The Essential Toolbox of a Roofer: Tools and Materials

Whether you are a homeowner or a professional roofer, understanding the tools and materials necessary for your job is crucial. Whether you need to repair an existing roof, install new shingles, or work on gutters and downspouts, it's important to know what you'll need before getting started. In this article we will discuss some of the most essential tools that every roofer should keep handy at all times.

Utility Knife
Utility knives are great for cutting strips of tar paper or felt. They have a retractable blade that protects you from cuts and the sharp edge makes it easy to cut through tough materials.

In addition, utility knives come in handy when cutting shingles because they allow for more accuracy than using just a straightedge ruler.
Utility Knives typically range in price but can be found anywhere from $15-$25 at your local hardware store.

Carpenter's Level
A carpenter's level is an essential tool for any roofing job. The metal edge of the blade helps to accurately line up materials, while the bubble in the center tells you if they are straight and true or not.

Carpenter's levels are available at most hardware stores and can range in price depending on size but generally cost around $25-$40.

Sliding T-Bevel
Along with a carpenter's level, roofers also need a sliding T-Bevel. This tool is used when cutting and laying shingles to ensure that they are cut at the correct angle for the intended location on the roof. A typical sliding T-bevel ranges in price but can be found anywhere from $14-$25 depending on what type you purchase.

Claw Hammer
The claw hammer is a useful tool for pulling up nails and prying boards apart. It's also used to tap down asphalt shingles as they are laid, in order to ensure that the roofer does not dislodge any of them during this process. A claw hammer typically costs around $15-$30 depending on size or brand but most can be found at hardware stores either online or locally.

Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is a very basic tool that any roofer needs to make sure they know the measurements of different boards or shingles. It's also beneficial if you need to measure out how far apart your nails will go when installing them for safety purposes. A typical measuring tape costs between $12-$30 depending on size and brand but most can be found at hardware stores either online or locally.

Hand Saw
A hand saw is a manual tool that can be used for cutting different materials such as wood or metal. These are typically found at hardware stores either online or locally but they tend to cost between $15-$30 depending on the type and size of blade you want.

Chalk-line Box
A chalk line box is a tool that's used by roofers to mark straight lines and for making sure they are level. This can be found at most hardware stores either online or locally and costs about $15-$25.

Folding Stick Rule
A folding stick rule is a thin metal rod that can be used to measure the distance between two points. This tool costs about $12-$30 depending on size and brand but they are typically found at hardware stores either online or locally.

Saber Saw
A saber saw is a cutting tool that cuts in an arc. This type of saw can be found at hardware stores either online or locally and costs about $50-$75.

Framing Square
A framing square is a type of rectangle shaped tool that helps roofers to make sure things are straight and level. This can be found at most hardware stores either online or locally and costs about $15-$25.

Combination Square
A combination square is a type of tool with two sides. One side has an angle that can be used to measure angles and the other side has lines which are helpful for measuring distances between points on surfaces of materials such as drywall, metal or wood. Combination squares cost about $25-$40 depending on size and brand but they are typically found at hardware stores either online or locally.

Cordless Drill
A cordless drill is a power tool that helps roofers to drill holes into surfaces. It can be found at most hardware stores either online or locally and costs about $30-$40.

Pop Riveter
A pop riveter is a tool that attaches two pieces of metal together by using pressure from the drill. The back side has an attachment or "nosepiece" which helps guide it into place onto work surfaces and costs about $30-$40.

Drill Bit Set
A drill bit set is a box or container that contains multiple sizes of drill bits. A typical starter kit includes a small, medium and larger size which range in price from $25-$40.

Cordless Circular Saw
A cordless circular saw comes with an adjustable blade for cutting wood to different thicknesses. These can be found at most hardware stores either online or locally and cost about $30-$60 depending on the brand and features like battery life.

Work Gloves
Work gloves are a safety precaution for the hands to protect against abrasion, chemicals and heat. They can be found at most hardware stores or online starting from $15-$30 depending on size.

Pry Bars
Pry bars are used to pry objects open or apart. These can be found at most hardware stores for $15-$30 depending on size and features like a flat tip that makes it easier to use in tight spaces.

Tin Snips
Tin snips are a metal cutting tool that can cut through sheet metals like aluminum and galvanized steel. They usually range in price from $130-$400 depending on features like variable angle design for tight spaces, bi-directional blade action to prevent tearing of materials, or the inclusion of wire strippers so they act as both shears and crimpers.

Circular Saw
A circular saw is a power tool that can cut through materials like wood, metal and plastics. The price ranges from $30 to $500 depending on the features such as variable speed control for different types of material or blade type (i.e.: carbide-tipped blades are better at cutting composite boards than steel).

The roof is the most important part of your house, and one that needs to be in good shape. Without it, all of your other investments are at risk. That’s why you need a reliable team by your side when dealing with any roofing project. We know what tools and materials you will need for every job because we have been doing this work since time! Contact us at 209-279-5012 today if you want our help getting started or have questions about our services. One call can make all the difference on how smoothly each step goes – so don’t hesitate to reach out anytime!