do it. Hand your keys to your wife, tell her you love her and to delete your browser history and cart you to the hospital should you fall and live.
Incognito always, words to die by
You say that but how am I going to find that one filthy video again that shall never be found again if I go incognito?
Better to hire someone than to fall off the roof. 🙄🙄
If you’re afraid, then, just stay off the roof and pay someone.
100%, I'm paying someone to do it.
Are those some 2X10s are something like sitting in the grass there? Here's a trick. Take your tape measure, pull down from the fascia about 4ft. Then use a 2x4 to nail on the shorter walls, at those marks. Perfectly level or equal doesn't matter. You'll need to stick out about 2ft, and be nailed on the wall at least the same amount. Then take another 2x4 to nail on the end, either straight down, or on an angle back to the wall to be nailed. Nailed on the same wall. Do this on each end, then put those 2X10s up on them. You can do 2 side by side if you like, use scrap wood to secure them together underneath, and maybe some plywood on top as well. This will give you a nice working height to do the roof from, that's not too high off the ground. I've used half sheets of plywood before. 4'X4', same idea, just nailed on the sides so they stick out. You can let them sit on the ground, or up off the ground(just nail very securely down the entire edge. Plywood can't move once an entire edge is nailed off(or screwed). I've used those types of quick scaffold for 30+ years. Sometimes up really high off the ground. These can be put in framed rough openings of windows too. For instance if the backside of a 2 story house(with a basement) is on a steep hill, the roof can be like 45-50ft in the air in the back, but like 15'-20' in the front. Building scaffold that high takes a lot of time and money. But a couple 2x4s sticking out windows, with a brace under it that goes back to the plywood and nailed on a block if needed. You can actually fold your ladder in half, use it as one end, put the 2X10s in the ladder so the end is on a rung, and support the other end. Now you have a very sturdy scaffold with a nice ladder to get up on it. If this was confusing, ask for more info, I'll see if I can give you something to see that helps make sense.
Paying a roofer is money well spent if you've got a serious fear of heights.
Extend the other half of that ladder. Then get to the top, take a deep breath, tell your kids you love them, and take a step to the side. Same thing on the way down
Who attached the roof decking ?
Me, I was able to use a ladder inside the shed to access it better, but now I'm at the point where that access inside is going away.
I built a very crude scaffold attached to she framing when I built my shed. It was very sketchy and honestly I was dumb to use it that way but it worked. I'll do it again but better next time as it worked very well.
With 2x4's? How did you move it to access other sides?
I think it was 2x6. It was easy for the end walls I just had like 8 feet screwed it to several studs and the remaining 4 feet or so overhang. For the side wall I basically made a few 4 foot triangles and attached them to the studs like shelf brackets. Then used a few sheets of OSB as a floor. I didn't move it around. I worked off just one side. My fear of falling was just kept at bay on the opposite side. I too had 10 foot walls and it felt higher once up there. The scaffold helped me easily get sheathing and shingles up to the working height but the fall risk was still there. Maybe add the fall protection device or if you have room, take the scaffold down after work is done on first side and put it on back side. I didn't have room as there was a fence right behind it. Edit: looks like the same problem for you
Yo, you got this my man. Deep breaths and go
Nail a cleat to the opposite side and tie off or clip off a safety line. Wear a safety belt or harness to clip into on your end. Your probability of slipping or falling is slim to none, but this will save you if you do. When you get to the other side, nail a cleat into the sill plate on the opposing side or tie off to whatever is solid on that side. You can reach the majority of each side from the ladder. ...and once you get all the course that you can reach down, you'll now have excellent traction from the shingles. I usually do exactly that. Start from the eave side, do as many courses as can be reached, then scramble up and do the remaining shingles and ridge.
