29 Essential Roofing Tools Contractors Should Have In 2025

What Are Roofing Tools?

Roofing tools are the equipment that contractors use to install, repair, and replace roofs. Each tool has a unique purpose and helps you achieve long-lasting results. 

The type of roofing tool you’ll need depends on the jobs you do. Residential roofing tools for beginners and seasoned pros involve the basics, like metal snips, roofing hatchets, utility knives, chalk liners, and a nail gun. Commercial work requires more advanced gear, like hot air welders and adhesive spray guns. 

Today’s roofing trends combine reliable equipment with technology. Contractors looking to scale must invest in both traditional tools and digital systems to stay ahead of the game.

Here are the tools you need.

Essential Roofer Tools

These are the go-to tools every roofer should keep within arm’s reach.

These core professional roofing tools serve as the foundation of every repair, installation, or inspection. Here’s what to include in your roofing tools checklist:

1. Roofing Nailer

Price range: $150–$400

Also known as a nail gun, this power tool drives fasteners (nails) into roofing materials with precision and speed. It’s far superior to manual hammering, especially for larger-scale jobs, because it can deliver hundreds of nails into a shingle in a minute. 

The best roofing nailers often include features like depth adjustment and enhanced grip, but you can expect that these are mostly pneumatic (i.e., use compressed air for power). However, cordless electric models are also popular for their mobility. Choose between coil or strip nailers depending on how often you’re reloading.

Nail gun injuries are very common. Take time to read the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s nail gun safety guidelines before using, and make sure your crew does, too. 

2. Drill

Price range: $40–$100

Roofers use drills when installing metal roofs, skylights, or fastening decking. Drills make holes in metal sheets to install screws and secure them to the roof.

Roofers use two types of drills: impact drivers and drill drivers. Although impact drivers deliver more force for metal panels, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) warns against using them. High torque can shear coating off screws or deform the heads, potentially leading to long-term corrosion.

Overdriven fasteners can also deform the screw EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) washer, which may compromise its seal and increase the risk of water leaks.

3. Saw

Price range: $50–$200

Saws are a must-have for roofers. They’re a heavy-duty tool used to cut OSB sheathing and trim metal panels or composite shingles. Circular saws handle the most clean and straight cuts in decking. Reciprocating saws are ideal for demo work around vents or skylights. Then there’s the jigsaw for making finer detail work. 

For blades, use carbide blades for shingles and wood, and bi-metal ones for steel. For flexibility in fieldwork, buy saws that can handle both corded and cordless work. 

4. Air Compressor

Price range: $150–$300

Your pneumatic nail gun won’t fire without an air compressor. A roofing-grade compressor should be able to deliver consistent PSI to pneumatic nailers and staplers.

Choose an air compressor with dual hose outputs if you’re running multiple tools. Look for a unit with a roll cage and thermal overload protection for job site durability. Oil-free models require less maintenance and are often quieter.

5. Roofing Hammer and Hatchet

Price range: $18–$100

While a nail gun speeds up the job, hammers serve a dual purpose of both driving and removing nails, while the hatchet has a chopping blade on the opposite side for cutting shingles in tight spots. 

Roofing hammers come with built-in gauges for setting shingle exposure. They also often include a magnetized head to hold nails and prevent dropped hardware on steep roofs. 

These are handy for detailed repairs where a nail gun might be overkill, but beginners might face a learning curve. For better control, look for ones with anti-vibration handles or forged steel heads for durability. 

6. Roofing Knife

Price range: $10–$30

Roofing knives are mainly used to cut shingles, but they can also slice through underlayment or trim flashing material to fit. 

These small but mighty tools have curved or hook blades to allow smooth cuts through thicker materials without damaging the layer underneath. They're useful for making quick fixes and detailing work on valley flashing and ridge caps.

Along with your protective roofing gloves, choose retractable knives for added safety. For heavy-duty consistency, go for fixed-blade versions. 

7. Chalk Liner

Price range: $10–$20

Without a visual guide, your roofing project can be a recipe for disaster. Chalk liners keep your shingles aligned and level to prevent leaks and ensure a nice-looking roof. 

Available in any DIY store, your basic chalk liner has a string coated with colored chalk. Pull it out, stretch it across your surface, and then snap it down to leave a neat guideline. 

8. Roofing Shovel

Price range: $30–$60

Removing old shingles is one of the toughest roofing jobs. Roofing or tear-off shovels are built for this, with flat, notched blades for prying up shingles and nails in one motion.

