Having the correct roofing tools is imperative to completing a safe and successful roofing project. Professional roofing contractors use a number of high quality roofing tools to get the job done, maximizing safety and efficiencies across the board. Be it roofing contractors or homeowners choosing to do roofing work themselves, the tools used are highly important.
In terms of whether it’s working under the hot summer sun or in the middle of winter, there are some basic roofing tools you will find on every job. The basics include a hammer, a tape measure, and a pouch to hold nails. Beyond these few resources, the type of roofing material will dictate more specialized tools. There may be specific works and materials required. For example, as it pertains to traditional asphalt shingles, it’s common to use a knife to cut the shingles. However, when metal or a similar material being used, additional or different roofing tools are required.
In many cases, a roofer will use a nail gun to increase efficiencies. The great thing about a nail gun is that it can be manufactured to use with either an air compressor, electricity, or a battery. Simple yet diverse, many roofing contractors wouldn’t dare embark on a project without a nail gun in hand. There are numerous other tools that roofing contractors may choose to purchase, including seamers, ripper shovels, slate hammers, roof slag scrapers, shingle wedges, sleds, pole brackets, ladder brackets, and sheet metal tongs. Also, ladders are a necessary component to any roofer’s arsenal, ensuring they are able to safely get onto and off the roof. It is important to use a ladder that is in good condition and not one that could present a safety hazard.
For larger commercial projects, a roofer may have several additional tools and equipment at their disposal, including electric powered lifts. These types of lifts are commonly used to help get shingles and other roofing materials to the required height. Considering the average pack of roofing shingles weigh approximately 80 pounds, a lift such as this becomes integral to completing roofing work. Also, electric lifts can be used to raise roofing tools from ground level to a desired height. If you do not have an electric lift at your disposal – whether this is on a residential home roofing project or on a commercial space – a contractor will have to ensure items are safely carried up the ladder. For this reason, please note the maximum weight capacity of the ladder.
As we mentioned earlier, due to the nature of roofing technology and types having become so diverse, the tools used to install these have changed. Roofers have a wide variety of tools at their disposal.
The tools that roofing contractors select for a given project, in part, dictate speed and safety. For contractors who do not have the right tools, it may slow them down, cause them to cut corners in their workmanship, and create safety hazards. When hiring a roofing contractor, ensure that they are experienced in installing your type of roof and that they have the recommended tools to get the job done. Roofers that come to work unprepared and/or are willing to use alternative tools to attempt a roof installation put themselves in danger and ultimately could lead to a roof not being installed properly.
