[RE-wrenches] Shoes, matting for roof work

[Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind]

Wrenches,
We¹re doing a lot of work on new-construction metal roofs. The problem isn¹t
so much staying on the roof (unless wet!) but tracking sand up onto the roof
from the foundation area ­ which scratches up the roof and, then, becomes a
safety issue. We¹ve tried laying old carpet at the ladder or scaffolding
base, but that only seems to work for awhile. We have tried changing shoes
from the ground to the roof, but that gets old, fast.

We¹re considering trying Korker safety sandals (
www.westernsafety.com/korkers.html) with the metal roof pads, which
(hopefully) can be quickly put on over regular footwear. Has anyone tried
these and have feedback?

The Cougar Paws seem like good footwear, but I don¹t see how they would
solve the issue of tracking grit onto the roof.

I like the idea of using matting, as long as it¹s sticky enough to stay on
the roof when wet. Other ideas along these lines would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Kelly

Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Whidbey Sun & Wind, LLC
Renewable Energy Systems
NABCEP Certified PV Installer
987 Wanamaker Rd, 
Coupeville, WA 98239
PH & FAX 360-678-7131
sunwind at whidbeysunwind.com


On 11/24/08 9:44 AM, "David Brearley" <david.brearley at solarprofessional.com>
wrote:
> 
> His whole crew is wearing Cougar Paws, which have replaceable rubber soles.
> The rubber soles are very soft in order to provide good traction on steep
> roofs w/out tearing up the roofing, esp. asphalt shingles. The shoes
> themselves are built to last and the soles attach to the boot using Velcro.
> Working 100% on residential re-roofs, mostly comp shingle, these guys are
> going through one $15.00 sole per person per month. His company buys the
> shoes, but the crew has to buy their own replacement soles.
> 
> David Brearley, Technical Editor
> SolarPro magazine
> ________________
> 
> On 11/23/08 1:15 PM, "Paul Israel" <paul at sunlightsolar.com> wrote:
> 
>> In regards to shoes we have been testing the Cougerpaws with some of our
>> installers and sales folks, http://www.cougarpaws.com/html/about.html
>> <http://www.cougarpaws.com/html/about.html> .  So far I have thumbs up.
>>  
>> Previous to that we required Vans, as they are ³grippy² but not aggressive.
>> They were suggested by roofers after some very hot days.    We also use a
>> product called the Spaghetti Mat to help protect the roof.
>> 
>> Paul N. Israel, President
>> 
 

 


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