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Roofing Tools and Equipment for Every Roofing Company

One crucial piece to opening a roofing business is ensuring you have the necessary roofing tools for the job.

Investing in the right roofing tools up front will set you up for success from the start. The right roofing tools will:

  • Save time
  • Facilitate quality roof installations
  • Increase efficiency
  • Keep workers safe

To get your shopping list started, here are several tools all roofing contractors will need to install, replace, and repair roofs. Additionally, we’ll go over needed roofing safety equipment.

Let’s begin!

Basic Roofing Tools and Equipment

If you’re serious about roofing, you must invest in the right tools to operate a successful roofing business. You can purchase most of these tools at hardware and home improvement stores across the country such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Harbor Freight Tools.

Note: All products we feature have been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the included links, we may earn commission.

Cordless Roofing Nailer

Roofing nailers are used for shingle application and repairs. Cordless roofing nailers are the ideal tool for roofers because they are more convenient and offer flexibility in use. On average, they cost anywhere from $300–$450.

Get a cordless roofing nail gun on Amazon.

Automatic Staple Gun

Automatic staple guns save roofers a lot of time and energy. This tool helps roofers complete the job properly and quickly. Electric staple guns can be corded or cordless. The corded option is available for a cheaper price point, at around $30.

However, cordless tools are more efficient for roofing. The price of a cordless roofing staple gun is about $100.

Get an automatic staple gun on Amazon.

Cordless Drill

Have you noticed a pattern yet? Cordless power tools are a great resource for contractors who work on a roof all day. There’s no cord to worry about, and they’re rechargeable. Roofers can buy a cordless drill starting at $30.

Get a cordless drill on Amazon.

Tarps

All roof contractors should have tarps on hand while at a job. Tarps protect a homeowner’s roof and other property from damage as you and your team work on the installation or repair.

During a roofing job, pieces of shingles, nails, and other debris will fall off the roof. Tarps are there to catch these loose items and keep the job site clean, safe, and free of damage. You can find different kinds of tarps at most stores starting as low as $15, depending on the quality and size.

Get a tarp for roofing on Amazon.

Sturdy Ladder with Extension

Ladders are an obvious need for roofers. Roofs come in all shapes, sizes, slopes, and heights. Picking a reliable ladder is crucial—it’s not just about access to the roof, it’s also about safety. How many ladders your team needs depends on the size of your team.

Keep in mind that only one person can go up a ladder at a time. For bigger jobs with a larger crew, multiple ladders can streamline the process. Additionally, you’ll need at least one extension ladder to reach higher roofs. Ladders range in price from $165–$400.

Get an extendable ladder from Amazon.

Broom

An outdoor bristle broom comes in handy on most job sites. The last thing a customer wants is a messy yard and driveway. Be sure to clean up the job once you complete the roof project.

Clean up all debris from the yard and surrounding area. Outdoor brooms start at $8 but go up in price based on size and quality.

Get an outdoor broom on Amazon.

Roofing Software

When contractors think about roofing tools, things like tarps, drills, and nailers probably come to mind. All those tools are important, but there is another tool that is less tangible but equally important: a great roofing software solution, like JobNimbus.

Roof software can increase your profitability, maximize efficiency, and make business management easy.

Essential Roofing Safety Equipment

In addition to the tools and machinery roofers need to install a roof, safety equipment is also necessary. Contractors should take personal protective equipment requirements, or PPE, very seriously for their crew. 

Check out this comprehensive safety guide for roofers to help keep your team safe.

Hard Hats

Hard hats protect workers from falling debris and other dangerous objects that can cause concussions. Unfortunately, research shows that workers don’t wear them—the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that only 16% of those who suffered head injuries wore hard hats.

Make sure your crew isn’t part of the 84% who don’t wear protective headgear. Hard hats are a crucial piece of roofing safety equipment, available starting at just $7 on average.

Gloves

Gloves protect workers’ hands from heat, material, sharp tools, and other hazards. The best working gloves for construction work are reinforced with leather or coated with polyurethane or nitrile. These types of gloves range anywhere from $10–$50.

If you want some help finding the best gloves for roofing, check out our guide to choosing and using roofing gloves.

Roofing Boots

Roofers should wear steel-toed boots to protect their feet from heavy equipment and other items. However, roofers also need a flexible shoe with great traction that lets them safely maneuver around the roof during the job.

Check out our list of the top 14 roofing shoes and boots to help you find the best footwear for the job.

Safety Glasses

Protecting a worker’s eyes is just as important as protecting their head. Wearing safety glasses shields a roofer’s eyes from flying debris and other dangers. You can buy safety glasses starting at just $11.

Get safety glasses on Amazon.

Tools for Success

Investing in the right resources and tools might be a large cost upfront, but it will save your business time and money in the long run. Be sure to invest in the roofing essentials like an automatic staple gun, tarps, software, and hard hats. You’ll be ready to take on all your roofing jobs.

What tools have been most helpful in your roofing business? Let us know in the comments below.

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