The Ultimate Roofing Tools List

Roofing can get rough. You run the risk of cuts, injuries, falls, and impact shocks. That doesn’t even include everything that can go wrong with your shingles, product, or roof. Being equipped with the right tools will make your job easier. Our comprehensive roofing tools list is a great place to start your winter roofing preparation.

COMMON ROOFING PROBLEMS

Commercial and residential roofing share many of the same challenges. Preparing yourself for the most common issues will go a long way in fixing the problem quickly.

WEATHER DAMAGE

Damage from storms is a major contributor to roofing problems. High winds can cause trees or limbs to fall on the roof. This leaves behind a variety of problems including punctures, collapses and torn material. Rain and snow can bring moisture issues, which can grow into an expensive repair if not taken care of. Mold and leaks are harder to detect than structural damage, making water particularly troublesome. Roofing repairs from storms don’t have to be a problem when you are prepared with cold weather construction solutions and the right tools.

LACK OF MAINTENANCE

Not properly maintaining a roof will allow small problems to become major, costly repairs. Over time, shingles can start curling, buckling or become bald. Because some repairs can put a financial strain on any homeowner’s budget, they often get put on the back burner. While these issues may not be at the top of the list for many people, neglecting minor damage will almost always lead to bigger problems. Heat from the sun and even small amounts of moisture will expose homes to its damaging effects at a quick rate if not properly maintained. Even simple tasks like cleaning out the gutters or clearing the roof from loose debris after a storm is often ignored.

IMPROPER REPAIRS

DIY repairs by inexperienced roofers will lead to trouble. Doing a botched job on roof work gives a false impression that additional work is not needed. Many homeowners may understand what needs to be done to fix a common issue, but don’t use the right materials or tools. Simple mistakes like using low-quality materials or putting them on in the wrong order will greatly affect the outcome. What many people fail to realize is that DIY repairs often end up costing more money and time, so they often cut corners on material and quality to just finish the job. This not only causes more damage to the roof, it doesn’t fix the original issue.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TOOLS

Knowing how to deal with roofing obstacles is important, but having the right items in your toolbox will enable you to do your job easily. Not just any tool will get the job done, at least the right way. Specialized tools will make your job go smoothly without the annoying setbacks. Worse, if you don’t have the right gear, you could end up having to redo construction projects. Check out these products in roofing that will make your project safer and easier.

1- NAILGUN

A nail gun will make fast work out of a slow job. With the highest reviews and reliability, the Hitachi NV45AB2 is awesome for contractors and homeowners alike. It’s precise due to its carbide tipped nose; intuitive, easy to use, and weatherproofed so you can use it in difficult weather. It has a rubber grip to prevent fatigue, and is light and easy to carry with one hand.

2- MOISTURE METER

One of the most common challenges with roofs is damage from moisture. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where mold or water issues started. Mold and leaks will damage a roof more over time, and keeping moisture levels under control is vital during repair work or replacement.

A moisture meter can accurately detect water, helping you quickly find the source of the issue.

3- MAGNETIC SWEEPER

Cleaning up after small items is much simpler with a magnetic sweeper. This tool picks up nails, staples, bolts and metal shavings without much effort. To make your work easier, many are equipped with adjustable handles and quick-release mechanisms to dispose of the metal pieces effortlessly. Find one with rubber wheels to prevent damage. A magnetic sweeper tool is a must to keep your worksite free of metal debris and keep the area safe.

4- LADDER

It’s never a good sign if you feel unsteady climbing your ladder. A wobbly ladder, or one that is used incorrectly, will put you on the fast track to accidents and injury. While it’s tempting to focus on the height of the ladder, stability and strength should be a top priority. An extension ladder that is made out of fiberglass is both durable and lightweight. This makes it easy to transport and set up without sacrificing quality. Ladder hooks provide added security and make it safer for you to use without a second thought.

5- LADDER HOIST

While a sturdy ladder for getting around the construction site is important, hoists are a must in the roofing industry. Carrying your materials up a ladder can be dangerous. A ladder hoist or lift is a great alternative to transport shingles and other heavy items without risking the safety of others. Because they can handle a lot more weight than what you could carry on your own, it saves your company time by taking care of dangerous tasks more efficiently.

