A tape measure is one of those tools that every construction worker needs in their toolbelt. While any tape measure can get the job done, using the right tape measure can make a job easier.
In the below article, we’ll share our personal favorite tape measures based on our research and personal experience.
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With options available in 16, 25, and 30-feet lengths, the Craftsman Tape Measure is a top pick for roofers, contractors, and hobbyists alike.
What this tape measure has that makes it such a popular choice is the little things. Features like a rubber over-mold for better grip, a crisp white tape, and a solid metal edge perfect for hooking onto things while measuring.
It’s also super durable because of the rubber coating on the outside and the blade coating designed to extend the life of your tape measure.
Stanley has long been a well-respected name in the tool industry, and their tape measure is, unsurprisingly, one of the best available.
The Stanley PowerLock II Professional Tape Measure has everything anyone could want from a tape measure. It has 25 feet in length and is one inch wide, making it a great size to measure anything.
The easy-reach blade remains rigid up to 8 feet and the heat-treated spring gives it a longer lifespan.
Pros
Heat-treated spring to lengthen lifespan
Easy-reach blade remains rigid up to 8 feet
Tape coated with Mylar polyester film for added durability
This industrious tape measure has a durable high-impact case that makes it perfect for use on job sites where there’s a risk of dropping it from a significant height. The rubber coating on the case helps it stay put and prevent slipping.
It features an 11-inch tape standout with 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings designed to simplify framing jobs. The added Blade Armor coating also adds to the durability of this tape measure at the hook.
Pros
30 feet in length
11-inch tape standout with 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings designed to simplify framing jobs
Blade Armor coating for durability at the hook
Rubber high-impact case for durability
Cons
Expensive
Blade hook is not exposed making hooking onto things difficult
At under $10, this tape measure is a bit unique. Not only does it have the standard 16 feet of length with a locking mechanism, but it also features an erasable notepad on the side so that you can keep track of measurements right on the device itself. It also has a built-in pencil sharpener.
The numbers on it are easy to read, including fractions up to 1/16th of an inch for precision.
As the name suggests, this tape measure comes with a traditional metal tape measure in addition to a laser tape measure.
The traditional tape measure can measure up to 16 feet and comes with a locking feature, a metal hook, and a nylon coating for durability.
The laser feature can measure up to 131 feet and the measurements can easily be read on the LCD digital display. It’s USB rechargeable so you can easily use this hybrid tape measure without purchasing and changing out the batteries.
Pros
Includes laser tape measure to measure up to 131 feet
USB-rechargeable for convenience
LCD digital display makes reading measurements easy
Hybrid tape measure includes traditional manual tape measure as well
A tape measure is a device that has a long flexible tape that retracts into a plastic or metal housing.
It’s useful for all sorts of projects because it gives you the ability to make exact measurements with a compact unit.
Most tape measures that are used in roofing and construction are stiff and retractable, with locks in place that can keep the length of your tape measure in place while leaving your hands free.
Are Tape Measures Worth It?
In construction jobs, it’s important that your measurements are precise and accurate.
A quality tape measure is the best way to ensure that your tape measure will last you through all of your jobs and give you easy-to-read, clear numbers and markings.
More Roofing Tools and Equipment
We’ve used our industry expertise, partnerships, and analysis to find the absolute best roofing tools and equipment online. If you liked this post on the best roofing shoes, consider checking out some of our other guides to find top products.
Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner, a quality tape measure is needed when you need to take accurate measurements. Try one of these tape measures for your next project.
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When you’re working on a construction site, there are hazards of all kinds. This is why contractors need to take so many precautions by using protective clothing and tools to stay safe.
One of the most important pieces of protective equipment for anyone working in construction is a good pair of safety goggles or glasses.
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They come in a wide variety of different colors, which offer more than just aesthetic appeal. Some of them are grey-tinted or even mirrored to protect your eyes from the sun (99% UVA/B/C protection) as well as flying materials.
