Over time some parts of your house or other buildings will need renewing. The outside of your house, especially the roof, wears quicker than the inside of your home because it’s exposed to the elements. Since your roof is high off the ground, you’ll need proper safety equipment to renovate it such as a roof ladder. When you want to replace tiles or give your roof another coat of paint you should stand on a sturdy platform that provides safe footing while you work.
That’s only the start. There are other types of equipment you’ll need for roof renovations. Let’s take a look so you can prepare.
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Use the Correct Safety Gear for the Task
Before you get up onto your roof you must have the correct safety gear on, such as the following:
- Hard hat: A hard hat is made with strong plastic and sometimes comes with a light on the front. These hats protect your head from falling objects and prevent head injuries caused by accidental falls.
- Safety goggles: Wear safety goggles while you work on your roof to protect your eyes from dust and debris.
- Gloves: Safety gloves protect your hands from splinters, chemicals and cuts from sharp objects. You’ll be working with sharp nails and tiles with rough edges, so wear gloves to protect your hands from getting blisters and cuts.
- Safety harness: When you’re working on platforms that are extremely high from the ground, you’ll need a safety harness. You can attach your safety harness to a roof anchor prevent you from falling off the roof.
Don’t work on your roof if it’s raining outside. Water causes surfaces to become slippery and since you’ll likely be working on a sloped platform it may be difficult for you to keep your footing.
In the event of rain, cover your roof in a tarp to prevent water from leaking into areas you haven’t fixed yet. Additionally, shingles can’t be laid if the roof is wet so the tarp will ensure that the area stays dry when you’re not working.
Why Pick Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof
Asphalt shingles are a type of roof gravel that’s used for waterproofing. It’s a popular roofing cover because it’s cost-effective, durable and looks more aesthetically pleasing than many other options. Furthermore, asphalt shingles provide high fire and wind resistance.
You’ll also benefit from asphalt roof shingles if you live in a region where it snows because they won’t get damaged by ice. They require less maintenance compared to other types of roofing material.
Some roof shingles, such as slate, are incredibly heavy and will need extra structural support. This will cost you more in terms of labour and materials. Asphalt shingles are lightweight, so it doesn’t need additional structural support.
You’ll also appreciate that asphalt shingles come in a variety of colours, textures and patterns that add a unique aesthetic to your home.
Lift Roof Tiles Easily with a Crowbar
Nails and sealants holding shingles in place are difficult to remove by hand. You’ll need a crowbar to pry nails out of your roof and to lift shingles quickly and easily. A crowbar is an ideal tool to use when you only want to remove one or two roof tiles. This is because it won’t damage the other roof tiles next to the ones you’re removing.
You’ll Need Strong Roofing Nails
Roofing nails are used to secure your shingles in place. But you can’t simply use any type of nails. There are roofing nails made from copper, aluminium or stainless steel. These materials are weather resistant and won’t corrode when exposed to water.
Ideally, you want a nail with a nominal shank diameter of 12 gauge and 2,67mm. The nails must also have head diameters of 9,5mm and barbed shanks that go up to the head. These barbed shanks will prevent blow-offs and nail pops. You may find that nails with larger heads and heavier shank gauges will give you improved holding power, ideal for strong winds.
Do You Need an Ice and Water Protector?
If you live in a region where it snows during winter or rains frequently, consider adding a protector under your shingles. A water and ice protector increases the durability of your roof and prevents leaks and water damage to structures. It also prevents shingles from blowing off the roof during high winds.
Strong Sealant to Prevent Leaks
Once you’ve replaced your roof tiles, add a strong sealant around any open spaces to prevent water from seeping through and flooding your house. Apply sealant into gaps around roof shingles and air vents. Sealant prevents pests from entering through cracks and it provides more protection against the elements.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your roof can be a tedious task but with the correct tools, gear and materials you’ll make short work of your project. Always use a roof ladder when you’re working on top of your house. Even if you’re installing network cables or satellite dishes, a roof ladder will provide a safe place for you to stand and climb. Remember to prioritise safety whenever roof work is involved.
