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When you have roofing that needs installing or fixing, it’s crucial to have the right tools and equipment to make your work more efficient.
For instance, did you know there are specific roofing shovels designed to tear off your old shingles cleanly and quickly? Are you aware of the differences between a utility knife and a roofing blade for cutting shingles?
If you’re curious to learn more about these products, keep reading for our list of the best roofing tools to get the job done!
8 Essential Roofing Tools and Equipment
Roofing Ladders
Our Pick: LittleGiant Revolution Multi-Position Ladder, Model 26
It goes without saying you need a ladder to access your roof.
However, roofing ladders aren’t like regular step ladders. These extension ladders are designed specifically for roofing jobs: They can be securely attached to a sloped roof so you can safely work at an angle.
The LittleGiant ladder is a five-in-one ladder that’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use at varying heights.
Besides having a weight capacity of 300 pounds, it can also reach up to 26 feet. Despite its size, storing and moving it around isn’t difficult because of its lightweight, aluminum finish, and built-in wheels.
Compared to other brands, it is quite expensive, but for the quality, stability, and functionality it offers, this piece of equipment may be worth the investment.
Cordless Electric Drills
Our Pick: Black+Decker 20-Volt Cordless Drill
A drill is an essential tool for carrying out most repairs—not just roofing work. It allows you to quickly and accurately drive screws into different surfaces.
We prefer cordless electric drills like this Black+Decker one over pneumatic/air-powered tools because of their convenience.
Even if an air drill can pack in a little extra power, you’ll also have to purchase and maintain its air compressor.
The Black+Decker drill is more user-friendly: Its lithium battery can hold a charge for up to 18 months, and the tool comes with a kit containing 30 accessories for your multiple repair needs.
Most importantly, it can drill and drive a screw through wood, metal, and plastic.
Roofing Nail Guns
Our Pick: Porter-Cable 20-Volt Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
For a roofing job that requires nails instead of screws, you’ll need a roofing hammer or a nail gun to get those roofing nails through the roofing materials.
However, our tool of choice is a roofing nail gun—more powerful than a typical roofing hammer; nail guns get the job done faster.
The Porter-Cable cordless nail gun features a sequential firing mechanism so you can drive in nails safely and precisely.
Its lightweight design also reduces fatigue even after long periods of use. Lastly, since this nail gun model is a battery-powered tool, you won’t need to get a separate air compressor or gas cartridge to fuel it.
Roofing Shovels
Our Pick: Qualcraft 22.5-Inch Shingle Removal Shovel
Another important roofing tool is a roofing shovel, which is designed to tear off old shingles.
Whether you’re replacing a large part of your roof or fixing a problem area underneath the shingles, you’ll need this tool to get the job done successfully.
The Qualcraft roofing shovel is compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use. It also has four heat-tempered metal teeth that can easily grab onto nails, fiberglass, or asphalt shingles that need removing.
Utility Knives
Our Pick: Stanley 10-209 5.5-Inch Utility Knife
Some roofers prefer to use roofing blades for more precise shingle cuts, but we think a utility knife works just as well!
Besides being able to perform the same function, this multipurpose tool can be used for both roofing work and general home repair.
We chose the Stanley knife for its sharp, heavy-duty blades and excellent metal finish—it’s affordable, but it also looks like it’ll last you a long time.
Pry Bars
Our Pick: Estwing Pro Claw Nail Puller
When you have old nails that need replacing, you’ll need this tool to get the job done.
We like the Estwing Pro for its ergonomic design: One side of the pry bar has a sharp claw to accurately remove nails without damaging the area around it. The other side features a precision thin claw for harder to reach areas.
Its non-slip cushion grip also allows the user to work quickly and comfortably.
You can even use this tool to remove select shingles if you don’t want to tear off large roof pieces all at once with your roofing shovel.
Caulking Guns
Our Pick: Makita XGC01Z Cordless Caulk & Adhesive Gun
Another common roofing tool is a caulking gun for dispensing sealants. When you need to fill in gaps or attach different surfaces together, you’ll need one to help with quick and accurate application.
You can choose from an assortment of products: Manual, cordless electric, or pneumatic caulking guns.
However, like the tools we picked above, we recommend getting a cordless one like the Makita.
This battery-powered tool has five-speed settings for easy yet powerful dispensing. You won’t tire out like with the manual one, and you won’t need to worry about the air compressor of the pneumatic one either.
Its smart technology also prevents battery overloading, over-discharging of sealant, and overheating.
Aviation/Tin Snips
Our Pick: Crescent Wiss MetalMaster Compound Action Snips M3R
Tin snips are great at cutting thin metal for minor roofing repair jobs. However, aviation snips are the best tools for trimming metal flashing, sheet metal, and gutter materials.