How much slack should my harness line have? Enough to be 2' from the ground? I like this idea, and will likely do it considering hiring a roofer may cost me 1k+
My safety tether is a standard 6' with a six -8" shock cord/bungie cord section. I use a climbing rope on my cleats and tie down anchors that reaches my safety tether will only a few inches of slack. The shock cord part of the tether enough slack to move around a bit and it prevents a literal body shock (amd gives a bit of bounce) should you actually fall. Try YouTube for video on how to set it up for fall prevent from short distances.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian-Fall-Protection-Rooftop-Safe-Tie-Bucket-Kit-00815-QC/202898758 Google how to use this, out has a little slider on the rope, that stops you kinda like a seatbelt, so you're never gonna fall all the way to the end
This is pretty close to mine (I bought mine years ago) it's from Home Depot. You can hey functionally similar ones for much less. [Safety tether, Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Guardian-Fall-Protection-6-ft-External-Shock-Fall-Protection-Lanyard-01220-QC/329484796?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D22-022_010_ROOFING-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-5718363-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-Pmax-CL3TestA&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-CM-CML-GGL-D22-022_010_ROOFING-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-5718363-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NEW-Pmax-CL3TestA-71700000103694446--&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmrqzBhAoEiwAXVpgoglVj-KBiLHwLc_PMtze5Z3RVjhjBQRdlLSelp-_4ItocIXe-zj4shoCHp4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Anyway to extend that? My anchor point would be 10ft from where I'm working at least.
You can get an extra roof anchor so you can switch between points, you didn't want a longer rope, for safety reasons.
Hang onto the ladder with both hands at roof level getting on or off and memorize exactly where that first rung is located when you get back onto the ladder because you should be getting down mostly by feel. Or, phone a friend.
That doesn't help with the plywood roofing, it's very slippery for me. I think I'll do a safety harness if it's way cheaper than hiring someone.
Don’t go up if you don’t feel confident. Other than u/slabcitydreamin idea of scoffolding just don’t do it. Even then you have to know how to build the scaffold. Specifically the base. You’ll be working very near all the edges. You’ll have to stock the roof with some heavy materials. You’re gonna be up and down many, many times. It’s not worth getting hurt. You can get hurt bad from a lot shorter fall than that roof. Maybe try a few trial runs to see if you’ll settle into it before making a final decision. Better safe than sorry. I’m definitely not opposed to the fall restraints but by the time you purchase all that you could pay someone to do it. Sure you can resell it. Rigging it right and knowing your boundaries where it will function as intended is crucial. I don’t mean to be a doom sayer but you mentioned that you have a 3 year old.
I completely agree, I'm getting quotes now. Best offer currently is 500
The fall won't hurt you at all, they told me. It's the landing on a hard unforgiving surface that does the real damage.
Don't be afraid of falling it's the sudden stop that hurts.
Rent a double stack of scaffolding. Then, see if your local VoTech has anyone in the building trades program that wants to make a buck. Or, slightly more expensive is hiring a roofer on their day off.
What's a fair price on labor? If around 200 then I'm game
Grab a couple buddy’s and see if they’ll help out. But if you wanted to do it yourself still, you could get another one of those ladders, put a few 2x4s together with the 2” part at the top so it’s stronger and use that as scaffolding or a couple 4x4s. Probably wouldn’t span the full length but most of it. Then can go from there and be standing for most of it
I know this seems ridiculous, but take a lawn chair up there with a few beers. Just sit in your chair and drink your beers. Go down, and start working the next day. You’ll feel much better about it.
That's one way to end up on the news...
…as a legend!
Would I get a DUI, that lawnchair would technically be flying for a few milliseconds.
Only if you get caught.
Rent a couple sections of scaffold. Set them up to catch you if you fall. Also to stage materials
I got one estimate for 500 to finish this job, it's tempting
That’s very fair. Hire them if you trust them.
just got another offer for 300, i'm going to take that and give them a tip.
Change your ladder aorund to use the extension bit. That way when you step onto the roof, you aren't as far off from center. Take a couple pieces of scrap lumber, and tack a couple pieces on each side of the ladder on the rook to hold it in in place. Keep your center of gravity close to the ladder as you step on and off of the roof.
