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Setting the Standard in AZ Roofing Since 1993

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How to Walk on a Concrete Tile Roof Without Damaging It

First off, we don’t recommend that you walk on your concrete tile roof, if you can avoid it. And neither do tile manufacturers.

Sure, concrete tiles are strong. But they’re not really made to be walked on. Every time you walk on the tiles, you put stress on them that can crack them or loosen them. And that can lead to missing tiles and leaks.

So it’s best to stay off, if you can by:

  • Using a long stick or rope to retrieve items that get lodged on the roof
  • Installing Christmas lights from a ladder
  • Mounting TV antennas and satellite dishes to be accessible without getting on the roof (here are 5 ideas where you can install them)

But sometimes you have no choice and you have to walk on the roof. In those cases, here are a few tips that minimize the chance of you breaking tiles.

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

Best Places to Step

Most concrete tiles are lifted a little off of your roof and sit on wood batten strips, creating a gap under the tiles for ventilation. When you walk on your tile roof, make sure you are walking on the reinforced part—the lower third of the visible tile.

Location of the reinforced part of roof tilesImage showing how concrete tiles are installed on a roof. You want to walk on that overlapping part. Image source: San Diego Roofing, Inc.

Also, walk on the peaks of the tile, not the valleys.

Roof Peaks & Valleys

Places You Should NEVER Step

When walking on your concrete tile roof, don’t ever walk on:

1. Ridge or hip tiles (the tiles on the peak of your roof)Ridge tiles

2. Tiles in the valley of your roofRoof valley

3. Your roof’s rakeRoof Rake

4. The tile’s water channels (where tiles overlap on the sides)Water Channels on Roof


Lyons Roofing serves the roofing needs of the entire Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Call today at (520) 447-2522 or contact us online for more information.