Sun Protection for Roofers

Roofing can be a dangerous job that requires several safety precautions, but often times, roofers will overlook one specific danger to their health: the sun. Rooftop safety doesn’t just mean wearing helmets and harnesses; it also includes wearing sun protection.

Sun protection for roofers is important. Working under high temperatures can contribute to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and dehydration. Additionally, at least 70% of contractors believe they will develop skin cancer in the future. If you don’t want to be a part of that statistic, it’s best to protect yourself from the sun as much as possible when working.

Here are a few tips to help you keep cool this summer.

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Wear Protective Clothing

Sun protection for roofers isn’t just about sunscreen. Wearing the right clothes will significantly reduce the amount of sun damage to your skin. Long-sleeved shirts that are loose-fitting and light in color are great for staying cool.

Consider picking fabrics that have great breath-ability, such as cotton, which will absorb moisture away from the skin and allow ventilation. You can also buy fabrics that have UV protection built into them. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics like polyester, which will only make you hotter.

Other accessories you can wear to stay cool include wraparound sunglasses, light scarves or bandanas, and wide-brimmed hats.

Get wraparound sunglasses on Amazon.

Put on Sunscreen

You should try to wear sunscreen every day, but as a roofer, it’s even more important that you wear it while working. As someone who is typically outside, you should apply sunscreens with at least an SPF of 30. A better option is either an SPF 50, which blocks 98% of UV rays, or an SPF 100, which blocks 99%.

Apply sunscreen every couple of hours or sooner, depending on how much you sweat. Wearing sunscreen will not only lower your chances of getting skin cancer but also keep your skin from aging and becoming irritated. For guaranteed sun protection, choose a sunscreen lotion over a spray. You can also make your own sunscreen.

Get CeraVe hydrating sheer sunscreen SPF 30 on Amazon.

Get SPF 50 sunscreen on Amazon.

Take Breaks

No matter what you’re working on, you need to make sure to get your breaks. A good employee will monitor their health and practice sun safety. Especially during the summer, a standard or dark roof can more than double the temperature outside. If it’s over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you're at risk of overexposure and heat illness.

Establish a shaded area to take a few breaks throughout your project and be sure to stay hydrated. Bring lots of cool water, and don’t only drink when you’re thirsty. If you notice any signs of dizziness, fatigue, cramps or headaches, it’s certainly time to take a break and get out of the sun.

Taking breaks doesn’t have to interfere with the amount of work you get done each day. With JobNimbus, you can plan out your projects and make adjustments as necessary so you can still hit your goals.

JobNimbus is the perfect roofing software for managing all the projects you have going on during the busy summer months.