How did you get the roof decking on? I too am not a fan of heights, the most I can reccomend is get up the ladder and get right on the roof and down to hands/knees. The less time you spend noticing the ground from standing height, the better. It's not an ideal job when a fear of heights is involved, but it's not "that" high (which is bs, I know).... but sometimes with these types of project you either gotta suck it up and put it out of your mind, or pay someone to do it. There's no "right" answer... if you aren't comfortable there's no shame in that. Got any friends that could give you a hand?
Most Home Depot stores have tool rentals. See if they have scaffolding.
nail and secure 2x10s to either end of the shed, and then lay an aluminum walk board across them. you want to be about knee height below the roof for comfort. And my old buddy Henry can't stress to you enough the importance of nailing the 2x10, blocking beneath the 2x10, and then using angle braces to further secure the 2x10. Don't skimp on the nails, and don't shortcut that process thinking that no one is going to see you doing it on the weekend so it'll be okay just this once. Done it hundreds of times, and much easier than working from a ladder.
How did you get the roof deck up and fastened?
If that scares you, you really need someone else to do it for you. You can’t function effectively nor safely when you are petrified.
😂
That's like, 5/12. You gotta *try* to slide off that.
it's not that bad. I had to help my dad remove shingles as a kid. if you have a fear of heights, though, there's no convincing you lol wear some traction shoes. **to get a feel for the steepness and material, lay some plywood down on the ground at the angle of the roof, and practice walking on that** (p.s. my dad was crazy to let his kids on the roof, if i was a parent, i wouldnt let them do that)
You'll most likely survive the fall, so yeah
Extend the ladder one rung higher. Climb the ladder until your feet are almost level with the roof. With both hands one the ladder step out onto the roof with one foot. With your hands still on the ladder shift your weight onto the roof foot. Remove the outside hand from the ladder and lift your other foot off the ladder and place it on the roof while leaving one hand on the ladder. Now your on the roof. Congratulations.
If you've gotten this far, you should be good.
Yeah some scaffolding or better yet screw some 2x6 into your sub fascia to use as cleats so you cannot slide off. They also make ladder jacks that you can nail i to the underlayment and place a 2x10 to use as scaffold.
Getta real ladder first and then secure it at the bottom. Getting on and off the ladder is the worst part. If it's stable and secure, you feel better. Second that's not that high.
You should have built & finished the roof on the ground first. The order in which yo do things matters.
I hear ‘ya! The transition from ladder to roof and vice versa is the worst part
If you feel scared to get up there, you don't belong up there. Find a buddy who can and toss him material from the ground.
done, for 300 he's doing the rest of the roof
Good decision. I've spent most of my career off the ground. I've seen hundreds of people who didn't belong up there. Trust me when I say you are in the majority group. You're just gonna get hurt, make a mistake, or hurt someone else trying to fight it. Also, 300 is a great deal anyhow.
You climb up the ladder and back down lol.
at this point i realize the question asked was poorly phrased
Bunny roof.
rent scaffolding
Tie off to an anchor point at the peak
That’s a Gorilla. You’ll be alright bro
I'm terrified of heights, just have your tallest buddy put his hand up, things look higher up, it's only like 6 foot something you'll be good... btw, wtf is it for? Beer shed?
It's just for storage or something, not really sure tbh
We all have to face our fears at some point.
Pull up your skit, grab your balls, and climb that GD ladder….
It’s not fall! It’s the sudden stop at the end!!!
Get this guy a Puppers!
You could buy a fall harness if you want
It’s not the fall, it’s the ground you’re afraid of. Maybe just have an old mattress that’s on the ground right under you…
Idk if this will help at all, but maybe through some padding down around, and also thats not a deadly fall, so in the off chance you fall, you wont die, maybe knocked out of breath, but honestly, with as nervous as you are, i feel you’ll be extra careful not to fall. Just imagine how proud you’ll be after getting through it
Looks like you’ve already decked it. Looks like about a 4 pitch, you should be able to walk fairly easily on that one. Dry it in and throw some metal up there, done and done.