The soft nosepiece and rubber temples add an extra level of comfort, allowing contractors to wear these safety glasses all day without getting a headache.
One reviewer had this to say about these safety glasses:
“Love the fit, most safety glasses are too big to fit my face or the frame rubs wrong. These are lightweight, very clear, seem to be pretty sturdy, and don’t have the typical bulky frame.” -Zulu Charlie Hotel, 5-star review on Amazon.
These Klein 60164 Safety Glasses are made from a polycarbonate frame and lens that makes them resistant to damage, which is perfect for working on dangerous work sites.
What folks love about these safety glasses is the amount of coverage that they offer. The wide lens and temple designs protect a larger area of your face, providing more protection than smaller safety goggles.
They are also anti-fog, scratch-resistant, and tested to ANSI Z87.1 U6 standard, which effectively blocks 99.9% of harmful UV rays.
One reviewer had this to say of these protective goggles:
“Lightweight, have never fogged wearing a mask, not too dark, clear (have not scratched so far), comfortable and does not slip down.” – Robert P, 5-star review on Amazon.
Wearing goggles for safety is a must for everyone working construction, but what if you also need to wear glasses just to see?
These Fujiwara Safety Goggles are designed to be worn on top of your regular eyeglasses without damaging them so you don’t have to compromise your eyesight for safety.
They are also anti-fog and ventilated, eliminating the increased risk of obstructed eyesight that comes with wearing safety goggles on top of your glasses.
These goggles come in a pack of two, which is great for those on the go who need to keep a backup pair handy.
One reviewer had this to say about these safety goggles:
“I bought this because I wear glasses, and I want to wear safety goggles over my existing classes. To my surprise, BOTH pairs work very well over my existing glasses.” – Mike M, 5-star review on Amazon.
Pros
Designed to fit over regular eyeglasses
Don’t fog up, even when wearing a mask
Two pairs in a pack
Comfortable fit
Cons
Some complain the goggles don’t fit as tight when worn over glasses
Dewalt has long been a trusted name in the construction tools world, but many didn’t know that they also make high-quality protection gear, as well. The Dewalt Anti-Fog Dual Mold Safety Goggles are a great example of this.
These anti-fog goggles come complete with an adjustable elastic band to keep them comfortable hold them in place while you’re working long hours. For additional comfort, they are ventilated to keep you cool.
The hard-coated lens also protects these goggles against scratches.
One reviewer had this to say about these safety goggles:
“These are so much better than the 99 cent glasses you get at typical hardware stores. They provide protection against air particles such as dust and spray paint. I have used mine a lot and have got them extremely sweaty and gross with almost no noticed wear on the plastic or soft foam. They are quite large but should fit most faces.” – jrobinson13, 5-star review on Amazon.
Pros
Great at keeping particles away from eyes
Snug fit even over glasses
Adjustable strap for comfort
Ventilation for cooling
Cons
The anti-fog coating is not effective in humid climates
If you’re the type of worker who needs many pairs of glasses due to breaking them or if you have multiple contractors working under you, the 20-pack of 3M Virtua Safety Glasses is perfect for you.
These sleek and lightweight safety glasses feature a wraparound design so that you don’t have to compromise safety for affordability.
The polycarbonate lens absorbs 99.9% of UV rays and these glasses meet the High Impact Requirements of CSA Z94.3-2007 and ANSI Z87.1-2020.
One reviewer had this to say about this value pack of safety glasses:
“They are on par if not better than $10-20 safety glasses. I’ve tried multiple other expensive brands like Milwaukee and I like these more and they are more scratch-resistant. The antifog quality is the same as the expensive brands, they all will fog at some point and I wish it was better but these are as good as the expensive ones.” – dmat, 5-star review on Amazon.
