If you're a roofing contractor, or you’re just getting started in the business and learning the trade, you've probably already thought about which roofing tools you'll need. You'll need the best pry bar for pulling materials off of roofs, a reliable roofing hammer to drive nails and split shingles, as well as an assortment of dependable ladders. These are just a few of the tools that are considered essential for anyone involved in construction.
However, if you want to deliver the finest work for your clients, you need more than basic roofing tools. When only focusing on the basics of roof repair and installation, many specialty tools may easily go unnoticed.
Here are 6 roofing tools that every contractor should own:
1. Telescoping Lighted Magnetic Pickup Tool
When buying a roofing magnet simply based on pickup power, remember that getting into confined areas may be necessary, and size will be more of a factor than pickup power. Some applications may benefit from additional features, rather than more strength. A hand-held magnet that is lightweight and compact can easily fit in a pickup truck's cargo area or even in the glovebox. Having a flashlight as part of the tool will also help retrieve from dark areas.
Magnetic sweepers are great for scanning a roof or work zone for screws, nails, and other hardware, but magnetic pickups are ideal for more accurate tool recovery or fastener retrieval. If a tiny metal instrument falls into a gutter or downspout, it is easier (and safer) to retrieve it with a metal pickup tool, as opposed to a magnetic sweeper, which may be too large to fit in those areas.
2. Moisture Meter
After a storm, excessive water in roofing materials could lead to mold development and material decay that lasts months or even years. To support insurance claims or potential FEMA registration, it is necessary to provide adequate documentation proving existing water damage. Although moisture meters are accessible in the roofing business, they require calibration, sampling, and specialized personnel. They are also not particularly convenient or versatile when it comes to measuring various materials on the job site.
Fortunately, a new breed of portable, hand-held, rapid moisture measurement tools is now available for roofing contractors that can be used on a wide range of materials with only minimal training. The "point-and-measure" moisture meters can be utilized at the job site to measure moisture whenever needed.
Today, the average roofing contractor's toolkit needs an upgrade. Contractors engaged in any job where water intrusion is an issue will need to have a reliable, portable, immediate moisture meter for preliminary assessment, as well as throughout the building or renovation process to ensure that the project is finished correctly.
3. Laser Measuring Tool
As a contractor in the competitive remodeling and restoration sector, you need to be on the lookout for any opportunity to improve your position. You're handling a slew of projects, and it's not feasible to carry a large amount of equipment with you. Traditional tools are nice to have around, but they can often be inaccurate and inefficient when used on the job site.
Laser measuring tools are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry, because they provide a high degree of accuracy and portability. A laser measuring tool can be used to quickly and easily measure distances, areas, and volumes without having to physically touch or move objects. This is beneficial when working on projects where space is limited, or when trying to avoid damage to delicate surfaces.
The laser distance meter is currently the greatest value for the money. Costs are now lower than ever, and these measuring instruments feature cutting-edge features. So, which device should you pick? Consider the LDM2, 65' Compact Laser Measure.
The laser measuring tool is faster, safer, and more accurate than a standard tape measure. It takes far less time and only one hand to hold the gadget against a wall, aim at the opposite wall, and press the button than with a conventional tape measure. Both hands must secure one end of a typical tape measure, walk the other end to the far wall, record the reading, and then pull out the tape.
4. Utility Knife
The #855 Utility Knife is ideal for cutting and scoring wallboard, cardboard, roofing shingles, linoleum, carpet, veneers and other materials.
It is an indispensable resource for every roofer and serious contractor:
- Three cutting depths
- Blade retracts into handle for safety
- Replacement blades (#852-100) are available
5. Utility Knife Blade Refill
Where do you keep the extra blades for your crew's utility knives? There has never been a great place to keep a large quantity of them on hand that is convenient until now. This utility blade dispenser holds 50 blades at a time and can be mounted on the side of a truck box or on the wall at your job site. Your crew can take one blade at a time and always be ready to make a clean cut on tar paper, shingles, or underlayment.
6. Lightning Distance Indicator
Roofing contractors spend most of their time in the one place they don't want to be in a storm - on the roof. Wouldn't it be nice if there were a device that could warn of lightning strikes and how close they are to you? The #LD7 Personal Lightning Detector provides early warning of approaching storms and lightning from up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) away, to make outdoor activities safer.
Multiple alarm signals include audible and vibration alarms, and sequentially illuminating LEDs at various distance intervals. It advises if a storm is approaching, is stationary or departing, and can be clipped on your belt so it's out of the way, yet close enough to be heard and seen.
General Tools Has The Precise Digital Measuring Equipment You Need to Get the Job Done Right!
General Tools has been a well-known leader in the design and development of high-precision specialized tools for nearly a century, committed to innovation and dedicated to offering outstanding client service. We're delighted to offer tradesmen, craftsmen, and DIYers from all around the world a diverse selection of specialized tools that help them enhance their productivity, including our new line of precise digital measuring equipment.
Our tools can be found in hardware, mass retail, farm/ag, and specialty stores, as well as online. Contact us today for more information.
