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Is It Okay To Walk On A Flat Roof?

July 25, 2021
Royal Roofing
Flat Roofing

No matter your roof type, it isn’t prudent to walk on a roof. That is, you should avoid it as much as possible. Walking on a roof should be left to professional roofing contractors.

If it’s a less significant issue that can be fixed without involving a roofing contractor, you can consider walking on a flat roof. Because compared to other roofs, flat roofs pose fewer risks.

When you walk on your roof, you place pressure on it, resulting in cracks, shifting, or holes in the membrane. And if not properly taken care of, it will cause more damages to your roof.

But the exciting news is that there is the right way to walk on your roof. So how can you walk on your roof?

Flat Roofing Materials You Should Walk On

While it is advised not to walk on most flat roofing systems, there are some exceptions. And as a flat roof, one of the immense benefits of having flat roofing installed is the extra space on the rooftop that can be converted to many uses—including a recreational spot.

However, when installing such flat roofing systems, your local roofer needs to be extra careful and apply a higher level of expertise. Roofing felt or waterproofing should are to be involved in such flat roofing systems.

Some of the flat roofing materials that you can walk on include,

  • Built-Up Roofing
  • EPDM
  • TPO

Flat Roofing Materials You Should Not Walk On

There are two significant reasons you shouldn’t walk on some roofs

  • Safety measures: Don’t walk on a roof if you can’t guarantee your safety.
  • Easily Damaged: Some roofs, by nature, are not great at absorbing pressure from body weight. Walking on it can put you in danger and cause damages to your roof, which will cost you a considerable amount in roof repairs and replacement.

The following are examples of roofs you shouldn’t walk on.

Glass Plastic Fiberglass

This flat roofing is resilient to severe temperatures and toxic chemicals. However, this type of roofing system is not great when used for commercial roofing. It can’t take foot weight, neither does it support heavy equipment

Metal Roofing

Although a metal roof is an effective roof, it’s not prudent to walk on it. Metals roofs are not so great in resisting pressures from the body weight. It can quickly get a puncture, leading to leakages and water damage.

Though you can walk on flat roofing systems, you should be careful about the type of flat roofing material you’re walking on. Above all, the quality of the material and the level of the installers’ professionalism is worth consideration.


If you need a fix on your flat roof, an inspection, routine maintenance, or repair, you don’t have to take the risk of doing it yourself. Let the best local roofing contractor near you handle the job. Reach out to us now at 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 414-6067 https://www.nycrenovators.com/.