Roofing is a strenuous task that requires skill, expertise, and, most significantly, sufficient padding.
As a result, it’s not uncommon to sustain injuries or fall off while installing or repairing asphalt shingles or roofing.
But, of course, with the right gear and precautions, safety is guaranteed.
Cushioning with couch foam while roofing isn’t a new thing. It helps to keep the roofer from sliding off the roof. In addition, it provides traction, girth, and stability during the roofing process. Roofs are steep and slanty to allow snow and rainwater to roll off easily, making it dangerous to climb without cushioning.
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What Is Couch Cushion Roofing?
When you hear of a couch cushion, do not think it’s any other than the regular couch in your sitting room. Couches are made with foam to serve as padding, protecting the chair frame and giving it a soft appearance.
It’s impossible to sit on a couch without foam. You’ll sink right into the frame without foam!
Hence, foam is crucial to making couches and can be used as an alternative for protection during roofing.
Where Can You Find Couch Cushions?
It’s not a difficult task to find an old or abandoned couch. You may have one in the attic or basement.
However, if you’re unsure where to look, let me help you!
#1. Junkyard
The junkyard is for scrap metal, abandoned cars, etc. But, of course, you might be lucky to see a couch or two lying around, worn and battered.
So, you can tear what’s left of the covers and take out the foam available.
#2. Wasteland
The wasteland is a garbage home where you can find what you can recycle. However, there’s a high chance of spotting an old couch with a good enough foam. Once you spot a couch, retrieve the foam and take your leave.
You must also be cautious of coming in contact with germs as you scout, wash and sanitize your hands afterward.
#3. Curb
The curb is the quickest place to see an old couch. Hence, if you’re a roofer, pay attention to your neighbors that take out the junk every weekend.
Who knows? You might get lucky and be rewarded with some great foam.
Do Roofers Use Couch Cushions?
Yes, most roofers use couch cushions while working on the roof to support themselves so they don’t slide down. Unfortunately, aside from flat roofs, any other type of roofing is slanty, and a roofer can fall off if not careful.
The good news is you don’t need to dash to Walmart before you can get a foam.
Visit the trash dump, where you may see a worn couch sitting. Take the foam out, and safe roofing is guaranteed. Although, make sure the foam is fairly clean and not infested with bugs.
You do not want to get bit in the middle of working on the roof and falling off in the process of jumping.
Therefore, it’s essential to choose wisely as much as you want to save cash. Instead of picking a cushion that will cause you injury while you work, thoroughly clean the foam before working.
After cleaning, you can be certain the probability of having an accident is minimal.
But, of course, you can use other things to protect your knees and firm grip while on the roof. Aside from knee padding, there are certain things you need when roofing.
#1. A Good Ladder
A ladder is how you get to the roof, and it acts as a platform to elevate you onto the roof as you climb. It is either wooden or metal and must not be broken.
Else you’re at risk of falling on your way to the roof. Someone must hold the ladder while you climb to don’t fall; it is essential.
#2. Proper Roofing Footwear
The proper footwear increases traction and reduces your chances of falling off when you work. It’s crucial to note that roofing is a technical job and must not be taken lightly.
You cannot wear your favorite vans to repair the roof but the proper footwear.
Before you get up there, shop for essential gear so that you can purchase the appropriate roofing footwear only for a few hundred bucks.
The cost is nothing compared to the money spent repairing or replacing the roofing. Hence, you can get the footwear to be safe and prevent accidents.
#3. Work Coveralls
Coveralls are the ideal work clothes for repairs or maintenance routines around the house. It prevents your cloth from getting stuck, which may have you tripping and getting injured.
On the other hand, you can substitute the coveralls with shorts and a polo, which doesn’t get in your way.
Pair up the coveralls with safety gloves to avoid sun blisters and work long hours. It’ll reduce the effects by fifty percent more than when you used none.
#4. Roof Harness
As much as you tread carefully on the roof, you need something to hold you down and catch you if you fall. The harness is a strap that secures you to the roof so that in case you fall, it suspends you.
It’s usually connected to the roof anchor, which is nailed to the roof and is responsible for holding the weight.
#5. Roof Anchor
The roof’s anchor connects the harness to the roofer and the roof. It is a metal plate designed to hammer onto the roof with the appropriate nail for roofing.
However, some roofers do not consider this a necessity. But there’s no harm in adding an extra layer of safety?
Reasons Why Roofers Use Couch Cushion
There are various reasons why roofers use couch cushions.
#1. It Prevents You From Sliding Down
The roof’s steepness is dangerous, and one can slide down when not careful. However, when you place the cushion underneath while working, it sticks like glue!
The granules on the shingles help the foam stay in place while you work and cancel out the chances of falling.
Professional roofers attest that the couch cushion works like magic and is a roofer’s best friend!
#2. It Adds Grip And Traction
Traction is a grounding force that keeps you in a particular place and adds balance. The couch cushion is best for providing grip and traction control while working on the roof.
#3. Couch Cushions Protect the Roof
Apart from the roofer’s protection, we must also aim to protect the roof. The foam protects the shingles from cracking as force is exerted during repairs.
In addition, it’s advisable that the roofer is not scared of heights or has overcome the fear.
Consequently, being startled by the height at first glance at the distance from the roof may cause you to fall.
#4. It Protects Your Knees From the Sun’s Rays
Roof repairs or installment is executed only during clear weather, most preferably on a sunny day. Unfortunately, it’s uncomfortable to work under the scorching sun.
It would be best to kneel to install the shingles, so place the foam under to protect your knees.
The thickness of the cushion reduces the heat the roof radiates during the process.
#5. Pros
- Comfortable
- Prevents bruises and other injuries
- Acts as a knee pad
- Easy to move around
#6. Cons
- It cannot cover a large surface area.
- Not too large to cover a reasonable distance.
Final Thoughts
Finally, it’s alright to say that your old couch has a new calling. It protects the roof and the roofer while repairing or installing asphalt shingles.
Consequently, it helps balance and keeps you grounded through the roofing process. Happy roofing!