6- GLOVES

Gloves that protect your hands without slowing you down or cutting back your dexterity are a essential. MaxiFlex Ultimate gloves are reasonably priced, high quality, thin, flexible, and breathable. They are 100% silicone free, which is impressive for a durable roofer’s glove. These are made of a micro-foam nitrile and a seamless knit nylon. Their breathability is a unique feature for roofing gloves, since they have airflow on the front and back of the hand. This will keep your hands from sweating.

7- AUTOMATIC SAFETY GRIP

Safety lines and harnesses are crucial to prevent falls. One product is making a difference for productivity in roofing safety. An Automatic Following Rope Grab made by DBI-SALA follows the roofer as they move along their safety line. This product is a must for easily carrying supplies to other parts of the roof. It also comes in manual options where the worker would grip the device to move it along their lifeline. Giving your attention to the task right in front of you is easier when you use safety products like this.

8- SAFETY HARD HATS

The protection and safety of every person on the job should be addressed before starting any work. Head injuries can happen quick and cause severe damage. A hard hat is a simple way to keep employees safe, not to mention comply with OSHA regulations. Find ones that are easily adjustable and lightweight. Ventilated or cooling features are also important features to keep in mind when working in hot conditions.

9- UTILITY KNIFE

A valuable tool for countless uses, a utility knife is needed for any roofing project. Since they are low-priced, it’s best to make sure that everyone working on the site has one. This way time isn’t wasted going up and down the ladder looking for tools. Cutting through shingles will cause a lot of wear and tear on tools. While most any utility knife will get the job done, find one with replaceable blades that are sharp and strong. This will allow you to simply replace blades when needed instead of buying a new knife for every job.

10- SEAM ROLLER

A quality seam roller can make a world of a difference for your comfort and productivity. It’s not an expensive tool to find and can protect your hand and wrist from repetitive motion injuries. Find one that has a comfortable grip that allows your wrist to feel relaxed. This is important so that your arms don’t tire easily, forcing you to take more breaks. Having a few extra seam rollers in your toolbox will ensure that anyone on the job can quickly help with roofing tasks.

11- HATCHET

Whether you are doing residential or commercial roofing, it’s hard to complete the job without a hatchet. Since this tool is used to tear shingles and pound nails all day long, spending a little extra on quality is worth it. Hatchets are available with a variety of features to help make the job easier, but getting one that is sturdy and reliable will be the most important. From adjustable to magnetized, AJC hatchets offer a variety of options to choose from.

12- CHALK BOX

Keeping your shingles straight is a crucial detail that can’t be overlooked. To get accurate markings and perfect alignment, a chalk box is required. This inexpensive tool can save you from ruining an installation. A simple chalk line will help ensure that you are prepared for the layout of any installation.

13- ROOFING SHOVELS

Removing multiple layers of shingles is an unavoidable task of roofing. While hammers and other simple tools might get the job done, it takes more effort. A specialized shovel will allow you to dedicate more time important repairs. As with other hand tools for roofing, it should have a comfortable grip so that you aren’t working harder than you must. Invest in a shovel that is lightweight so you don’t get fatigued quickly. With the right shingle removal shovel, you can tear through shingles and nails quickly, leaving you with a clean surface.

14- BULK MATERIAL WARMER

In cold weather, roofing shingles and adhesive can be negatively affected. Between 100º and 120º Fahrenheit, a heat box, or bulk material warmer, can keep your roofing products from freezing. Hot boxes provide a uniform, evenly heated core technology for optimal use all year. This helps prevent any voided warranty for roofing in cold weather. They cost less to run than keeping materials in the cab of a warm truck. With remote temperature control options for specific contracting needs, it makes for one less item to worry about with repairs. Whatever the roofing emergency, hot boxes can help solve problems year-round.

Maximizing roof life doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With proper knowledge and maintenance, keeping a roof in the best shape will prevent major damage and repairs down the road. Whether you’re a professional roofing company or DIY homeowners fixing your garden shed, these products can help you complete your projects most comfortably and effectively.