The end of the winter season is the perfect time to give your roof a good look. Winter may have caused damage to some of your roof shingles, clogged up your gutters, or otherwise caused an issue for you that will need to be repaired. That said, don't go up to your roof without first taking a moment to make sure you can do so safely. Here are some roofing safety tips to keep in mind for the first time you head up there this spring.

Wear the Right Clothes and Shoes

Safe roof work requires the right safety gear. If you will be performing actual maintenance or repair, you should start with a pair of goggles to shield your eyes. You'll also want to wear long sleeves and long pants in order to protect your skin from any flying debris as you go through your maintenance project. Finally, make sure you invest in a sturdy pair of shoes or boots. Tennis shoes with rubber soles are the bare minimum you will need, but you may want to upgrade to work boots with additional anti-skid features.

Tackle One Section of the Roof at a Time

If your roof is quite large and you'll need to inspect or perform maintenance across the whole thing, pick one side of the roof to start on and then take your time moving across. The idea here is that you want to limit the number of times you actually have to walk back and forth across the roof. Take your tools with you as you move from left to right or front to back across the roof. This will ensure you don't accidentally trip over a tool as you turn back across a spot you've already worked on.

Never Work on a Wet Roof

Spring can bring with a good bit of rain in some parts of the country. It's important that you always give your roof enough time to fully dry before you head up there. Keep an eye on the weather report and wait for a couple of sunny days in a row with no rain in sight. A wet roof will significantly reduce your traction and even the best pair of work boots might not be able to save you if you slip.

Contact a Professional

Of course, the safest way to be safe this spring is to let a local residential roofer take care of everything for you. Contact a roofing contractor today to get started