What Tools Does A Roofer Need

May 27, 2022

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Best Safety Kit With Harness Ropes Anchors

Tools you need to start your roofing project!

Best of The Best: Guardian Fall Protection Bucket of Safe-Tie

It comes with a universal harness, lanyard, rope, clamps, and roof anchor. The most important thing is that it meets and even exceeds OSHA regulations.

The safety harness is an important piece of the safety equipment you are required by law to wear. Even if the wheater conditions are great, and even if the roof is not too steep, you always need to wear your harness.

A safety system should be a top priority for everyone getting up on the roof. Just strap on the harness and tighten the straps well for a secure and snug fit.

You will need to fasten a roof anchor to the peak of the roof, and then clip the rope to the ring of the anchor and back to your harness.

If you want to protect your knees from pain, inflammation, and severe motion loss, its a smart idea to wear knee pads for roofers.

Read here our guide on how to secure yourself on a roof, where we share the very best safety equipment for roofers: harnesses, anchor points, fall protection systems, lanyards, safety glasses, and more.

Dickies Tool Belt With Utility Pouch

It is expected that roofers love this Dickies Tool Belt with Utility Pouch. It comes in a nice tan color and brings many great features, definitely more than meets the eyes.

It is common to see workers who wear tool belts with large bags on both sides. But, since roofing tasks require climbing and moving a lot, this tool belt with one pouch can be of great benefit. We can pack only the necessary tools for the days in its eight roomy pockets.

On occasions when I only intend to bring my frequently-used gear, it is much simpler to arrange them inside this roofing tool bag. There are three outer pockets, one with a zipper for extra security. Also, the two loops are sufficient for hanging tools like hammers. And the added carabiner is good for items with a clip-on.

While packing is a breeze, access is no sweat, too. Besides the safe zippered holder, other pouches allow quick tool retrieval since the opening is wide.

Furthermore, this tool belt allows adjustment for a waist size ranging from 32 inches to 56 inches, which is really impressive. I also love how this roofing tool belt is comfortable to wear, especially with its wide paddings. Since there is only one large bag, people might be worried about uneven distribution and back pain. Luckily, the padding eases most of the pressure.

The buckle is not very durable and secure under heavy loads

Top 10 Roofing Safety Tips

Always begin with your Pre-Start TalkMake sure you always conduct a 5-10 minute pre-start talk with all workers before commencing work on a rooftop. Discuss common hazards present , assess the condition of the work area, confirm that proper permits have been secured, and encourage the team to verbalize the safety tips to follow. Using a pre-start toolbox talk template can help your team communicate and record their daily safety conversations.

Work only during good weather conditions and avoid extreme heat/coldNot only does extreme weather cause slips and falls, but it can also hinder the proper execution of roofing work . A wet roof is also a huge risk for slips and falls. Better side with caution and always wait for ideal weather before you begin roofing work.

Ladders should be stable and properly secured or tied offAlways make sure that there are enough ladders for the job and that theyre all safe to use. Check your ladders for safety as some of them may need repair or replacement to prevent fatal accidents or injuries.

Wear proper PPEWearing proper PPE such as helmets, shoes with traction, and fall protection harnesses can help save you when slips and falls occur. Perform regular PPE checks to ensure your team is properly equipped.

Use guardrails whenever possibleGuardrails serve as a visual and physical barrier that protects workers from falls. It reduces the risk of injury and death from working on roofs.

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What Tools Do Roofers Use

Roofers use tools for installation, repair, and removal of roofs. Ladders and hammers are the most common on construction sites, but roofers also use shingle removers or shovels, roofing nailers, roofing hammers, hammer tackers, utility knives, and power equipment. Depending on the job, you might operate a power drill or saw to make, cut, and install materials, use a crowbar to pry off shingles, use shears to cut asphalt or fiberglass shingles, and use a tape measure and level to measure roof slope. Experience with these tools is helpful for a roofing career.

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Application Equipment

Paint type roller 9 or 18 paint roller frame utilizing 1 or 1 ¼ nap rollers. These may be used to apply Conklin Roofing Systems.
Large paint pan for use with rollers.
Airless sprayer used for applying liquid coating to the roof surface. It can be used for application of all Conklin liquid-applied roof coatings. The specifications for this sprayer are:

Capacity Interior paints minimum of one gallon per minute Roof Coatings minimum of two gallons per minute

Pressure Interior paints minimum pressure 2,000 psiRoof Coatings minimum pressure 3,000-5,000 psi

Nozzle or tip size commonly .031 to .034Set-up and use of this equipment should be accomplished in accordance with manufacturers directions.

Seam roller a small hand-held roller, usually silicone free, used to press or roll the Hy-Crown seams together during the welding process.

Hot air gun the electric hot air gun is used to heat weld single ply systems:

SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE STEINEL HG2300 Heating Gun:

Voltage: 120 VMax Temp: 1250 degrees F/700 degrees CMax Air Flow: 15.4 cfmAir Pressure: 3,000 Pa

Motor: Brushless/5,000 hours +

Roof Removal Equipment

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Nocry Fast Draw Drill Holster

There are two options for the NoCry Fast Draw Drill Holster, one for left-handed workers and the other for right-handed workers. With this feature, the design supports a smooth workflow for roofers.