Unlike a garden shovel, a roofing shovel is reinforced and often includes a serrated edge so you can dig beneath nail heads. It differs from pry bars, which remove shingles one at a time (for tighter spots).

9. Tape Measure

Price range: $5–$20

A tape measure might be considered basic, as modern roof measuring tools already exist, but it’s still used for its reliability and simplicity. Usually made of metal, it measures distances on the job site (like the space between shingles). 

Choose at least a 25-foot version with a wide blade that can stay rigid. There are also versions with magnetic tips, which are helpful when you’re working solo on metal panels. Pros often keep two: one clipped on their belt and the other in their toolbox as a backup.

10. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Price range: $100–$300

Roofing jobs come with real hazards, from the sharp tools you’ll use to the extreme heat and dangerous heights. Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps reduce risk and keep roofers compliant with site safety standards. It should be worn on every job, no matter the size of your project.  

Some examples of PPE for roofers include:

• Hard hats 

• Hearing protection

• Goggles or safety glasses 

• Cut-resistant gloves 

• Safety harnesses and lanyards

• Non-slip footwear 

For proper usage, consult OSHA’s roofing safety guide and inspect all your gear regularly.

11. Roofing Shoes

Price range: $80–$250

Typical work boots won’t cut it when working on slippery shingles. Roofing shoes feature soft rubber soles that grip textured surfaces without scuffing or denting materials. 

Look for pairs with reinforced toes and water resistance. Steel-toe shoes protect against dropped tools, while high-cut models offer ankle support during long days on angled roofs. Some brands offer shoes with magnetized soles that give extra traction on metal roofs. 

12. Roof Brackets and Toe Board

Price range: $20–$75 per bracket; lumber for toe boards varies by size

There’s an increased risk of falling when working on steep roofs. Toe boards and roof brackets are lifesavers for this type of work. 

Brackets are L-shaped metal fixtures that attach directly to rafters. When installed properly, they can support scaffold planks. This creates walkable platforms that hold both the roofer and their materials.

Meanwhile, toe boards are horizontal boards fastened along the roof edge. These prevent foot slippage and stop dropped tools from sliding off.

When used together, they create a basic fall prevention system that’s especially helpful when Guardian Fall Protection harnesses are impractical due to limited anchorage points or when quick mobility is needed.

13. Ladder

Price range: $100–$250

Another DIY roofing tool must-have at all times is the handy ladder. Every roofer needs a quality ladder to access the roof, and they need one that’s rated for the job. 

Extension ladders with non-slip feet and ridge hooks let you grip pitched roofs more securely. There are also articulating ladders to use on uneven surfaces or in tight areas around chimneys.

Falls from ladders are one of the most common roofer injuries. Be sure to follow OSHA ladder safety guidelines:

• Use the right ladder 

• Keep three points of contact

• Secure it properly

• Always face the ladder during use

14. Ladder Hoist

Price range: $1,000–$5,000

When you need to move heavy bundles of shingles or rolls of underlayment, ladder hoists have your back. These save you from liability, too. OSHA guidelines state that you can’t manually lift shingles from the ground to the roof, as these can cause falls. 

These mechanical lifts, powered by a hydraulic or electric system, are connected to a standard ladder. A winch or motor then carries materials up a track, similar to a conveyor belt.

15. Caulking Gun

Price range: $10 (manual)–$200

One small hole can lead to big problems. To prevent leaks, roofers use caulking guns to release a precise amount of caulk (a type of sealant). Caulking guns with smooth pressure rods often give you better control than the clicky, ratchet-style types. For high-volume jobs, go with dripless models to avoid messy work.

Sealants also come in different forms: rubber or butyl caulks, latex caulks, and silicone caulks. Load guns with butyl or silicone-based sealants for long-term weather resistance.

16. Tarps

Price range: $15–$50

Don’t let the weather affect your roofing project. During bad weather or an emergency, roofers place tarps over roofs and stack shingles to protect them and any exposed decking and insulation from damage. They can also be placed over landscaping to collect loose nails and shingle fragments and make cleanup simpler. 

Heavy-duty tarps made with polyethylene or canvas and reinforced grommets last longer under rough conditions.

17. Cleaning Equipment

Price range: $10–$100, depending on the item

Post-job cleanup is more than a courtesy. It’s a way to prevent injuries and protect the property. Leaving behind nails or scrap shingles might damage the homeowner’s lawn or vehicles and could also hurt your credibility. 

If you’re serious about growing your roofing business, providing a great customer experience involves treating every job site like it’s your own property. 

