10 Best Roofing tools & equipment to have

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  March 28, 2022
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When it comes to roofing, without the right set of tools, you will not have a good time. There is a high risk of accidents if you are not set up properly. Statistics show that roofing is, in fact, one of the most dangerous jobs out there that can lead to injuries every year.

Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, you must make sure you have all the necessary tools at your disposal before taking on the task. Any professional roofing contractor ensures his safety, and so should you. No job is worth risking your neck knowingly.

That being said, not many people have a complete knowledge of which tools he needs to have in his arsenal for the task. Without the proper idea of the required tools, you expose yourself to a high chance of failure. However, don’t worry; we have you covered.

Tools-for-Roofing

In this article, we will take a look at different tools for roofing to help ensure you have a safe and productive experience when working on a project on the roof.

List of Tools for Roofing

Below you will find a list of tools along with their uses that are essential for any roofing project.

1. Extension Ladder

The first tool that you must have in your inventory is an extension ladder for any roofing project. Without a functional and stable ladder, you will not even be able to reach the roof safely.

Find a unit that can extend and does not wobble when you set it up on the ground. That way, you will be able to work with roofs at different heights.

2. Roofing Nailer

How to strip wire fast
How to strip wire fast

A roofing nailer will most likely be your most-used tool in the inventory. Because of its speed and precision, you will be able to get through tasks quickly and efficiently. Though some people opt to go with some types of hammers, a roofing nailer is usually a better choice because of its versatility.

This tool is also quite lightweight, and in most cases, can be operated with only one hand. As a result, you will be able to control your body better and be safer when working.

3. Roofing air compressor

Without an air compressor, you will not be able to power your pneumatic air tools. Finding a high-quality roofing air compressor will help you maintain the appropriate amount of air pressure in your nail gun, allowing you to carry on with your project effectively.

If you have a team of people working on the roof, you might want to invest in a unit with a bigger air tank. That way, the air compressor can power multiple nail guns simultaneously, making your tasks even more efficient.

4. Chalk Snap Line

Chalk snap line is a very important tool for roofers. Whether you want to align the gutters or install open valleys on the roof, you need to use a chalk snap line. This tool allows you to align and arrange different elements that you want to install on the roof correctly.

5. Utility Knife

Utility knife brings a degree of versatility to any roofers’ toolkit. They work well when you are cutting an underlayment for the shingles or any form of insulation on the roof. It makes many different roofing tasks easier.

6. Roofing Shovel, Scoop Shovel, or Pry Bar

The three items listed here all serve the same purpose, which is to remove old shingles. Scoop Shovel is the cheapest of the bunch and can do the job somewhat effectively. If you are on a budget, consider investing in a scoop shovel when starting out. In a word, we call the tool a single removal tool.

A roofing shovel, however, will give you more strength to remove the shingles. You will be able to work faster and more efficiently with this tool. Furthermore, you would also want to have a pry bar in your inventory since it will help you take out the old nails easily.

7. Measuring Tape

The measuring tape is quite a straightforward tool. It will help you take accurate measurements and allow you to plan ahead. No matter what type of construction work you are doing, a measuring tape is a must-have in your toolkit.

Nowadays, you will even find some laser tools that help you take measurements. However, they are not very reliable as the readings may come wrong in short distances. Even if you choose to go with a laser tool, make sure you have an old-school tape as a replacement.

8. Cordless Drill

A power drill is an essential tool for any sort of handyman task. And since you are working on the roof, a corded drill is not a viable option. You are not likely to find a power outlet in the roof, and if you use an extended power socket, the risk of tripping over the wire is always there.

With a corded drill, you eliminate the risk and hassle of managing the power cord all the time. This type of drill is also quite lightweight, which is perfect for roofing.

9. Circular Saw

For any decking works on the roof, you need to cut wooden pieces down to size, and for that, you need a saw of some type. A circular saw makes straight cuts fast and efficient, which is an absolute requirement in this case.

Find a unit with at least a 7.5-inch blade to cut through any wood you might use on the roof. That way, you do not need to worry about replacing the circular saw any time soon.

10. Safety Gears

Finally, you need to invest in proper safety gear if you plan to take roofing seriously. The safety gears include a pair of goggles, hard toe boots with good grips, leather gloves, safety harness, and hard hats.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a lot of equipment that you need when it comes to roofing. This extensive list of tools should give you an idea as to what you need to get to do the job correctly.

We hope you found our article on essential tools for roofing informative and helpful.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.