Pros
Inexpensive multi-pack
Absorbs 99.9% of UV rays
Lightweight
Wraparound safety
Cons
Not very scratch-resistant
Loses anti-fog ability if cleaned with the wrong cleaner
Safety goggles, or safety glasses, are protective eyewear necessary for anyone working in construction or any job where materials may be flying around.
They protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them from flying particles or objects. They also can have a UV coating that protects your eyes from sun damage, which is worse when you’re at an elevated surface.
Are Safety Glasses Worth It?
Not only are safety glasses worth it, but they are absolutely necessary. Without them, you could cause permanent damage to your eyes. You even risk the possibility of a loss of eyesight.
More Roofing Tools and Equipment
We’ve used our industry expertise, partnerships, and analysis to find the absolute best roofing tools and equipment online. If you liked this post on the best roofing shoes, consider checking out some of our other guides to find top products.
Every person working around dangerous flying materials needs a quality pair of safety glasses to protect their eyes from debris and damage. Try one of these pairs to keep your eyes safe on your next job site.
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If you’re looking to ensure that your attic stays well ventilated, a solar attic fan is an excellent solution. Not only do they adequately remove hot air from the attic space and allow it to fill up with cool air, but they also run without the use of electricity, saving you money on your utility bill. It’s an efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly option.
Based on our installation experience and customer data, Remington Solar Attic fans provide the best bang for your buck. Use our promo code SOLAR10 to save on your order. Limited lifetime guarantee. Qualifies for 30% Federal Tax Credit.
It’s clear to see why a solar attic fan would be a good investment. But before you can upgrade your attic’s ventilation system, you need to decide which solar attic fan is the one for you. No two solar attic fans are the same, and your choice will need to consider the layout of your home amongst other considerations.
Our solar attic fans reviews will help you figure out which will be best for you. We’ll discuss what makes each one unique and the factors to consider when choosing a solar attic fan
Attics and More is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Based on our experience and testing, Remington Solar Attic Fans are the absolute best solar attic fans for keeping your attic cool.
These roof-mounted solar fans come equipped with a thermostat and humidistat for precise temperature regulation. Based on this data, it can increase or decrease the fan speed automatically.
Remington Fans also have an adapter to switch back and forth from solar to electric power easily. The censor is automatic, so your fan will switch back to running on solar power as soon as it detects sunlight.
Another thing that we love about this solar attic fan? The beautiful, modern aesthetic design. The overall finish on the materials makes it look modern and adds curb appeal. It’s definitely a conversation starter and is a significant upgrade from other products on the market.
The tilted solar panel is for ideal sun exposure, and the fan runs very quietly. The CFM is nothing to scoff at either, as it could easily keep a 2200 square foot room cool.
The drawbacks of this model would be that it only fits on shingled roofs, and it doesn’t have an electric adapter.
The Broan-NuTone 345SOWW Surface Mount Attic Solar Fan is a good choice if you’re looking for something affordable. The plastic materials keep the cost low, so you can get the ventilation system you need at the price you want. Because of the price point and quality of the materials, this solar attic fan also has a shorter warranty than some other options available.
Unfortunately, this model has a pretty low CFM compared to other products that we’ve tested, so it won’t be as efficient. It also doesn’t come with a thermostat, humidistat, or any hybrid electric capabilities.
For a small space, however, it should be an adequate solution in a pinch. Another thing that we didn’t love about this particular product is it leaves a lot to be desired aesthetically. The plastic materials are kind of an eye-sore and it looks cheaper than other fans on the market.
Yellowblue Solar Fans are a strong competitor, and compete closely with Solaro as one of the best technically-sound solar attic fans. Designed by aerodynamic engineering experts and made from only the best materials, these solar fans are sure to improve the ventilation quality of any space.
Yellowblue fans are available in several types. They have the standard gable-mounted, roof-mounted, and portable models, of course. But there’s also a model designed for roofs in snowy areas with “S” tiles, as well as a model where the fan and solar panel come separately. Their tilted model sits atop a 360-degree rotating platform to optimize exposure to sunlight.