Roofing crews should always carry an organized set of cleaning tools for every project. Examples of cleaning tools include:

• Rakes to clear out loose shingles and nails from lawns and landscaping. 

• Brooms to sweep up leftover debris from patios, driveways, or decks.

• A magnetic nail sweeper to collect hidden nails more easily. 

With these essential tools, you can take on jobs more confidently. Some jobs also call for specialized work, so make sure to pick up roofing tools for specific materials like metal, tile, or asphalt.

Commercial Roofing Equipment

If you’re working on larger-scale projects, you’ll need commercial-grade roofing equipment. Leading roofing manufacturers stock these tools regularly. These are designed to handle high-volume work and specialized materials that residential jobs don’t usually deal with, like TPO, EPDM, PVC membranes, modified bitumen, and standing seam metal panels. 

Commercial roofing tool kits should include the following:

Let’s start with a tool that’s essential for shaping panels and trimming flashing on metal roofs. 

18. Metal Cutter Shear

Price range: $80–$300

Metal cutter shears are made to cut through metal cleanly, particularly corrugated panels, flashing, and trim found in commercial metal roofing. 

Unlike tin snips, which require manual effort and can leave rough edges, shears are easier to handle. Electric and pneumatic versions are available depending on your needs. 

19. Roofing Seam Roller

Price range: $25–$70

If you need to smooth out seams in roofing materials, roof seam rollers are useful. These evenly distribute the proper amount of pressure along the seams after heat-welding or adhesive application. 

You’ll find two main types, silicone and steel, chosen based on the membrane type you’re working with. Unlike weighted rollers used in flooring, these are compact and curved for roofing surfaces. Roofers often carry a few sizes to match seam widths. 

20. Hot Air Welder

Price range: $200–$1,500

Hot air welders are a must when fusing thermoplastic membranes by applying precise heat. The result is tight, waterproof bonds along seams. These are different from open-flame torches, as hot air welders are more controlled for delicate materials. You also reduce a possible fire risk. 

Welders have adjustable temperature settings so contractors can work in various weather conditions. Many models are now compatible with digital gauges. 

21. Adhesive Spray Gun

Price range: $100–$400

Adhesive spray guns distribute roofing adhesives evenly across large surface areas, making them much less messy than hand-rolled adhesives. These are perfect for large commercial roofs. 

They usually come with adjustable nozzles for handling different viscosities. A quality spray gun paired with fast-curing adhesive can cut install times almost in half. 

22. Propane Torch

Price range: $40–$60

Propane torches are used on modified bitumen roofs. These apply direct flame heat to melt the underside of rolled membranes to bond them to the substrate. Torches are best suited for torch-down systems that require really high temperatures. 

Taking safety precautions with roofing tools like this is critical. OSHA’s Fire Protection and Prevention Guide specifies that roofing contractors should keep a 10B-rated multipurpose dry-chemical extinguisher within 50 feet of any job that uses over 5 gallons of flammable liquid or 5 pounds of gas.

23. Trash Chute

Price range: $50–$150

Throwing all your waste by hand down the ladder is dangerous and counter-productive. Trash chutes provide a safe and fast way to remove roofing debris from multi-story buildings. Chutes allow materials to be funneled directly into dumpsters. 

Many chutes are ordered in modular form, usually made from durable plastic or metal with anchor brackets to keep them stable.

Innovations in roofing tools now extend to the digital space. Roofing technology has come a long way, with a variety of software tools readily available to streamline projects and further improve customer satisfaction and communication.

Roofing Software Tools

The roofing business doesn’t only happen on a roof, it also involves operations in the office, where the days of handling everything manually are over. Roofing software tools now take care of it. 

At ServiceTitan, thousands of contractors, including roofing pros, trust our software to manage their day-to-day operations with ease and support long-term growth. 

Once you use them, these ServiceTitan features quickly become challenging to work without:

Let’s break these tools and features down. 

24. Call booking tool

A phone call is a customer’s first impression of you. If it doesn’t end well, it might be the last. 

ServiceTitan’s Call Booking tool helps roofing companies answer quickly, stay organized, and impress from the start. Here’s how it helps:

• Easy booking: Schedule calls in just a few clicks.

• Faster lead capture: Turn calls into jobs without delay.

• Personalized customer service: Use caller info to make every interaction memorable. 

Lance Bachmann of LB Capital Group saw how effective ServiceTitan was for his other service businesses. When he acquired Cherry Roofing and Siding, he rolled it out there, too.