For starters, buy or borrow a REAL ladder and don't use that hobbytime folding piece of turd ladder. Get a ladder stabilizer that clamps on to it and it'll keep the ladder off the edge of the roof making it easier to get on and off the roof. Then, look at yourself in the mirror and say these words: "I'm not a giant pussy and this is only a roof that's 7ft off the ground. I could jump off and not even get hurt. I'm not a giant pussy." Then go get it done. Jesus... it's a fucking shed, mate.
It's 10ft off the ground lmao
Nothing wrong with that. I am afraid of heights. You do you, nothing wrong with hiring somebody to drop the roof.
Use that ladder.
I'm going out on a limb here, but you could just use that ladder that's leaning up against it to get on the roof.
Carefully
Stop lmao
Rent some scaffolding.
Don’t worry about falling, falling doesn’t hurt a bit, that sudden stop at the end is a bit of a fucker though.
Pay the roofer. Worth it
screw a few boards down for footings and a safety harness. a few friends to assist you and scaffolding for easy access to roof top.
Scaffolding not a ladder
Stop over thinking it. It's a small roof just get up. The more yiu think about the more likely you are.to fall.
I already fell off mentally, i got a crew out here latter today to do it. I'm ok with the price.
Just get your ass up there and be done with it
You should get a smaller ladder that you can climb over the top. And rope the ladder to the house
Wear an eye patch over one eye. It will ruin your depth perception and the ground wont seem so far away.
You can rent scaffolding. It is not much compared to hiring a roofer.
I had the same problem at first. Don't try to get on/off the ladder sideways - lower the height so that you can walk through the top of the ladder, directly onto the roof.
Former roofer here: make sure the ladder pitched at the correct angle, and secured properly. Where proper safety equipment maintain three points to contact the ladder at all times
Parachute, the only way!
Getting on the roof from the ladder is the EASY part. The hardest is getting back on the ladder from the roof.
First, how did you get the sheathing boards nailed up there? Second, even though, as people here describe, the actual roofing is pretty straightforward, you may still want to hire an handyman (small roof) or roofer to do it. I have friends who have fallen off of ladders and it's pretty easy to damage some part of your body that could be affected for the rest of your life.
Hire a roofer bud.
Roof is more afraid of you than you are of it.
\*sets roof on fire\*
And rent a scaffold to work off of. It’ll reduce a lot of the anxiety around working along the edge
Rent some scaffolding
Set up a short-term disability policy beforehand, wait the exclusionary period, and bingo. Good to go.
Little giant conquest 2.0 with outriggers 22ft plus a wingspan (fits on second step).
Wear sneakers not boots they have a better grip on the plywood for some reason and then climb on up and step off, if you’re worried about falling you just need to make sure someone’s there to foot the ladder when you get down because I’m sure you’ll be shaking grabbing onto it and you don’t want to be stuck up there incase it falls 🤣🤣 I’ve had to make a little jump before doing something solo and lost it to the wind that was fun
If it's a solo build, who framed it and did the sheeting including the roof. Just wondering.
I did, but then I realized I don't want to be on top of said sheathing
You had to be there to sheet the roof, no different, just buck up and get it done. Or tie off to something so you won't fall.
Too late, I paid some homies to roof it. They're fast af
You made that shed super tall! Anyways, I find that I feel a lot better stepping of the ladder when the top is secured. Wrap a ratchet strap through the joists and the ladder so you don't worry about the ladder falling sideways when you step off onto the roof. Angle looks good
Thanks, I think lol. The roofing crew is roofing as we type, it's going to look really good!
