Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a roofing business requires both technical knowledge and business acumen. These books will give you a foundation in safety practices, estimating, and running a profitable operation from day one.
Roof Framing by William A. Tradicionalo
This book covers the fundamentals of roof structure, pitch calculations, and framing techniques. Understanding how roofs are built—not just how to repair them—separates contractors who can handle complex jobs from those who only do basic work. It’s essential reading before your first major project.
Roofing Construction and Estimating by Daniel Feldman
Accurate estimates determine your profitability. This book teaches you how to measure square footage correctly, account for waste and complexity, and price jobs competitively without leaving money on the table. Many roofers fail financially because they underestimate labor and material costs.
Shop Roofing Construction and Estimating on Amazon →
The Roofer’s Handbook by Andy Engel
A practical guide covering different roofing materials, installation methods, and troubleshooting common problems. This reference book should live in your truck for quick answers on the job site when you encounter unexpected conditions or material questions.
Shop The Roofer’s Handbook on Amazon →
Start Your Own Contracting Business by Entrepreneur Media
Running a roofing company involves licensing, insurance, taxes, accounting, and employee management. This book walks you through the business side so you don’t make costly mistakes with your legal structure, pricing, or cash flow management during your first year.
Shop Start Your Own Contracting Business on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Roofing requires specialized tools for safety, measurement, installation, and material handling. You don’t need everything at once, but these categories represent the core equipment successful roofing contractors use every day.
Safety Equipment
- Fall protection harness and lanyard: Non-negotiable. OSHA requires this on any roof over 6 feet. Your insurance depends on it.
- Roofing jacks and brackets: Distribute your weight, prevent falls, and protect the roof surface during work.
- Safety glasses and respirator: Dust, fiberglass, and asphalt fumes require respiratory protection.
- Work gloves and boots: Cut-resistant gloves and boots with good grip prevent injuries on sloped surfaces.
- Hard hat: Debris falls. Protect your head on every job.
Shop Fall Protection Equipment on Amazon →
Measuring and Layout Tools
- Tape measure (50-100 feet): Standard for measuring roof dimensions and materials.
- Laser measure: Speeds up measurements on large roofs and reduces human error.
- Chalk line: Mark cut lines and layout points clearly on roof surfaces.
- Speed square and framing square: Essential for pitch calculations and angle cuts.
- Level: Verify flashing, gutters, and slope consistency.
Shop Laser Measures on Amazon →
Cutting Tools
- Utility knife with roofing blade: The most-used tool. Keep multiple blades sharp.
- Circular saw with framing blade: For cutting wood rafters and decking when needed.
- Reciprocating saw: Removes old roofing and cuts openings for penetrations.
- Roofing shovel: Specifically designed to remove old shingles efficiently without damaging underlying boards.
- Hand pruning saw: Quick for cutting small branches and trim.
Shop Roofing Shovels on Amazon →
Fastening Tools
- Pneumatic nail gun and compressor: Speeds up shingle installation and reduces hand fatigue. This is a major productivity tool.
- Hammer with magnetic nail holder: For hand-driving nails when electricity isn’t available.
- Caulking gun: Apply sealants around flashing and penetrations.
- Power drill: Handy for fastening flashing and metal components.
Shop Pneumatic Nailers and Compressors on Amazon →
Ladder and Access Equipment
- Extension ladder (24-28 feet): Essential for accessing roofs safely. Invest in a quality aluminum ladder that lasts years.
- Ladder stabilizer: Prevents the ladder from sliding and protects gutters.
- Roof ladder or hook: Anchors your ladder to the ridge for secure footing.
- Scaffolding (if doing multi-story work): Safer than ladders for larger projects.
Shop Extension Ladders on Amazon →
Material Handling
- Roofing material dolly or cart: Moves bundles of shingles and materials without destroying them.
- Dumpster rental service contact: Critical for disposing of old roofing material. Budget this into every estimate.
- Tarps and plastic sheeting: Protects customer property and prevents material waste.
Weather Monitoring
- Weather radio or app subscription: Know when storms approach. Bad weather stops work and can damage materials.
- Thermometer: Some roofing materials require specific temperature ranges for installation.
What to Buy First vs Later
You cannot start a roofing business without certain tools. Buy these immediately, even if you’re bootstrapping:
- Fall protection harness and safety gear—this is non-negotiable legally and ethically
- Extension ladder and roof ladder hooks
- Utility knife, tape measure, and chalk line
- Roofing shovel for tear-offs
- Hammer and basic hand tools
- Work gloves, boots, and personal protective equipment
After your first few jobs, reinvest profits into these higher-impact purchases:
- Pneumatic nail gun and air compressor (cuts installation time in half)
- Laser measure (improves accuracy on estimates)
- Reciprocating saw (demolition work goes faster)
- Power drill for metal flashing work
- Scaffolding if you pursue multi-story work regularly
New vs Used Equipment
Buy safety equipment new. Harnesses, helmets, and protective gear wear out, degrade in sun, and lose integrity. Used fall protection is a serious risk you should never take. Insurance may not cover accidents involving equipment with unknown history.
Hand tools, ladders, and measuring equipment can be purchased used with confidence. Ladders last for decades if they haven’t been damaged. Used hand tools cost half as much and perform identically. Check craigslist, pawn shops, and contractor closeouts for deals on ladders, tool bags, and basic equipment. Power tools are more debatable—used nail guns and compressors can have hidden wear. Buy power tools new if you’re using them daily; the warranty and reliability are worth the cost.
Where to Buy
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: Convenience and selection for hand tools, safety equipment, and small power tools.
- Contractor supply stores (Contractors First Supply, local roofing suppliers): Bulk pricing on materials and specialized roofing tools you won’t find at big-box stores.
- Industrial supply (Grainger, Fastenal): Better selection of heavy-duty equipment and replacement parts.
- Pawn shops and secondhand markets: Used ladders, tool bags, and hand tools at 40-60% off retail.
- Roofing material wholesalers: Buy shingles and flashing directly, not through big-box markups.
- eBay and Craigslist: Used power tools and equipment from contractors exiting the business.
- Facebook Marketplace and local contractor groups: Community connections often lead to good used equipment deals.