Blog>Trade>Starting a Business>What tools does a roofer need?
Last updated: 19 December 2024
What tools does a roofer need?
Like any trade, a roofer needs certain tools to get the job done efficiently and done well too. There are a few different tools it’s good to have in your toolbox, so let’s round them up.
Whether you're just becoming a roofer, or you have years of experience, you won’t be able to do your job without the right tools! Not only that, but you might even be able to do your work more efficiently with the right set of tools together.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide on the best roofing tools you should invest in if you have your own trade business.
Check out our roofing tools list and then head over to our partner Selco to find all the tools you need.
As a Checkatrade member, you’ll be able to unlock exclusive rates with our partner, Selco!
Get great member savings with our exclusive Selco rates
Save money on your tools and materials Here at Checkatrade, we know how hard it can be to find discounts on tools and materials. This is especially true for smaller businesses, who might not be able to afford buying parts in bulk. That’s why, here at Checkatrade, we’ve teamed up with Selco to bring
What are the essential roofing tools you need?
We’ve put together this list of must-haves for any roofing project to ensure you always have the right tools with you for any job:
Roofing safety equipment
Rubber mallet
Pneumatic nail gun
Utility knife
Pry bar
Ladder
Roofing square
Tin snips
So, why are each of these tools essential for you to have?
Roofing safety equipment
It doesn’t matter if your project is big or small, you should have adequate safety equipment for every single job to ensure roofing safety.
Minimising the risk of accidents and injuries is really important for tradespeople. It’s also important to have the right tradesperson insurance in case anything does go wrong.
The essential safety equipment you need includes a safety harness, gloves, a hard hat, and non-slip shoes. You should also invest in some good quality protective eyewear.
When you’re dealing with lots of nails and pieces of roofing, protecting your eyes from rogue metal shards is key.
Safety equipment is expensive, but it’s worth investing in to save you the costs of potentially taking extended leave due to injury! Keep your business (and your life) safe with the right equipment for you and your team.
Rubber mallet
Rubber mallets can be much more useful than hammers in roofing jobs. They can allow you to safely adjust your materials without causing them damage. They can also be used for multiple jobs, like repairing flashing.
Their top function is laying roof tiles and shingles with some gentle tapping. The rubber ensures that you don’t break the shingles and can ensure a tight fit to avoid leaks and wind damage.
Pneumatic nail gun
Another key component you need for laying shingles is a nail gun. A hammer and nails will work just fine too, but you can get the job done much quicker with a nail gun.
Pneumatic nail guns use compressed air to fire a nail into shingles with a single trigger. You can even get nail guns that can deliver two nails per second.
They work on all kinds of shingles too, including fibreglass, asphalt, and building paper.
Utility knife
Having a retractable or folding utility knife is handy for any tradesperson. For roofers, this is an essential tool for cutting and trimming shingles and other roofing materials.
Most blades can be fixed at a certain angle to help you cut materials easily.
Tin snips
Tin snips are a small hand-held tool that allows you to easily cut different metals. This can come in especially handy if you’re adjusting drip edges or fitting gutters to your roofing.
Pry bar
It’s not just laying shingles that you’ll have to do as a roofer – you’ll have to remove them too. This is made a lot easier with a pry bar. They can come in lots of different sizes depending on your needs, so buying a set can be really useful.
Ladder
Well, you have to get up on those roofs somehow! And make sure to get the correct height of the ladder, otherwise, you might find yourself stuck up there.
Toolbelt
All roofers know that it’s not always possible to bring your toolbox onto a roof with you. So, using a toolbelt allows you to bring up all your essentials without having to climb up and down so regularly.
Not only does this make your work more efficient, but safer too! You can even buy toolbelts with closable pockets to keep everything tucked in while you move around.
How to register as a self-employed trade
What is a sole trader? A sole trader is someone who is self-employed and runs their own business. When you become a sole trader, you're responsible for managing your business's finances and you’re in charge of paying yourself. You'll keep all profits after tax and be responsible for any losses made
Where to find top-quality roofing tools
Here at Checkatrade, we know that top-quality tools tend to come with a higher price tag. As a tradesperson, it’s important to invest in the right places in order to provide the best services, and that includes tools.
That’s why Checkatrade members have access to all sorts of great benefits, including discounted tools from Selco. Whether there’s a tool that would make life a lot easier or you’ve used the same ones for too long, it’s covered.
Alternatively, if you’re just starting out then it’s a great way to save money on all the essential tools for a roofer.
Unlock exclusive rates on tools with a Checkatrade membership
Checkatrade members get amazing discounts with partner brands including Selco
Join Checkatrade and save on the best roofing tools
Get in touch with our team today, to start the checks, and become a guaranteed and approved member of Checkatrade. Our members benefit from a range of Offers and Discounts from our partners.
We’ll help you grow your business, get more work, and make great savings on your necessary work supplies.
Win more work as a roofer with a Checkatrade membership
Whether you're a new business or well-established and looking for more work, customers need your expertise