Like Solaro, the only drawback to Yellowblue products is that consumers need to contact an independent authorized dealer to purchase. This can be a pain for those that live in remote areas. Fortunately, we are a licensed distributor of Yellowblue products and can help you navigate the process of choosing a product and locating a local installer.
If you’re interested, contact us for a quote for materials and installation.
QuietCool Solar Attic Fans are gaining a reputation in the industry for offering large panels at an affordable price.
The first thing we noticed out of the box was that this fan features a 40-watt solar panel. In addition, it comes with a preset thermostat, an ultra-energy efficient DC motor, a heavy-duty steel housing, and an included AC/DC inverter. What impressed us the most though is the size of the panel. It’s an absolute beast! But in the case of solar powered attic fans, size of panel doesn’t always matter. It’s all about the CFMs. And this fan just doesn’t provide as much coverage as other products that we tested.
Another big selling point for us is the AC/DC inverter. This allows the fan to run 24/7. When there is sunlight outside, the fan will run only on solar power being powered by the large solar panel on the fan. When there is no sunlight, such as at night, the fan will switch to AC power and continue to run throughout the night. This is great for continuous air flow, providing a number of cooling benefits.
iLIVING HYBRID Ready Smart Thermostat Solar Roof Attic Exhaust Fan is a good secondary option to consider. This smart solar Attic fan is your best choice for cooling off your home if you need a thermostat.
Equipped with a powerful 20W adjustable polycrystalline solar panel, this fan is IP68 water proof. Built with a brushless motor, it provides up to 2000 sq. ft. of capacity cooling. The only big cons that we found with this fan is that it can be a little noisy. There also are some reported issues with the shutters not closing properly, but we did not experience any problems with that.
The US Sunlight solar fan is another popular option among homeowners and contractors. This fan has big brand recognition as many large retailers including Home Depot, Lowes, and Costco all carry it. So, getting the product shouldn’t be a hassle at all.
This roof-mounted model features a tilted solar panel to maximize sun exposure. We found that a single fan can ventilate a fairly large attic up to 2600 cubic feet. This is a huge plus.
However, there are some drawbacks. US Sunlight solar fans only work for shingled roofs, so if your roof is slate, flat, or tile, this one isn’t for you. It also doesn’t have the hybrid electric capabilities of some of its competitors. But if you have a shingled roof, it’s a great option for the price.
The Roof-Mounted Solar Attic Fan from Kennedy Skylights is another solar fan with plenty of customization options. The solar panel is available in 16, 32, 35, 48, or 65-Watt versions, so you can find the perfect one to suit your needs.
This solar fan is compatible with various roof types, and it even has an aluminum screen to keep rodents from damaging the device. If you want, you can add on features like a thermal snap switch or remote solar panel. Plus, Kennedy Skylights protects your purchase with a lifetime warranty.
These customization options and the generous warranty make this one of the best solar attic fans around.
Air Vent, Inc. also has some respectable solar attic fans available on their website. They have both roof-mounted and gable-mounted fans, and the roof-mounted ones have an option for the panel and the fan to come separately.
Depending on the size of your attic, you may decide whether the 10-Watt or the 25-Watt is appropriate for you. Either way, the product has a 20-year limited warranty, so you’re covered if anything goes wrong.
These solar fans can only work with shingled roofs and do not have hybrid electric capabilities.
Now that you’ve seen how the top 10 best solar attic fans compare, it’s time to consider which one is the right match for your home. The layout and construction of your home will determine what kind of solar attic fan would be ideal. In this section, we’ll discuss the three different kinds of solar attic fans.
Gable-Mounted
If your house has a gable vent, a gable-mounted solar attic fan could be the right choice for you. It allows for easy installation. You just have to attach the unit to your gable and plug it in! It is much more convenient than installing a roof-mounted solar attic fan.
