Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Home Maintenance

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Purchase this roofer safety equipment before taking on your next project

Mark Wolfe
By

Need to clean the gutters, repair flashing around the chimney, or patch a leaky shingle? You may not have a fear of heights, but accidents can still happen. One misstep on a loose shingle or slippery leaf is all it takes. Don’t take an unnecessary risk that could send you to the hospital — or worse. Before heading up to the roof for even the smallest task, remember to keep safety in mind. 

Proper use of roofer safety equipment can prevent serious injuries in case of accidents. If you’re not sure what you need, we’ve got you covered. This quality gear is trusted by professional roofers, so you can rest assured that it will work well for you too.

man on a ladder cleaning rain gutters
Greg McGill / Shutterstock

Roofer safety equipment

Roofing comes with inherent dangers, and the obvious risk of falling from the roof sometimes outshines other potential risks. However, you can’t forget to take care of the basics: Safety equipment starts with appropriate clothing, including long pants, work gloves, and proper footwear.

Recommended Videos

Chippewa Boots Edge Walker

Rooftop work demands maximum traction. Choose non-slip boots or shoes with soft soles, and be sure the tread is free of debris before climbing the ladder. The Chippewa Boots Edge Walker features a soft, compound wedge-shaped sole with just enough traction for ground walking and ample grip on the rooftop. 

  • 8-inch leather upper with non-tarnishable brass grommets
  • Wedge style, Newflex Compound outsole
  • Composite shank
  • Ortholite removable sole insert
  • Goodyear flat welt construction
  • Dri-Lex 2000 waterproof lining
  • ASTM F2413-11 Electrical Hazard rating

Safety Sacks All-in-One Construction Safety Kit

Before you go for the ladders and harnesses, it’s crucial to don your personal protective equipment first. That means protection for the eyes, ears, hands, and head. This all-in-one kit includes the equipment you need to stay safer on a variety of tasks, whether on the roof or on the ground.

  • ANSI certified safety glasses with 99.9 percent protection from UV rays
  • Triple flange earplugs for power tool noise reduction
  • Adjustable size HDPE hardhat for overhead protection from falling tools or debris
  • Cotton work gloves with latex grip
  • 2XL high-visibility vest with PVC reflective tape
  • Dust mask

Werner UpGear Roofing Safety System

When you’re ready to climb, be sure to clip into a fall protection kit. Werner’s UpGear safety system includes the basic fall protection devices you’ll need for roof work, packed in a handy bucket that you can also use to haul tools up and down.

  • Universal harness with a downward adjusting chest strap that eliminates choking hazard in case of a fall and a back-strap to keep the worker in the harness in case of a backward fall
  • 50-foot lifeline made of high-strength, abrasion-resistant PolyDac rope, with Safe Energy Absorber for consistent arrest of fall
  • 3-foot lanyard with manual rope grab to extend freedom of movement
  • Temporary roof anchor for use on trusses, sheathing, and most roof peaks
  • Complies with OSHA workplace safety regulations and ANSI safety equipment standards

Little Giant Ladders Multi M22

Last, you need a sturdy ladder to safely get on and off the roof. The most popular ladder material for roofers is aluminum because it is lightweight, strong, and durable. However, if you’ll be working around electricity, choose non-conductive fiberglass instead. In addition to strength and a sturdy base, be sure to buy a ladder with adequate reach, at least 3-feet taller than the edge of the roof. This Little Giant ladder checks the boxes for most single-story houses.

  • Easily converts from A-frame to extension, 90-degree, or trestle-and-plank scaffolding
  • Maximum extension reach of 22-feet
  • Wide flared legs for greater stability
  • Spring-assisted rapid lock adjustments
  • Aluminum and weighs 38 pounds
  • Supports up to 300 pounds on each side
  • OSHA and ANSI certified

The next time you have a roofing project, make sure you’re adequately prepared. With this safety equipment, you’ll be ready to tackle any DIY task.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Wolfe
Mark Wolfe
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mark Wolfe is a freelance writer who specializes in garden, landscaping, and home improvement. After two decades in the…
Is it safe to sleep with a space heater on? What you need to know
Find out if having a space heater on overnight is safe
Woman sleeping in bed with child

When it’s practically freezing outside, but your apartment or home doesn’t have central heating, it can be more than uncomfortable. You may try layering up the blankets on the bed or drawing the heavy curtains across the windows to deter chilly breezes, but there are some nights where even that isn't enough to trap the limited heat available. Even if you have built-in heating, the vents may not reach certain spots in your home, and in this case, a space heater is the best solution.

Still, leaving a space heater on overnight can be worrisome. What happens if it falls over during the night? What sorts of things should you consider before leaving it on overnight? If you’re asking yourself, "Is it safe to sleep with a heater on?" don't fret. We’ve got the answer here.

Read more
Recall alert: These popular washing machines could pose a fire hazard
Keep your family safe by checking your Samsung washing machine now
Close-up of a laundry basket and washing machine

Washing machines have advanced over the years with tons of new tech and styles. Still, whether your preference is a top or front-loader, most people's top concern is safety regarding home appliances. Many of today's best washing machines are quieter, gentler, smarter, clean better, and easier to use than models of yesteryear. However, do all of those features come with more risk? Samsung is a leader in all things home appliances, but in late December, more than 660,000 Samsung washing machines were recalled.

How do I know I have an affected model?
The washing machine recall from Samsung warns customers "that the machine could short-circuit and overheat, posing a fire hazard," according to CNN.com. Samsung reportedly received 51 reports of incidents involving "smoking, melting, overheating, or fire involving the washers" -- 3 of these reports resulted in injuries (from smoke inhalation) and 10 resulted in property damages.

Read more
The best beige colors for your home (and, no, they’re not boring)
Here's how to make "boring" beige look stunning in your space
Warm beige living room wall paint color

Beige colors often get neglected in many homes. After spending years in the spotlight in traditional and modern spaces, the color beige took a backseat while homeowners began looking for more exciting shades to introduce into their spaces. But that doesn't mean that beige is boring!

On the contrary, beige is a fantastic color to bring into your space, especially if you're aiming to amp up a neutral color palette. Or perhaps you want to opt for a traditional and timeless look? With many unique and exquisite undertones, beige paint colors can transform your room into an enriching and inviting space. If you're curious about how you can bring beige into your home in an exciting new way, check out our favorite picks for this paint color.

Read more