Equipment Review: Steep-Slope Roofing Tools
by Gary Zimmerman, Roofmaster Product Company
Steep-slope roofing requires a whole different approach to roofing installation from low-slope roofing. What makes it so different is the safety equipment required, the tools and equipment, administered safety program, and figuring the increased time & money spent doing a steep-slope job. Anchors, safety harnesses, roof anchoring systems, scaffolds and stages, properly-rated ladders, additional insurance (if necessary), workman's comp, hoisting equipment and materials to be installed.
Once the type of material has been determined the rest of the bidding process can begin. As a contractor you may want to try up-selling items such as special trim and flashings, satellite dish mounts, ventilation improvements, permanent anchors on steep pitches, as well as solar energy products, not only bring in added profits, but improve and enhance the completed roof system.
Here are some of the things you can do to make the customer impressed with your overall performance on the job site:
1. Eave Catchguards -may be needed for employee safety reasons, but provide an excellent means of preventing debris during tear off from falling into planters, pools and spas or just the deck area. Keeping the work place clean always pleases the owner and is a must in the condominium environment.
2. Ground Protection - it's always good to cover the driveway with plastic to prevent oil stains and the like from your vehicles if you are using the driveway. Be careful with the plastic over plants and lawns as on even a cool day it can brown them quickly. Codura mesh tarps work much better on the plant and lawn applications. If you plan on using the driveway better take pictures before you start; they are almost as good as insurance when it comes to crack issues.
3. Safety Climb Devices - can be attached to ladders to provide ladder stability, and hold the ladder out from the gutter to prevent bending and extended damage to the gutters.
4. Permanent Satellite Dish Mounts - by installing a satellite base dish mount system a stable base is provided for any dish or TV equipment that won't cause leaks and can generally withstand high winds.
5. Vents and Flashings - paint them all to match the roof color, not only does it look better, but it removes the sun glare and reflection.
6. Eaves and Overhangs - if they are exposed, special care must be taken not to nail through the sheathing. This is a no-no that is far to time consuming to fix, when it can easily be prevented.
7. Searching for Nails - around the residence is a must and is made easy by rolling magnetic sweepers, and other hand held magnetic tools.
8. Hosing Down Driveways and Walks - provides a finishing touch that a broom just can't equal. Watch out for water restrictions. In the estimating process any special needs of the job installation must be evaluated and the plans and costs determined to provide the needed equipment; safety appliances, and employee training.
This article was submitted by Gary Zimmerman, Territory Sales Manager with Roofermaster Product Company. Roofmaster offer over 8000 roofing tools and equipment and safety products, including products needed to help impress your customers.
