There’s no doubt it’s a wise move to hire a qualified roofing contractor to remove, install or maintain a roof. But with a little bit of time and knowledge, and often with the help of a few friends, replacing a roof is a realistic do it yourself project. If you use the right roofing tools the job can be relatively easy. Look for these tools at a local hardware store.
A slate cutter does just what the name implies, cuts slate and shingles. It slices through most roofing materials like a hot knife through butter. Industrial versions cut 1/2” thick shingles easily. For an easier start and more control make sure to get a model with a punch.
Shingles and refuse can be disposed of by trekking to the edge and tossing them to the ground, right? Wrong! Use 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 this bucket to dispose of shingles.
Use a hip runner to install ridge cap and hip ridges perfectly straight every time. Contractors use hip runners, so do it yourself roofers should take the hint.
Seaming pliers are another important roofing tool. They’re for pulling off shingles, especially stubborn shingles that seem to have a mind of their own intent on staying in place. Seaming pliers include flat teeth to grip the shingle without tearing it. Combine the pliers with 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 is used for both for removing the old roof and installing the new roof. It’s also useful as a regular hammer and with the ax and blade for other projects besides roofing.
Not only will most local hardware stores carry these tools, they’ll rent some of the larger ones such as a slate cutter. 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.
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