“ServiceTitan worked for HVAC; it worked for my other companies. What are the biggest things that matter? Call comes in, I book the call. Was it a lead or not? My salesperson goes out and closes it. Then it gets real simple. Did my crew go out and do the work? Were there any call-backs?” Bachmann says. “Well, [you can manage all of this] in one platform: ServiceTitan.”

In just 18 months, the company grew from $2.5M to over $20M in revenue.

ServiceTitan also includes a cloud-based phone system (VOIP), which means your team can take calls from anywhere. This flexibility matters when customers are calling during urgent situations like ice storms, heavy rain, or wind damage.

And with smart prompts built in, CSRs can collect the right info needed upfront. This way, crews always show up fully prepared.

Roofers can even listen to CSR call recordings, which allow them to hear exactly what the customer described. 

With roofing CRM software that gives your team full context before they arrive, you can prevent miscommunication and reduce return visits, which saves you money in the long run. You also provide a smoother customer experience from the first call to the final cleanup.

25. Marketing tool

Marketing matters in roofing as much as it does in any other trade. 

ServiceTitan’s marketing software is built to help roofing companies grow smarter. Its performance tracking and lead generation features remove the guesswork of finding out what works.

Local Services Ads integration puts your business in front of high-intent searches like ‘roofers near me.’ Customers can book straight from the ad. It then syncs with ServiceTitan automatically.

To track ROIs, you can assign unique phone numbers to each campaign.

A marketing scorecard lets you know how your campaigns are doing in real time. 

There's even a heat map showing where your ads are generating income.

With these features in one place, you can focus on what brings the best returns.

26. Scheduling tool

Managing schedules shouldn’t feel like you’re juggling. ServiceTitan’s Scheduling Tool keeps teams organized and maximizes scheduling efficiency. 

CSRs can book jobs ranging from one-time service calls to full re-roofing projects, days, weeks, or months in advance. You get an accurate view of availability and job priorities, preventing overbooking and any idle time.

You can also flag jobs that require specific expertise. Add unique tags for everything from language to hours..

27. Dispatching Tool

On some days, roofing jobs won’t follow the set schedule. You’ll need to be ready to keep everyone informed. ServiceTitan’s Dispatching tool sees to it that teams stay connected and adjust on the go.

At Laing Roofing, VP Robert Maier uses the tool to keep crews in the loop, even when plans change at the last minute. Laing’s efficient dispatch means fewer headaches and more success. 

This coordination helped the firm expand its fleet from two to six trucks in just 12 months.

The dispatching tool shows where each tech is in their workflow, so dispatchers can assign new jobs as soon as one wraps up. This avoids confusion and cuts down on unnecessary calls between field crews and the office.

No-shows are a no-no. Once a job has been confirmed, customers get a live view of their technician’s location as they head to the job site. 

This transparency gives you a competitive edge, making it an obvious choice to leave positive reviews, book you again, or refer you to others. 

When unforeseen trouble arises, our smart schedule optimization feature lets dispatchers quickly reschedule or adjust time slots to stay on track.

See this article to find more tips for boosting dispatch efficiency

28. Payroll tool

Mishandling payroll can lead to legal disputes. With ServiceTitan’s Payroll tool, you stay accurate, compliant, and fair when it comes to compensation.

You can track how much time each tech spends on every aspect of the job. These time logs make pay calculations more precise and protect your business.

You can set up the system to factor in bonuses, commissions, overtime, and other performance-based pay. This way, your team always gets paid accurately and on time.

The payroll tool also breaks down the data in a clear, visual dashboard to effortlessly monitor how things are going.

This is payroll simplified. Track hours, calculate pay, and stay on budget without the back and forth.

Check out more tips on how to streamline your payroll process

29. Field Service App

Managing operations doesn’t have to stop because you’re in the field. Using a tablet? ServiceTitan’s Field Service App makes sure you and your team have everything you need on hand. 

That level of access is one reason Laing Roofing added the app to its daily operations. “That was the main thing for us; the way ServiceTitan has it set up to where there's a pricebook, and our techs can estimate and take care of stuff while out in the field,” Maier says.

The app pulls in all the info gathered during the intake call, including the customer’s name, location, past jobs, contact details, and, as mentioned, even the call recording.

The app helps techs show up ready. “Techs can access that customer history and see that we've tried to go out there two or three times, but the weather didn't cooperate,” says Maier. “They know the backstory with the customer and what they’ve been going through. They’re not going in blind.”

You can also create tiered estimates using photos, product specs, and videos. These are then presented in a swipe-to-select format that feels like online shopping. Customers can choose a tier and buy based on their budget. 