Unfortunately, because of the placement, gable-mounted designs are not as efficient as roof-mounted fans, so there is a trade-off. It’s crucial to get the placement just right to maximize the unit’s exposure to the sun. The gable mounting makes this a bit tricky, but it’s by no means impossible.
If your home is suited to it, a gable-mounted solar attic fan might be just what you need to improve your attic’s ventilation.
Roof-Mounted
Roof-mounted solar attic fans are efficient and powerful, but they also require a much more complex installation process. For it to work correctly, you’ll need to create a vent hole in the roof, install the fan, and seal the opening. This procedure can take quite a bit of time.
Due to the complexity, most roof-mounted fan users hire a professional for the installation. It makes the costs associated with a roof-mounted solar attic fan a bit more expensive than the other varieties, but the fan makes up for this with its efficiency.
Despite the hassle, roof-mounted models are among the best solar attic fans, as they tend to work much better than other varieties.
Roof-mounted solar attic fans get the most exposure to sunlight, making them the most efficient models. The long-term savings associated with this may also offset the upfront installation cost.
Portable
Portable solar fans are an excellent option for those looking for versatility. The fan and the solar panel come as two separate pieces connected with wires. They don’t require any strenuous installation process to set up, and you can put them almost anywhere!
While these work great for ventilating attics, this versatility and ease of installation make them perfect for smaller spaces like sheds and RVs. You can also take them with you on the go to keep you cool when camping.
These features are great, but the caveat is that portable solar fans aren’t as powerful as their gable-mounted or roof-mounted counterparts. They still work well, but they compromise ventilation quality for versatility.
Other Factors to Consider
Besides the fan type, you’ll also want to consider other factors that affect the performance of the solar attic fan.
Make sure that the fan you purchase is powerful enough to ventilate your attic. To do this, check out the fan’s venting capacity and compare it with the size of the space. The venting capacity is the cubic feet per minute (or CFM) of air moved by the fan. The fan’s CFM will need to be 70% or more of your attic’s size in cubic feet.
You’ll also want to make sure the fan has a high wattage, as this indicates that it can produce more electricity. If your desired solar fan doesn’t have a high enough venting capacity or wattage, you might need multiple fans to ventilate your attic.
Also, if you’re particularly interested in any special features, such as a humidistat or thermostat, make sure that these come with the model you are purchasing before you buy it.
What is the Best Solar Attic Fan?
Although there are plenty of good options to choose from, the Solaro Aire and the Yellowblue Solar Fan are two of the best solar attic fans. Both are USA-made, and Solaro products come with a 25-year warranty, while Yellowblue fans come with a limited lifetime warranty. You really can’t go wrong with either one.
Ready to improve your attic’s ventilation by installing one of these brilliant fans? Get a free attic inspection and solar attic fan quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solar attic fan?
A solar attic fan is an active ventilation system that is typically installed on the roof of an attic. These types of fans use solar panels to collect energy from the sun to propel fan blades, which provide constant air flow to an attic space.
Solar attic fans also help extract excessive heat and moisture in an attic. This helps protect your roof and insulation systems, while providing added comfort to the home.
Are solar fans worth it?
Solar fans are worth the cost of materials and installation because they can provide year-long benefits across multiple climates.
Most people think of the primary benefits being with cooling and energy savings from the summer months. These benefits can be heightened in more hot and humid climates. But there are also a number of other benefits that solar fans provide in cooler environments and during the winter.
Constant airflow and ventilation can help remove excessive heat build-up and moisture, which can damage insulation and structural elements of your home, such as your roof. Read our post on Do Attic Fans Really Work for more information.
Do solar attic fans work well?
Yes, solar attic fans generally work well.
Conventional scientific knowledge states that warm air rises, and cold air sinks. For this reason, attics store most of the heat inside a home. On hot summer days, these spaces can reach a staggering 160 degrees, even if the temperature outside is only 95oF to 97oF.
