Roofing contractors rely on tools to channel their skills, work efficiently, and provide quality services. The right roofer equipment is essential to creating happy customers. Let’s look at 19 tools that every roofer may need in their toolbox.
Tradie basics
Roofing is a speciality trade, but you’ll still need some basic tradie tools to do your job.
1. Ladder
Roofing contractors spend a lot of time climbing up and down ladders, so you’ll want a quality one! A sturdy ladder can help you safely reach the roof when replacing roofing or installing gutters. You might want to pair this humble tool with roof ladder hooks or roofing brackets to help make ladder use even safer.
2. Prybar
A prybar is an efficient way to remove shingles and other roofing materials. They can be purchased in a variety of lengths, which could be useful if you do a lot of removal jobs.
3. Utility knife
A simple utility knife is useful for opening boxes and trimming items down to size. Their retractable blades make them safe to use and store.
4. Hammers
While there are better tools for installing shingles and gutters (more on that later), a standard hammer is also useful for roofing contractors.
5. Caulking gun
This tool helps you put the finishing touch on many jobs. A caulking gun helps you lay a seamless line of caulking that is more uniform than if done by hand.
6. Chalk line kit
Need to create a straight line to lay out shingles? A chalk line kit helps you line everything up perfectly for a neat and tidy job.
7. Wheelbarrow
Carting away old shingles and other roofing materials is more efficient with a wheelbarrow. You can quickly remove large quantities of debris from a worksite in just a few trips.
8. Broom
Another tool for cleaning up, a broom is essential for sweeping away small debris.
9. Magnetic sweeper
Leaving nails behind is a no-no for many roofing contractors. A magnetic sweeper helps you recover nails and other unwanted metal bits, so they don’t become a liability for your business.
Roofer tools
Before electricity, roofers relied on handheld tools to do their jobs. These basic tools are still an essential part of the trade.
1. Shingle remover shovel
True to its name, a shingle remover shovel helps you remove old shingles. Unlike a standard shovel, shingle remover shovels have a set of teeth that makes them an effective piece of roofer equipment.
2. Hammer tacker
Before you can begin shingling, you’ll need to install roofing paper. A hammer tacker makes quick work of this task, so you can quickly get to the next step.
3. Roofing hatchet
A roofing hatchet is like two tools in one: the hatchet side helps you lift shingles, while the hammer side is used to secure them with nails. This is an essential roofer tool if you want to get the job done right!
4. Shingle cutter
Similar to a paper cutter, a shingle cutter quickly cuts shingles to the proper size with the pull of a level.
5. Tin snips
A good pair of tin snips make cutting delicate materials easier. These are generally used by roofers to cut flashing and fittings for gutters and drip edges.
Power tools
Sometimes you need roofer equipment with a bit of power! Power tools help make your work easier and more precise.
1. Cordless drill
If you need to use fasteners other than nails, a cordless drill may be the way to go. You can install screws faster and more securely than when using a traditional screwdriver.
2. Pneumatic nail gun
As a roofer, you’ve probably hammered more nails than you can count! A pneumatic nail gun helps you work smarter and more efficiently by speeding up the nailing process.
3. Circular saw
New roofing projects require a lot of plywood and wood underlay to be sized and cut. A circular saw is the quickest and most precise way to make these cuts.
Office equipment
Roofing work is only half the job when you own a small business! Office tools and equipment help you manage the admin side of your work.
1. Smartphone
Staying connected to customers, clients, staff, and suppliers may be essential to your business’ success. A smartphone lets you take phone calls, send emails, and respond to social media messages no matter where you are.
But that’s not all a smartphone can do. It may be possible to run your entire business right you’re your phone! Free and paid apps make it possible to accept credit card payments, track your finances, manage work schedules, and set up advertising wherever you are and whenever you like.
2. Laptop
For those that prefer a larger screen, a laptop is a great option for running the admin side of your roofing business. Popular apps and software, such as MS Office or the Google suite, allow you to create spreadsheets, invoices, and other essential business documents. A laptop may be better for responding to emails and social media messages from customers.
Insurance: The most important tool for roofers?
A properly stocked toolbox is essential to showcasing your roofing skills, and office tools can help your business run efficiently. But what about protecting the business you are building? There’s one tool you might consider that’s designed to do the job: roofer insurance!
Insurance for roofing contractors covers your small business against unexpected events, such as accidentally damaging a customer’s belongings or having your tools stolen. As a business owner, these and other expenses are your responsibility. Without insurance, this could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, legal fees, or compensation.
Thinking about roofer insurance for your small business? Learn more about coverage options for roofing contractors and how BizCover makes buying policies easy as!
