Tear-off debris and chutes

Tear-off day is when the ground gets dangerous. Every shovel load that goes over the edge is heavy, sharp, and full of nails. It can hit the person carrying bundles to the ladder, the homeowner walking to the car, or the kid on a bike. Before the first shingle comes off, set up the drop zone. Park the dumpster or trailer close to the eave. Mark the landing area with tape or cones, and keep everyone out of it while material is coming down. If anything is dropped more than 20 feet to the outside of the walls, the rule is an enclosed chute, not a free throw. On a tall house, that means we hang a chute down to the dumpster.

Keep the roof crew and the ground crew talking. Pick one simple call, like a shout of the word clear, and do not throw until someone on the ground answers. Throw only into the dumpster or chute, never just over the edge and hope. Do not let piles of tear-off build up on the roof. A big pile of wet shingles can slide off on its own and take a worker with it. Bag or carry nails and flashing down instead of tossing small sharp pieces. Watch the wind. On a gusty day, light pieces like felt and ridge vent can sail far past the drop zone.

Cleanup is part of the job, not something at the end. Keep scrap moving off the roof and off the ground as you work, so walkways stay clear for people carrying loads. Run a magnet sweep around the drop zone, the driveway, and the yard every day, not just on the last day. Loose nails in grass go through boots and car tires. Cover plants, windows, and the AC unit if they are under the drop line. Wear safety glasses on the roof and on the ground. Wear a hard hat on the ground near the drop zone. If you are on the ground and you hear a load coming, look up and step back, do not keep walking.