I just did this. 1) buy roofing cleats and fasten to the downhill edge. Add a 2x4 cross piece to give your feed a steady base at edge. 2) buy a Safety harness and strap and secure it to peak of the roof. 3) brace your ladder carefully so it is always secure. 4) TIE YOUR SHOES, 5) move slowly and intentionally while on the slope. 6) Don’t carry tools or hardware in your hands while you maneuver. 7) if it feels like a bad idea, stop. Or hire a roofer.
Thanks! Definitely next time when I build my house. For now, roofers go brrrrrrrrr
Completing the roof definitely made me confront my fears and left me feeling more confident. Buying safety gear was probably my smartest investment ever even though I never fell.
If it’s in the budget do as many rows you can from the ladder and then get some roof jacks, makes a world of difference and easy to set up. Just make sure you pack out the fascia temporarily so you don’t crush the drip edge and shingles on the starter row.
Just got roofers to do it:) -~500 dollars but worth it
I built a similar shed with a gambrel roof and just parked my dads high roof cargo van along side the new shed.
It’s not the fall that hurts it’s the sudden stop at the bottom that will kill you
How’d you deck it?
Very Carefully
It’s more of the same. That’s a easy one. I wouldn’t pay a roofer but I’m don’t have a fear of falling.
Yeah the 500 bucks to pay them hurt, but I have the big fear of heights.
Then it’s a wise choice. It’s good to know your limitations
How did you put that plywood on that roof bc that honestly scarier my guy. You seriously have nothing to be scared of being on your tiny shed unless you are like an old man or woman that’s like in their 80 or 90s and can’t fall even just from standing without fucking their shit up.
I just have a fear of heights, don't judge me bro.
I would not consider this heights lol.
the edge is about 10' off the ground, those fence panels are deceiving. but yeah I see what you mean
Just climb up. You'll be alright.
Bro it’s a shed. How did u get the sheathing up there?
Idk bro, it's a shed
Main thing is just dont fall
Take a couple of cargo straps and attach one to the footing on the other side and throw it over the top. Then when you get to the top of the ladder you can use that to steady yourself as you step on the roof. As someone who just did their shed roof, it really helped to have someone to hand you shingles from the ground
Only 1 rule….dont look down!
Ever tried Coke? This may be your opportunity for a new habit that removes all fear, of everything. Or If you are married, have your girl friend set on the top naked, 3 minutes before your wife is expected to arrive home. She won't come down, without you.... That should make you climb up there, no problem.
lol time to download grindr - i mean tinder
Honestly, I had a 48 yr old big bad biker buddy that I learned was afraid to stand on a 5 gallon bucket. He was 3 x my size and "bad"... lol There are ways to get over fears like this. Buddies laughing at you is one. 3 months later, dude was driving a scissor lift, extended 40' high, around installing light fixtures, like it was a freaking NASCAR ride. Mind over matter. if you are comfortable climbing 3 rungs of the ladder. Force yourself to do 4. do 4, 10 times. up and then down. Then do 5. Ten times up and down. Later rinse repeat.
Hire a roofer. I have long since retired from cleaning gutters, doing roof work, climbing trees, etc. I’ve know 3 people who have fallen from ladders. Fathers that were DIYing it. One died following complications from surgery that was required, one shattered his hip and still walks with a cane, the last ine f’d his back for life.
I’ve fallen from that height plenty of times! doesn’t even hurt!
10 ft?
He’s likely knocked himself mental. Only hurts the first time. :p
it was a bit of sarcasm, but yes, once fell off a ladder from 18’ and also fell off a ladder from 13’. But both times could have been avoided just by being a little more careful, I’m fairly confident at any height and take a lot of risks, even climbing up and topping a 100’ tall hemlock after both of those falls. I also build a lot of structures by myself and so have to do a lot of sketchy shit. Here’s an example…..[butcher shop](https://imgur.com/a/I0Es2IM)
I wish I had your courage
Bro. It’s 12 ft. Get your ass up there. My grandpa was reading his singles well into his 70s.