People looking for a holder that keeps all their drill bits, nails, wrenches, or screwdrivers should consider this holster. It comes with five elastic holders and eight closed compartments for small items.

Notably, the safety strap features a clip buckle to keep all tools in place while we are up and down on roofs, ladders, or scaffolding to handle tasks.

More importantly, this practical piece is designed to slightly angle for easy tool retrieval. Therefore, we can quickly take a piece out of this holster without twisting our hands to a weird and uncomfortable position. Thats one more reason for this holsters compatibility with roofing tasks.

Besides, it is incredibly heavy-duty to handle sharp tools like wire cutters. Since it is made from durable 600D ballistic canvas, the piece is built to last despite frequent abuse. Furthermore, its double stitching prevents tearing and sagging. The brand guarantees such quality by offering replacements and refunds in case of user dissatisfaction.

Could be better if it had a metal hasp for a measuring tape

Equipment And Tools Needed For Roofing And Roof Repairs

The roofing equipment you will need for your new business will vary, depending on what type of roofing systems you will be installing, and what type of repairs you will be performing. It is generally recommended to start with basic roofing tools, and then add specific equipment needed when new jobs require it. I made the mistake early on in my business of buying a number of roofing related gadgets that I ended up never using. It is much wiser to buy tools as you go, and let new jobs pay for them. If you are sure of what type of roofing you will be doing, below is a basic list of tools and equipment you will need . The Roofers Helpers personal tool recommendations are here.

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Reduce The Risk Of Accidents When Working At Heights With A Roof Inspection Software

A roof inspection software is a digital tool used by safety inspectors in the construction industry during rooftop safety assessments. Its primarily used to identify safety hazards and non-compliance with safety protocols while working at heights so measures can be taken to prevent accidents.

Rooftop inspections play a critical role in ensuring worker safety and productivity. According to the data gathered by the NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program, 42% of construction industry fatalities from 1982 to 2015 were from falls. Considering the dire consequences of subpar safety protocols, it is important that construction firms invest in ensuring the safety of their workers.

With the iAuditor Roof Inspection Software, safety inspectors can take advantage of intuitive digital templates to improve the efficiency of walkthrough inspections and use automatic report generation to improve awareness and visibility within the organization. Here are the upsides of using iAuditor as your roof inspection software:

The occupational hazards involved in working at heights can be fatal, and its the safety inspectors job to ensure that these risks are minimized by enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols. With the help of the iAuditor roof inspection checklist, achieving and maintaining an effective safety program in your organization just became easier.

Specific Equipment For Various Roofing Applications

How To Install Metal Roofing: Metal Roofing Tools Overview

Asphalt Shingles:

For installation- Hammer, tool belt, utility knife, tape measure, nail gun, hose, air compressor, ladder jacks, roof jacks, shingle remover

For repairs- hammer, shingle ripper , pry bar

Slate:

For installation and/or repairs on slate roofs: hammer , tool belt, tape measure,

slate cutter, slate ripper, scratch awl/punch, ladder jacks, roof jacks, chicken ladder

Terracotta Tile:

For installation- hammer, tool belt, tape measure, wet saw or angle grinder with masonry blade, ladder jacks, roof jacks

For repairs- hammer, tool belt, tape measure, wet saw or angle grinder with masonry blade, slate ripper

EPDM Rubber:

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Can A Standing Seam Roof Be Pulled Off

You end up using a makeshift item and end up doing more damage than good. Standing seam roofs are not a type of roof any roofer can pull off. It requires experience and having the correct tools for the job.

What is a 90° crimp tool?

This tool allows you to complete a 90° crimp on your panel. Ergonomic handles allow ease of use with durable steel construction. Anodized work surfaces help to prolong the life of the tool. Available for specific roof systems please specify your roof manufacturer and panel style when ordering to verify compatibility.

What is a hand crimper used for?

Appearance may vary by model and style. Designed for use with T-Style structural standing seam panels, this hand crimper will produce a uniform crimp to load and start a seamer. Ergonomic handles allow ease of use with durable steel construction.

Essential Roofing Tools And Equipment Every Roofer Must Have

Are you a roofer looking to start your own roofing business but are not sure which tools and equipment are fundamental to the roofing industry? If yes, youre in the right place. Below is a list of basic equipment and essential tools required to perform certain tasks. Please read on.

Ladder

Youll probably need to reach roofs of different heights. Extension and step ladders are essential access tools to use. However, ladders can limit how fast you can work. Depending on your team and the task at hand, you may have more ladders to enhance efficiency. Its also important to observe ladder safety guidelines at all times. With several ladder brands available in the market, you need to be keen not to purchase substandard products. Look for CE marked fabrications, designed and manufactured as per the relevant health and safety directives.

Nail Guns

Nail guns can be useful when applying shingles and other nail projects on your roof. Theyre faster and more convenient than hatchets or hammers. However, you need to observe safety when using this tool. Its also important to carry a hatchet or hammer with you for convenience.

