In my opinion this had nothing to do with the type of ladder. As a matter of fact, if it is an X/C ladder, they have rubber feet that are shaped on the bottom to help prevent this. Most other ladders would have slipped out even easier probably. This was operator error, not ladder malfunction.
A little dirt/dust/pollen on a metal roof can reduce the friction. I had a moment a few years ago when I step from the sunny side to the shady side and the slimy scum gave a good scare, damn near wet my pants.
Wow, that’s one scary video, so glad you’re ok Adam!
Most accidents are preventable. That’s why hindsight is so clear.
I am very happy you weren’t hurt worse and you walked away from this.
Metal roofs are always a hard pass for me. Setting a ladder up on a pitched metal roof is a whole different level of WTF.
Hopefully this video will teach inspectors in the future what not to do.
Glad you are ok-ish.
The drone comes out for pretty much any metal roof anymore, for me. Both for safety and to prevent being blamed for creasing panels.
I can’t imagine (well maybe I can) what old Charlie Bottger would have to say about all this!!
Thanks for sharing the video. It’s a good reminder about ladder safety. Glad you are OK Adam.
You know if you aren’t careful, you could be filming your own demise. Like this guy:
There are clamps that will grab a standing seam roof from which you make a ‘cleat’ to prevent your ladder from slipping. That’s not a very reliable type of ladder.
Ladder falls are the number one cause of Home Inspector injury. Get a REAL ladder!
Glad you’re okay.
At least you weren’t this person…
Good example of what NOT to do when you fall and land on your back!!
Wonder if that person is able to walk today?
Frankly I don’t (hardly ever*) walk a metal or tile roof…or multi-story of any type. (you report a creased roof or broken tile and a seller just may accuse you of doing it). I had this happen once on a tile roof. I shut him up because I could prove I never walked the roof…used a pole only. I
try and show at least one picture with a drone or pole shadow as a CYA…
I have found that my Drone and or my Telescoping pole makes inspecting the roof, A hell of a lot easier than falling off a roof.
Adam, Thanks for posting this, we all can use an occasional wake-up call!
This is why I use a drone or binoculars. There’s no reason for an inspector to be up there.
[quote=“Ryan Uecker, post:22, topic:231363, username:ruecker”]Most other ladders would have slipped out even easier probably.
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Many other ladders have articulated feet, rather than an angle that may or may not match your surface.
Sometimes even firm level surfaces are no good if you modify your ladder.
I had the 10x12 kitchen taken off my house and replaced it with a 16x24 kitchen.
The flooring they used is Advantech stuff that is slicker than snot on a doorknob.
Here’s the results…
Glad it wasn’t worse!!! I “rode” a ladder down a couple of years ago from a second-story. My take-away was Trex decking is much more slippery than one would imagine. Lesson learned.
yea, hell I even get nervous setting up on a textured concrete driveway. There isn’t much for the feet to “bite” into. a tiny movement may be all that is needed to lead to a fall.
I use one of these for concrete garage floors, driveways, and decks of any kind. super rubbery non slip mat on amazon for about $23 (leave it outside your home for a couple days after getting it, as it off-gasses a lot)
Appreciate that tip! I’ll have to pick one of those up!
Setting up your ladder Properly on a surface is paramount. As well, checking and maintaining your ladders. Over 45 years without an incident.
You forgot to say, “Knock on wood”. So, be wary in the coming times. 