The tools that a local roofing specialist uses are essential to the quality of service they provide. These professionals depend on their tools for everything from cutting shingles, installing flashing and repairing leaks.
There is no way around it: if you want a great job done, you need to make sure your roofer has all the right equipment. Here’s a list of the most important tools that any roofing specialist should have:
Roofing Hammer
A good roofing hammer is one of the most useful tools when repairing a leak. It allows your specialist to pound at the spot where the water is leaking, and hopefully cracks it open so that they can fix the problem from within. A roofing specialist should always carry a hammer with them, as it can come in handy even for jobs that don’t involve roofing. For example, if your roofer happens to be on the third floor of an apartment complex, they may need a hammer for pounding in some nails.
Roofing Ladder
It’s a must, and it doesn’t matter what kind! A roofing specialist needs to be able to reach the high areas of your home or workplace so that they can perform their services effectively.
This must be a sturdy, safe ladder that is long enough to reach the highest point on your roof.
Roofing blade
If you need to remove shingles, this is the tool that you should use. A blade has a straight edge on one side and a serrated or jagged edge on the other. To use it, you slide the straight edge underneath a shingle and then press down on the handle to cut. If there’s been an especially bad storm or leak that has caused your roofing materials to get damp, this is also good for scraping off excess dirt from between layers of shingles.
Roofing shovel
Roofing shovels are used to remove a number of different types of debris from your roof. If you have an especially large amount of leaves or snow, these are the perfect tools for removing them before they can cause more damage than necessary. A shovel is also helpful for scooping up debris and getting it off of the roof so that your specialist can work on repairing any leaks.
Roofing Jack
This tool has a number of purposes, but one big use is to allow your specialist entry into an attic in order to perform their services. Some experts will bring a ladder with them for this purpose, but a roofing jack is also helpful in getting up to the area that needs repair. To use one, you set it up next to the roof and then push a lever down so that it attaches securely.
Roofing Nail Guns
This tool is a must for any roofing specialist. It allows them to nail down shingles in an efficient manner without having to drag out the hammer and deal with nails by hand. A roofing nail gun is also handy for nailing down flashing, which can sometimes be difficult to attach without one. A roofing specialist needs a good nail gun to do their work correctly.
Utility Knives For Roofing
Some roofers also use a utility knife as part of their basic toolkit, which is what professionals call it when all the tools are small and easy to carry. A utility knife can be used for scraping up dirt from between shingles or cutting flashing that’s too long for scissors. This is a useful tool for any roofing specialist who is looking to do their job efficiently.
Safety Harnesses
A roofing specialist needs a safety harness for their own protection as they walk around on the roof. This includes when wearing the harness, when they are using it to attach themselves to the building with a safety rope and also while doing any roofing work.
This will keep them from slipping and falling off. Usually a roofing specialist will have a harness with them in their toolkit as a part of their standard gear.
The Bottom Line
A roof repair specialist needs a variety of tools to do the job right. This article has looked at some basic items that are used in most jobs, so you can get an idea of what it takes to be successful in this line of work. If you’re looking for a professional, make sure they have all the right tools and use them safely.