Like tin snips, they’re meant for making precise cuts, but they work even on thick metal roofing.
The Crescent Wiss snips have the edge over other market tools because they can make both straight and curved cuts.
It also has non-slip handles for both left-handed and right-handed users, so you can be comfortable while working on any roofing job.
Guidelines for a Roofing Repair Job
Before performing any repair jobs, be sure to review all the necessary procedures and safety precautions in your state or country. Always have your safety equipment on hand at your job site.
Here are some extra tools and materials you’ll need for a safe and successful roofing repair:
Hard Hats
Hard hats are a must when doing any kind of roofing or construction work. Your head is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body, so you should always protect it from all kinds of impact.
In these situations, ordinary caps won’t do much besides shielding you from the heat. Using the right hard hat is vital to your health and, more importantly, your life.
You can easily find hard hats in your local stores for an affordable price, so don’t try to cut costs by performing a roofing job without one!
Safety Harnesses & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When you’re working at such a great height, it’s crucial to wear safety equipment such as a harness to prevent slips and falls.
The rope and safety harness make up what’s called your Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). Always double-check the specific instructions of your model before using it.
It’s also important to have the proper PPE on in case of any accidents. This typically includes safety goggles, gloves, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes.
As much as possible, no part of your body should be exposed to falling debris or heavy objects.
Roofing Shoes
When working on a roofing project, pick up a pair of roofing shoes or boots for added protection and better performance.
Its soft soles are delicate enough to prevent any roof damage, but its steel toes are thick enough to protect you from injury. You can always ask employees at your local stores to recommend the best fit and style for your purpose.
Toe Boards
Toe boards are a special kind of equipment for jobs on sloped roofs. Before starting any roofing work, these wood or steel brackets are attached to different parts of the roof with a nail gun.
Without these boards, it would be hard for workers to have solid footing on uneven surfaces. Even while wearing a harness, they would be susceptible to small falls.
You can also use the brackets to hold any extra equipment you might need so you don’t have to carry them all with you as you work.
Remember, prevention is always key! Even if you’re a seasoned roofer, you should always keep these guidelines in mind for your safety and security.
other basic equipment and roofing tools you should have in your job site
Tarps
Usually made of waterproof cloth or plastic, tarps provide outdoor protection from dirt, debris, and changing weather conditions.
You need these to cover your unfinished roofing work during unexpected rains or when you’re waiting for sealants or roofing cement to dry.
These can also be used to shield the ground, your lawn, and other surfaces surrounding your work area for more efficient clean-ups.
Chalk Line Tools
A reel and chalk are tools used to mark long, straight lines on your roofing material. Since precision and alignment are significant for both aesthetics and function, you’ll definitely need these roofing tools in your arsenal.
Measuring Tape
Always keep a trusty, metal measuring tape in your tool kit. This doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—just make sure it’s durable enough to last you a long time.
Buying Guide for Roofing Tools
It can be challenging to choose the right types of roofing tools for your business or home project. That’s why we’ve listed down some common characteristics below to help you make the right choice!
Material
How was the item constructed? Is it made of plastic, metal, wood, or fiberglass?
The material it is made of determines its weight, bulkiness, and durability over time.
Metal and fiberglass are usually preferred for roofing tools because they are less prone to breakage. Fiberglass also has the added benefit of being lightweight, so you aren’t burdened while working up on the roof.
Comfort
Performing repairs isn’t easy—they can last minutes, hours, or even days! Given this, it’s best to search for tools that are both effective and comfortable to use.
Notice if the product features long, thick, non-slip handles, spring-loaded mechanisms, and a power source—all examples of good ergonomic design.
Versatility
Are you always doing roofing work, or do you typically perform a bunch of different repairs around the house?
Some tools, such as roofing blades and nail guns, are more function-specific, which can also cost a bit more.
If you expect to perform just some basic roof repairs, you may be better off with multipurpose tools such as a utility knife and a hammer.
While cordless tools are also more convenient, their limited battery life can be burdensome for people who take more than a few hours to perform a repair.
Nail guns, drills, and caulking guns have pneumatic alternatives for professional roofers looking for more power over an extended period.
Price
How much you spend on your tools is entirely up to you. Quality usually increases along with the price, but that’s not always the case.
You can always read product reviews online, ask for advice from pros you trust, and check out the supplier’s official website for more information before purchasing anything.
Conclusion
There are so many benefits to choosing the right tools for your roofing construction and repairs. Besides being more efficient and effective, you’ll also be a lot safer while working.
You may want to check out our top picks under each category for a better, more user-friendly experience the next time you attempt some roofing work!
Don’t forget to follow our safety guidelines (and the respective procedures in your local area) as well.
Good luck with your roof repair!