With this, you can give customers a more relaxed experience that removes the pressure of traditional sales pitches. 

More notable features of the field service app include: 

• Mobile Payments: Lets techs collect payments on-site via card, check, or cash.

• Property Details: Provides site-specific info to help techs upsell and work more efficiently.

• Process Automation: Automatically surfaces the appropriate forms at each job stage. 

What Should You Consider When Choosing Roofing Tools?

The tools you bring to a roofing job can affect how efficiently and safely the work is done. With so many available on the market now, it pays to do some research and choose carefully. 

Consider these factors when choosing commercial or DIY roofing tools:

• Job Type: A setup for residential shingle repairs won’t always work for a large commercial flat roof. Tailor the choices you make based on the scope and demands of the job.

• Material Compatibility: Some tools are made specifically for metal panels, while others are better suited for tile or asphalt shingles. The gear you’re buying should be built for the materials you work with most. 

• Tool Quality: Cheap tools can cost you more in the long run. Look for trusted names in the industry like Gibraltar Building Products (metal roofing components), Senco (fastening tools), BOSCH (cutting and drilling tools), and Leister (hot-air welding tools), and brands known for durability and field-tested performance.

• Safety Features: To reduce the risk of accidents, prioritize tools with built-in safety designs, such as non-slip grips, guards, and insulated handles.

• Budget: Invest more in the tools you use every day. It’s worth spending a little extra on gear that speeds up work and holds up over time.

Before making a purchase, check reviews of roofing tools to learn what other pros recommend.

How Do You Store Roofing Tools Properly?

Follow roofing best practices before, during, and after the job. Properly storing your roofing tools is one of them. 

Investing in organized storage protects your tools from damage and extends the life of your investment. The last thing you’d want is to buy quality gear only to see it rust on your shelf a few weeks later. 

Here are a few smart tips for storing roofing tools:

• Clean tools every after use: Remove the debris, adhesive, or sealants stuck to your tools to prevent corrosion or wear.

• Keep sharp tools protected: Store blades, shears, and cutters in cases or holsters to prevent injuries and dulling.

• Use storage bins or racks: Organize your tools by type in labeled containers or wall-mounted systems for easy finds. 

• Avoid moisture exposure: Store your gear in dry, ventilated areas to prevent rust, especially for metal tools.

• Secure larger equipment: Anchor your heavy tools or machines to avoid tipping or accidents in your van or warehouse.

• Do regular checks: Look for signs of damage, loose parts, or wear before and after storage.

Build good storage habits from the start to improve the maintenance of roofing tools. A few minutes of upkeep can prevent downtime and unexpected expenses later.

Over to You!

These essential roofing tools serve as the backbone of your work, so choose them carefully. Knowing which ones to bring and utilize means fewer mistakes, faster turnaround times, and a safer crew. 

One tool you shouldn’t miss on your checklist is ServiceTitan. Trusted by over 100,000 contractors across the country, it helps companies stay on track with job scheduling, payroll, dispatching, and customer updates—all in one system. For roofing businesses looking to get organized and keep jobs moving, it’s a tool that works behind the scenes so your crew can focus on the work in front of them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s answer some of the most common questions roofing professionals ask when building their tool kit.  

Which tools are best for shingle roofing?

For shingle roofing, essentials include a roofing nail gun, shingle remover, chalk line, hammer, utility knife, and a magnetic sweeper. A shingle cutter or hook blade should make trimming easier. For steep pitches, a roofing harness is also a must. These tools help roofers remove old shingles, cut replacements to size, and fasten them securely.

What tools are used for metal roofing installation?

Metal roofing needs specialty tools like aviation snips, seaming pliers, a metal cutter shear, and a hand seamer. You’ll also need a cordless drill, rivet gun, and bending tools for flashing and panels. A standing seam roller and screw gun with adjustable torque help you install panels more cleanly without damaging the finish.

Which roofing tools are best for roof repairs?

When repairing a roof, keep a roofing hatchet, utility knife, sealant gun, pry bar, and cordless drill handy. Flashing, roofing cement, and spare shingles or metal patches should be nearby. Leak detection tools like moisture meters can also save you time as they narrow down where the damaged areas are.

Where can you buy roofing tools?

If you’re looking to buy roofing tools, you can’t go wrong with trusted stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and ABC Supply. Online stores like Toolbarn or Acme Tools are great for a quick checkout experience. When buying, don’t forget to check the items for durability, warranty, and how compatible they are with your roofing materials.