When an attic is not insulated well, homeowners may experience high energy costs, mold growth, and cold winters. One of the most effective devices to address these problems is a solar attic fan.
Attic fans have been around for a long time. These devices can mitigate the effects of heat transfer from ceilings into attic duct systems.
A Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) assessment confirms that photovoltaic attic fans can reduce peak summer air temperatures by over 20oF. However, their effect is not as pronounced in well-insulated attics.
And, because of their solar component, they drastically reduce energy bills and environmental impact. You also won’t ever have to worry about losing your power source.
We highly recommend solar attic fans for homeowners with insulation challenges.
Do solar attic fans save money?
There’s a lot of debate on whether or not solar attic fans can save homeowners money on cooling costs.
As evident by the FSEC study, high-quality solar attic fans can provide significant cooling benefits to an attic. This cooling benefit becomes more noticeable based on geography and time of year. For example, warmer States like Florida, California, and Texas can recognize longer periods of cooling benefits simply based on climate conditions. Other more moderate climate States see similar cooling benefits during hot summer months.
Correlating the cooling benefits from a solar attic fan with direct energy savings is a little challenging. This is because of the many different variables that impact energy consumption, including how well insulated the attic is. Other variables include air sealing, home occupancy levels, utility costs, and other energy consumption dependencies.
With all that being said, in theory, a solar attic fan should be able to provide some energy savings, especially when combined with proper air sealing and insulation. Solar attic fans help remove excess heat in an attic. This helps prevent heat from sitting in an attic and ultimately radiating into the cooler, conditioned living environments. The less heat that transfers into your living space, the more comfortable you will be. This decreases your dependency on using other powered HVAC systems, thereby reducing your monthly utility bills.
Beyond energy savings, which will be somewhat minimal, solar attic fans can provide other cost savings over time. By properly ventilating your attic, you reduce potentially damaging heat and moisture build-up. If your attic is not properly sealed, a good ventilation system is critical to prevent costly mold growth and damage to structural roofing components. These types of problems can result in remediation and repairs that cost thousands of dollars. So, actively combatting them with a ventilation product that’s 100% powered by the sun is a great way to stay ahead of the game.
Do solar attic fans work on cloudy days?
Yes. Ordinary daylight is all that’s required. As long as the product is placed so that the solar panel is not obscured by hedges or under a roof overhang, it will gather sunlight and transform it into DC power.
How to size a solar attic fan?
To determine what size solar attic fan(s) you need for your attic, you first need to know the size of your attic in square feet.
To determine the size of your attic, multiply the width by the length of the attic floor in feet. For a single story house, this is usually the same as the square footage of the house itself.
Next, multiply the square feet of attic space by 0.7 to get the minimum number of cubic feet of air per minute that the fan should be rated to move. Example: 1,000 sq. ft. attic x 0.7 = 700 CFM minimum fan rating
Add an additional 20% (CFM x 1.20) if you have a steep roof, and 15% (CFM x 1.15) for a dark roof. Attic fans come in all different shapes and sizes. Be sure to check the CFM rating of the product that you are interested in prior to installation to determine how many you need.
What is CFM?
CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, determines the amount of air that a fan can move while operating at the highest speed. The larger the attic, the higher the CFM must be in order to efficiently cool that space. CFM for attic fans is a critical measurement for sizing and installation.
Is there a tax credit for solar attic fans?
Solar powered attic fans are eligible for a 30% Federal Tax Credit on the purchase price of the fan, installation and sales tax. Additional incentives may be available through certain State, municipalities, and utility companies.
Where should I place my solar attic fan?
Ideally, you want to put your solar attic fan on a south or west facing slope.
Aim to put your fans on a central or “middle” portion of your roof. Keep in mind that you want to draw cooler outside air from a soffit (or gable) and flow that through your attic. Make sure to keep your fans approximately 5 feet away from ridge vents (or other open vents).
How to tell if your solar attic fan is working?
