Walking on a tiled roof without breaking tiles is all about knowing where to step, using the right equipment, and never rushing. Whether you're clearing debris, inspecting for damage, or preparing for a roof paint job, the techniques below will help you move safely without causing costly damage — or putting yourself at serious risk.
Understand the Risks Before You Climb
Roof work is one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in New Zealand. WorkSafe NZ classifies working at height as a high-risk activity, and even a single-storey fall can be fatal. Before you set foot on any roof, honestly assess whether this is a job you should be doing yourself. If the roof pitch is steep (generally over 25°), the tiles are old or already cracked, or you're not confident working at height, call a qualified tradesperson rather than risk your safety.
Use the Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Never step onto a roof without proper safety gear:
- Non-slip footwear — soft-soled shoes or boots with good grip (rubber soles work well). Avoid hard-soled boots, jandals, or bare feet.
- Safety harness and lanyard — anchor to a certified roof anchor point. Temporary anchor systems are available from hire shops.
- Roof ladder or chicken ladder — a purpose-built roof ladder hooks over the ridge and distributes your weight, protecting tiles and keeping you stable.
- Spotter on the ground — never work on a roof alone. Have someone present who can call for help if needed.
Know Where to Step on Concrete and Clay Tiles
This is the most critical skill. Tiles are designed to shed water, not bear weight across their full surface.
- Step on the lower third of each tile, near where it overlaps the tile below. This is the strongest point, where the tile is supported by the batten underneath.
- Avoid the upper (exposed) section of the tile — this area is unsupported and will crack or break under direct weight.
- Never step on the ridge caps or hip tiles — these are often only bedded in mortar and can shift or crack easily.
- Distribute your weight by keeping your feet wide and moving slowly and deliberately. Sudden movements or jumping between tiles dramatically increases the risk of breakage.
- Face the ridge (uphill) when moving across the roof so you can control your footing and catch yourself if you slip.
Concrete vs Clay Tiles
| Tile Type | General Durability | Extra Caution Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete (e.g. Monier) | More robust | Still step on battens |
| Clay (terracotta) | More brittle | Yes — extra care required |
| Aged/weathered tiles | Reduced strength | Inspect before walking |
Older tiles — particularly those that have been painted multiple times or show signs of efflorescence, cracking, or spalling — are significantly weaker. Treat them as fragile.
Use a Roof Ladder (Chicken Ladder)
A roof ladder is an essential piece of kit for any roof work. It hooks securely over the ridge and lies flat against the tile surface, spreading your weight across multiple tiles and battens rather than concentrating it on one point. You can hire roof ladders from most tool hire shops around New Zealand. Make sure the ladder is the correct length for your roof pitch and that the hook is properly seated over the ridge before trusting your weight to it.
Your access ladder must also be secured at the base and tied off at the top — never lean an unsecured ladder against guttering.
Check for Consent and Legal Requirements
If you're on the roof to carry out repairs or alterations (not just inspection or cleaning), check whether a building consent is required. Some roofing work falls under Schedule 1 exemptions of the Building Act, but this depends on the scope of work. Always confirm with your local council before starting. You can find guidance at MBIE Building Performance.
For general maintenance like cleaning or painting, consent is typically not required — but always verify.
Preparing the Roof Surface
If you're walking the roof ahead of a paint job, BRANZ recommends ensuring the surface is clean and dry before any coating work begins. Wet or moss-covered tiles are extremely slippery — treat moss and lichen with an appropriate biocide wash and allow the roof to dry fully before walking on it.
For roof painting products suited to tiled roofs in NZ conditions, Dulux, Resene, and Wattyl all offer roof coating systems with technical data sheets that specify surface preparation requirements.
When to Call a Professional
Be honest with yourself — roof work is genuinely dangerous, and tiled roofs require experience to navigate without causing damage. Call a qualified roof painter or roofing tradesperson if:
- Your roof pitch is steep or the roof is high off the ground
- Tiles are already cracked, loose, or aged
- You don't have access to a harness, anchor points, and roof ladder
- You're unsure about the structural condition of the roof
- The job involves any repairs, not just inspection
A professional roof painter will have the right equipment, insurance, and experience to work safely and efficiently. You can find qualified local roof painters and roofing tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Master Painters NZ member
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
