02 May Do Roof Anchors Damage Your Roof?
If you’re starting work on a roof, then researching the best sorts of roof anchors to use is one of the very first steps to take. As always, when working at heights, there are various design elements and safety procedures to consider when choosing the best anchor design – but another factor at play is the effect these anchors can have on the roof itself. Let’s dive into the different types of roof anchors you’ve got to choose from, and everything you need to account for when picking the best one.
This blog outlines the different effects roof anchors can have on the roof, including potential risks for damage and changes to structural integrity. For more personalised advice regarding what anchors your job might require, talk to an expert at Australian Height Safety Systems.
Types of Roof Anchors
With such a wide variety of rooftop anchors on the market, you must ensure you’re choosing the right one for your specific needs. It’s worth noting that a number of anchors will require you to penetrate the roof membrane in order to effectively fasten the anchor to the structure, making significant structural changes. In some circumstances, this will work fine. So long as the building owner approves this decision, then you’re free to choose a penetrative roof anchor – however, in many circumstances, these types of anchors aren’t going to be an option. In that case, you’re going to have to investigate other options.
Non-Penetrating Roof Anchors
If you’re looking for a temporary anchor solution, or if you’re working on a commercial property, then chances are the property owner is going to put their foot down regarding structural penetration. They aren’t going to want you to compromise the integrity of the building’s membrane whatsoever – so your best option is going to be a non-penetrating roof anchor. There is an array of non-penetrative options on the market for you, including weighted anchor points, parapet clamps, and roofing carts. There are, however, several important things for you to consider when choosing non-penetrating anchors.
Roof Damage
Now, the fact that fastening these anchors doesn’t involve any penetration of the roof membrane does not mean that there’s no risk of roof damage involved. Whilst non-penetrating anchors don’t involve structural change, there are issues such as weight that can pose a significant risk if poorly handled. Their anchor points are going to be heavy, and subsequently if components are dropped during assembly or placed improperly, they could cause damage to the room. The best way to minimise this risk is to ensure you follow any and all recommendations from the manufacturer throughout assembly, use, and disassembly.
Read: Safety Tips for Using Roof Anchor Points
Considering Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint
Another important thing to note when dealing with roof anchors is that you need to understand the design of the anchor, especially regarding whether fall arrests or fall restraints are necessary. Simply put, a fall arrest stops a fall after it occurs, while a fall restraint prevents workers from being able to reach the edge and fall over in the first place. Your anchor could be designed for either protective measure, or even both, and you’ll need to know how many it can support for each before any work can be completed. As always, the safety of your workers needs to take top priority, and that begins with knowing everything there is to know about the design of your anchors.
Contact AHSS for Roof Anchor Advice
At Australian Height Safety Systems, we know the ins and outs of roof safety. We know the equipment, the options on the market, and the necessary safety precautions. If you’re trying to find the right roof anchor for your job that isn’t going to cause long-lasting damage, then save yourself hours of research by taking things straight to an expert. Contact us today to chat with a helpful team member and get the right roof anchors for your site.
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