Using the right commercial roofing tools and equipment is a prerequisite for an efficient and successful roof installation project. As a roofing contractor, you need to have all the tools required to perform general and specialized tasks during roof installation.
With the best commercial roofing tools and equipment, you’ll seamlessly perform all the roofing tasks, including roof repairs and replacements. This guide explores some of the essential tools and equipment you need to install, repair, or replace commercial roofing.
Commercial Roofing Tools and Equipment for Roofing Installation
As a roofing contractor, you should include the fundamental roofing tools and equipment in your inventory. That way, you will be sure your roofing project will run smoothly. Here are the commercial roofing tools and equipment for roofing installation.
Roofing Hammers
A reliably commercial roofing contractor needs to have a roofing hammer. Roofers use this to hammer down nails, remove misplaced tiles, and clean the roof’s work areas. Roofing hammers come in various shapes, with some that look like standard hammers and others like a hatchet. They have unique features for easy and efficient nailing.
Nail Guns
Some roofing contractors use nail guns to apply shingles and complete other nailing work instead of using the standard roofing hammers. Nail guns make nailing work easier than hammers or hatchets. Although some roofers still prefer the roofing hammers to nail guns. If you use nail guns, you might still need the roofing hammer for other specific tasks.
Hammer Tacker Stapler
A hammer tacker stapler is a staple gun used to insert staples on the felt underlayment whenever the tool’s head strikes a hard object. You can use the hammer tacker stapler for various purposes, including installing carpet backing or even insulation. Roofers can use this tool alongside the nail guns.
Scoop Shovel
Unlike the flat landscaping shovels for digging, scoop shovels are broad, deep shovels that do not have a pointy end. You can use the shovel to remove loose shingles from the roof. A scoop shovel is the number one choice for many roofers because it’s relatively cheap and can get the job done faster. Its alternatives are a roofing shovel or a tear-off shovel.
Utility Knife
Roofing contractors use utility knives to cut roofing materials like shingles into the right size and shape. A roofing utility knife has a knob to open and close it. This eliminates the need for a screwdriver. The knife has a hooked blade, secured by a magnet, to make the cutting process easier. The hooks can help you control the cut when cutting shingles.
Shingle Remover
There are several versions of shingle removers, including the one that resembles a shovel with teeth at the end. Some shingle removers are designed for tearing off shingles. The shingle pry bar is another shingle remover that can remove one or two shingles at a time. Notably, these tools are best suited for replacing a few shingles.
Roofing Ladders
When installing a commercial roof, you’ll need an extension ladder and a step ladder to reach rooftops of various heights. You’ll need several ladders when handling a major roofing project to increase your team’s productivity.
Hard hats
If you prioritize your team’s safety, you have to ensure that all your employees put on hard hats. Ensure that the hard hats are OSHA-approved and comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements. Be sure that every worker has a hard hat and a replacement hat, in case the first one is damaged or breaks on the job.
Roofing Shoes
The kind of shoes you wear during roofing installation also matters a lot. Consider steel-toed and soft-soled shoes to boost your safety and efficiency. The soft soles can bend swiftly to avoid applying much pressure to the shingles. Shoes with rigid plastic soles can harm your roof. The steel-toed shoes protect your toes from falling equipment.
Air Compressor
When using pneumatic nail guns, you’ll need an air compressor to maintain pressure in the nail gun at all times. Some roofers use nailer-compressor combo tools that don’t require air compressors. However, these devices can’t maintain high pressure from start to end of a roofing project, which may be costly and time-consuming.
Magnetic Sweeper
Once you complete installing commercial roofing, you’ll need to clean up around the building to remove sharp objects like nails. That’s where the magnetic sweeper comes in handy. The tool can pick up stray nails you may have dropped on the ground during the installation.
Delmhorst Meter
Delmhorst meter is a moisture detection tool that helps roofing contractors determine the moisture levels of roof surfaces and underlying insulation. You can use the device to measure the moisture content in roofing materials. The good news is that the gadget is precise and easy to read. Thus, a Delmhorst meter offers added convenience.
Reciprocating Saws
If you need to cut out roof decking to install a skylight or remove the damaged decking, you’ll need a reciprocating saw. The tools are easier to use on the rooftop and can access tight spaces on the roof without over-shooting. They function more similarly to their counterparts, the circular saws.
Roofing Tarps
When installing commercial roofing during bad weather, you’ll need a few tarps to cover and protect the roof’s exposed parts from water damages. Use poly tarps that can slick off the pouring rainwater to prevent it from reaching the roof’s wooden supports. You can also lay the tarps around the house to collect falling shingles.
Final Words
If you want your roofing project to be successful, consider investing in the commercial roofing tools and equipment we’ve listed in this guide. However, they are not the only roofing tools and equipment that can improve efficiency and productivity. Other tools like power brooms and vacuum cleaners can also help you clean the roof after installation.
Contact Roof Master to learn more about commercial roofing tools and equipment.
