Clay tile is almost impossible to walk without damaging/breaking tiles (unless you weigh less than 100 lbs.), however, if you must walk the roof, the best method is as in picture #1. You need to step where the tiles “lap” eachother (toward the lower edge of the tile).
Tips for Walking On Your Tile Roof Distribute your weight evenly
Transfer your weight between your feet gradually as you walk
Walk on the balls of your feet
Never jump or leap from tile to tile
Make sure you’re wearing soft-soled shoes with good grip
More.
Whether a structure has an asphalt shingle, metal, clay or concrete tile roof, walking on the roof for seasonal inspections and cleanings is inevitable. However, when it comes to tile roofs in particular, there is a proper way to walk on the tiles in order to avoid damage.
Orient your feet in a direction parallel with the ridge and try to distribute your weight evenly, walking as softly as possible. On high barrel tiles, such as Eagle Roofing Products’ Capistrano concrete roof tile profile, you should distribute your weight with the heel and toe on the high points of adjacent tiles.
While researching we ran into the question “How to walk on a roof without stepping?”.
I walk on between the tile sections, on the uncovered valley area. In case the layer underneath the roof tiles is exposed, you can walk on it to avoid stepping the tile . See Also : Home much does It Cost to Repair a Roof?
How to use clay tiles for walking?
Let your foot aligns with the clay tiles’ curve. Place the arch of your foot on the curve’s highest point and your toes in the groove in-betweens. Avoid putting your weight on one point; instead, distribute it by placing each foot on different tiles.
Walk on the balls of your feet to reduce the pressure on the tiles. Since the heels are usually the thickest part of your shoe, they are more likely to break your tiles when you step on them. Apply pressure to the ball of your foot when you step on the tiles so you’re less likely to damage them.
Do clay tile roofs break easily?
They can break easily, especially if the roof tiles haven’t been backfilled. The basic guide to walk on a clay tile roof is similar to a guide on how to walk on roof tiles, but you need to add extra carefulness.
Take your first step onto your roof so your feet are parallel to the top ridge of your roof and along the bottom edge of the tile. Don’t jump or move quickly between the tiles since you could break them if you step down too hard.