During the autumn and winter months, strong and powerful winds can cause substantial damage to roofs and roof tiles. Garden outbuildings, houses, sheds, and garages are often damaged and need vital repairs. But what are the top 5 roofing tools that are most important for repairs?
Before you jump on Google and search for roof repair tools, electric chainsaw hire, or power tool hire, check out our useful tips on the best tools for roofing repairs, including electric chainsaw hire for roof repair, and what to do if your roof is damaged by trees and falling branches.
Looking for roof damage
Look for damp patches on your ceiling. This could indicate that water is seeping through your roof. If you have a flat roof, water could pool and place pressure on the structure. Rain is the most destructive and can be devastating if the problem is left untreated. For example, if your garage has a flat roof, check that it is not sagging. If it is, this could be an indication of long-term rain damage and rotting timbers. Also, look for broken tiles. If you have a broken tile, the membrane underneath the tile could have been damaged too. Water could possibly get and cause lots of damage even though broken roof tiles are quick and easy to fix. And finally, if your house has a chimney, check for mortar damage. Repeated exposure to poor weather could damage the mortar. Inspect the mortar regularly as this could cause damage if water gets through the crack. For instance, ice could expand the crack and make repair work more expensive.
What tools do I need to repair my roof?
- If you need to repair your roof, you will need a good set of roof ladders. Roof ladders provide a safe solution to working on roofs. The rungs of the ladder are designed to ensure a safe foothold and will allow you to access your roof safely and without the need for hiring a mobile elevated work platform.
- Masonry saw tables are also great pieces of equipment as they are suitable for cutting roof tiles and masonry materials. Your saw will need to be equipped with a diamond blade.
- If you need to repair your roof, you might require a tile cutter. Tile cutters have an electric motor. Larger tile cutters are capable of cutting stone, slate and concrete tiles and are also capable of a 45 degree cutting angle. Tile cutters come complete with a diamond cutting blade that are suitable for cutting slate and natural stone tiles and they also have a water reservoir, which will cool the diamond blade.
- Do you have a flat roof? A single head propane torch can be used to repair a roof. Torches can be hired and used to melt asphalt directly onto a roof. This will create a waterproof barrier and will keep rain and snow out of your property. Using the torch-on roofing method is ideal for flat roof repairs. Gas torches come with extra long hoses. This is perfect as it means you don’t have to move equipment around whilst on the roof.
Why do I need to hire an electric chainsaw to repair my roof?
Chainsaws are great pieces of equipment for felling trees. Electric chainsaws can be used to remove branches that are too close to a property. Chainsaws are available in several sizes, so you can choose the size that suits your requirements. Consider the size of the tree, power, your strength, and safety. Most chainsaws require petrol, but you can also hire electric chainsaws and even cordless chainsaws. If you have purchased a new house or your neighbour has a large tree that overhangs your house, seek their permission to cut back branches. Then check out electric chainsaw hire for roof repair and carefully cut back branches that could damage your shed roof or roof tiles. Or you could hire an electric chainsaw to cut roof battens. However, it is not advised to use a chain saw if you are not on the ground.
Unsure about which tools to hire
If you are unsure about the best tools to hire to carry out roof repairs and would like advice on ladders, tile cutters, torches, and chain saw hire, talk to your local tool hire depot. Tool hire experts are best placed to discuss your needs and can recommend the best tool for the best job. Working at height can be dangerous so it’s essential that you seek the right advice before you carry out any work and assess roof damage carefully before you begin. If you are repairing your roof because it has been damaged in bad weather, wait for the weather conditions to improve before you venture outside.