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DIY Roofing Tools

Dan's Tips

I’ve put together this list of DIY roofing tools with the home owner in mind. The “Minimal Tool List” is a must have, composed of common hand tools that are not expensive. I would not begin a sloped roof project without everything in this list. This list assumes you have an asphalt shingle roof as that is the most common. I would not recommend anyone try to do their own roof if the pitch is greater than 6/12 unless you have construction experience. (Learn how to measure your pitch).

The second “Nice to Have” list contains tools which can greatly reduce the time it takes you to do your work. Some of the items on this list may seem like common sense but I wanted to try and cover everything you will need.

MINIMAL TOOL LIST

  1. Ladder. Make sure it is long enough and able to support your weight + 50%.
  2. Footwear – tight fitting sneakers in good condition will work well.
  3. Tape measure / pencil / pad
  4. Framing square.
  5. Chalk line.
  6. Stapler.
  7. Hammer.
  8. Roofing shovel.
  9. Flat pry bar.
  10. Caulking gun.
  11. Caulking.
  12. Safety harness – don’t skimp on this especially if your roof is has a pitch greater than 4/12.
  13. Safety lines.
  14. Roof anchors.
  15. Tarps – just in case – we do live in Greater Vancouver.
  16. Circular saw.
  17. Extension cord.
  18. Safety glasses.
  19. Utility knife with extra blades, the break off type are best.

NICE TO HAVE

  1. Air compressor – with a tank large enough to run one gun without slowing you down. I would recommend a compressor capable of 5 CFM output or better and a 20 gallon tank or better.
  2. Air hose – enough to reach every corner of your roof without moving the compressor.
  3. Air nail gun – oiled and ready to go.
  4. Roofing coil nails for your gun.
  5. Cordless Circular saw – reduces tripping hazard.
  6. Roofing hatchet.
  7. Hammer tacker.

TIPS

  1. Rent a dumpster and have it put as close to your roof as possible. This will reduce the work involved in removing
    your waste.
  2. If possible have the roofing supplier deliver the material directly to your roof.
  3. Remember: Safety FIRST! WorkSafeBC has all the roofing safety information at your fingertips.
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