Roofing tools

You can’t go wrong hiring a qualified professional for a roofing project. But with a little bit of time and knowledge, and often with the help of a few friends, replacing a roof can be a rewarding do it yourself project. The key to doing it yourself rather than doing yourself in is the right roofing tools. Most of the following tools can be found at the local hardware store.

A slate cutter does just what the name implies, cuts slate and shingles. It cuts through most roofing materials like a hot knife through butter. Industrial versions cut 1/2” thick shingles easily. Some models have a punch to get them started, which also offers better control in the cutting process.

Instead of throwing the shingles to the ground, which requires a constant trek to the perilous edge, consider a ridge bucket. These buckets are designed to hug the roof so they don’t slip even on a steep incline. It’s safer and quicker to use a ridge bucket to dispose of materials.

Use a hip runner to install ridge cap and hip ridges perfectly straight every time. Of all the roofing tools this is one the contractors always have, but do it your self enthusiasts rarely consider.

Seaming pliers aren’t for sewing. They’re for pulling shingles, especially stubborn shingles that seem to have a mind of their own intent on staying in place. Seaming pliers have teeth to grip the shingle without tearing it. Add a good pair of thick work gloves to save your fingers and hands from scrapes, bruises and blisters caused by gripping and pulling rough shingles.

What has a hammer head on one side and an ax and blade on the other? No, not a movie hero’s weapon, it’s a slater’s hammer. This roofing tool can be used both for removing and installing roofs. Don’t worry about it going to waste after the roofing project, it’s also a handy every day hammer.

Most local hardware stores rent these tools as well as sell them. This way a home owner can use the best quality tools rather than one that’s cheaper to purchase. Knowledge is also a roofing tool, perhaps the most important of them. Local hardware stores, as well as the Internet, are great sources of information on roofing and roofing tools. Between books they carry and staff on hand who can give you advice, they can prepare a person for every step of the roofing process.