Hammer Tacker Stapler

A stapler is useful when installing the felt underlayment. If staples are to be used, youll need a staple gun. For cap nails, youll need an air staple gun. You can also look for a 2-in-1 staple and nail gun.

Measuring Tape

Shingle Cutter

Shovel

Tin Snips

Circular and Reciprocating Saws

Best Shears Attachment For Cutting Metal

Our #1 Pick: DEWALT DWASHRIR Impact Ready

Perfect to cut corrugated metal sheets, asphalt shingles, sheet metal, vinyl sidings, and more.

It cuts straight lines without destroying the protective coating of the material.

Shear attachments provide a practical, smart, quick, and safe way to cut metal sheets without damaging the protective coating.

Cutting with anything producing heat, like a circular saw or a grinder, voids the warranty by manufacturers.

These shears are ideal for cutting corrugated roofing in a straight line.

Nail Guns And Roofing Hammers Or Hatchets

8 Cool Roofing Tools That Boost Productivity

Most roofers will use nail guns for applying shingles and other nailing work. Nail gun safety is a concern, but most roofers find that nail guns are faster than hammers. However, there are still many roofers who prefer to use roofing hammers or hatchets. If you choose to use nail guns, you will still need to have a roofing hammer on hand for other nailing tasks or for when holding a nail gun might be more encumbering than its worth.

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Vital Roofing Tools Every Roofer Needs

Getting geared up for roofing, whether youre starting your own roofing company or tooling up to go to work, requires certain tools just to get out of the gate. We have compiled a list of those tools so that you can prioritize your purchases. Though we listed the ones that we feel are important, this is far from being a complete inventory.

Commercial Roofing Tools An Optical Comparator

If you’re a commercial roofer, then one of the more sophisticated tools for roofing is an optical comparator. But what is that? It’s a magnifying eyepiece with a measurement scale to determine the thickness of a coating sample. The reticle or a pattern of markings and fine lines inside the eyepiece is placed on the sample’s edge. The eyepiece is focused and read to the nearest millimeter. The O.C. allows for pinpoint accuracy when trimming samples.

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Best Belts For Roofers

Of all the roofing tools out there, there may not be a more iconic tool than the tool belt. The right tool belt will propel the job forward, and it holds all the other quintessential roof tools. The best tool belt for one person may not work for someone else, which makes trying them very important. Try ordering a few different belts and giving away the ones that dont work to another member of your roofing team that needs one, or just return them.

14. CLC Custom Leathercraft 175274

Well preface this by saying this belt wasnt exactly designed for left-handed roofers, unfortunately. So while it is a great belt for right-handed folks, its not the best belt ever made. If you are right-handed, it is a fantastic option, and the heavy-duty leather will ensure it lasts job after job for quite some time.

15. Bucket Boss 2 Belt

Adjustable pouches, 12 picks, and two hammer holders make the Bucket Boss belt a great piece of equipment. It also fits up to 52-inch waists, which is more than you can say for many other belts on the market. As far as tools for roofing go, this is an exceptional option. Worth mentioning: some may find that the pockets are placed in awkward positions and that the lack of square pouch is not ideal.

16. Dewalt DG5617 20-Pocket Pro Framers Combo

Here Is What Your Roofing Starter Kit Should Include

Standing Seam Metal Roof Tools you need to carry in your tool bag

Good-sized toolbelt: The more you have to walk across the roof or up and down a ladder to grab roofing tools, the longer and more work your project will take. Keep them nice and close to you in your sturdy toolbelt.

Work gloves: We recommend kevlar gloves because they are super thick and sturdy, but lightweight so you can easily grip and rip your old shingles off to make room for your new roof. Plus, many of the materials can easily scratch and scrape your hands, and the gloves will make it so much easier to work without worrying about that.

Hook blade utility knife: Youll need to cut through excess shingles and material while youre up on the roof, and a hook blade will quickly do that for you. A good hook blade should be easy to switch up and down, remove the blade, and have storage for blades right within the knife itself. So even with gloves on, you can quickly and easily use and replace your hook blades.

Tin snips: Youll want tin snips to cut through flashing and drip edge without fail. Being able to do this quickly and precisely will make your roofing job so much easier.

Chalk line: A chalk line will ensure that you are installing and cutting your shingles in a straight line. You will especially want to use this to create chalk lines on the edges of your roof to verify that the view from the ground is as straight as it looks up close on the roof.

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Bestroofing Knives And Hook Blades

#1 Utility Knife: Milwaukee Fastback 3

Its easy to use, lightweight, and smartly designed to make cutting easy and convenient.

One of the roofing hand tools you need to have in your roofers toolbox is the utility knife.

A retractable knife will do the job just right, and since youll be using it often its recommended to pick one with replaceable razor blades.

This way, youll only have to change the blades and not the knife.

Goes Well Milwaukee Hook Blades for Cutting Shingles

Asphalt shingles are rough and hard to cut.

To cut shingles you need durable, sharp, and heavy-duty hook blades that can attach to your utility knife.

These Milwaukee blades are a great addition to your utility blade.

Remember, always be careful with these sharp knives.