Most quality solar powered attic fans are whisper quiet in operation. This is an attractive feature for homeowners, but can also open up the question on whether or not it’s even working.
The best way to tell if your attic fan is working is to go up into the attic and inspect it yourself during the day. Your attic should feel cool and comfortable (close to the outside temperature) when you enter it.
You should also be able to see the fan blades rotating. As always, please use proper safety precautions when entering your attic. If you need assistance, it’s best to request an attic inspection to check your fan to make sure it’s running properly.
How long can I expect a solar powered attic fan to last?
The lifespan of a solar attic fan will depend on the product and manufacturer.
The best solar fans typically come with a 25 year, or limited lifetime warranty. These are a number of cheaper solar fans on the market that last on average for 3-5 years.
Replacing a cheap solar fan every few years however becomes cost prohibitive. We would recommend buying and installing a fan with a better warranty for savings and peace of mind.
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As a construction worker, there are a few essentials that you need every day to remain safe and protective. Among these are safety harnesses to protect you from falling, gloves to protect your hands from injury, and, of course, a hard hat to protect your head from falling objects.
Check out this list of the best hard hats for construction to make sure that you stay safe and comfortable.
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When you think of a hard hat, weightlessness is not the first thing that comes to mind. But with the PYRAMEX Ridgeline Full-Brim Hard Hat, it’s one of the key features that make it our top pick.
This hard hat is made from ABS (Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, Styrene) material, which is a lightweight thermoplastic resin. The properties of each material used give it rigidness, impact strength, and heat and chemical resistance. By using this mix instead of High-Density Polyethylene, this hard hat provides all of the necessary protection without the unnecessary weight.
It also features an adjustable 4-point ratchet suspension as well as a rear padded suspension. For protection against sweaty heads, the sweatband is replaceable and the hat is vented.
One reviewer had this to say of the hard hat:
“Great quality. Packaging was excellent. Very lightweight compared to other models of hard hat that I’ve owned. The finish is clean and professional. Excellent communication from seller as well, making sure if I was satisfied with the product. Customer service A+.” – David, 5-star review on Amazon.
Pros
Lightweight and comfortable
Ratchet suspension easy to adjust
Meets ANSI Z89.1-2009 standards, type 1, Class C, G, and E
With options in bright, neon colors, the LIFT Safety DAX 50 Carbon Fiber Full Brim is a great option for contractors who are looking for something with increased visibility.
Aside from the neon yellow and orange options, this carbon fiber hard hat is made with a fiber-reinforced resin shell that is triple-reinforced at the crown to provide incredible impact protection.
It uses a 6-point suspension system that allows for extra comfort.
This hard hat also features a comfort dome made of synthetic leather with a molded EVA foam insert that makes it comfortable enough to wear all day while working on site.
Check out what one reviewer had to say about this hard hat:
“After speaking with some guys that had purchased these Lift hats I decided to give em a go, and thank goodness I did. The six-point system in the hat combined with the leather padding makes this easily the most comfortable hard hat I’ve ever owned. It is VERY lightweight. When I received the box I didn’t think there was anything in it because it was so light.” -Jacob Hass, 5-star review on Amazon.
If you’re working with metal roofs that require welding during construction, you need a hard hat that’s going to hold up in the heat. The MSA 475407 Skullgard Full-Brim Hat is a great option to keep you safe from those high temperatures.
Along with the ability to keep you safe from the heat, construction worker love how incredibly comfortable this hard hat is. That comfort is due to the Fas-Trac III suspension that features three levels of nape strap adjustment to customize the fit of this helmet.
This hard hat is handmade with a phenolic shell for durability and toughness.
One reviewer said:
“I’ve owned numerous hard hats over the years, most company provided. This is by far, the most comfortable and presentable. Some full brim hats sit high on your head but this one equipped with the Fas-Trac Suspension fits just right. It’s a little pricey, but well worth the investment.” – “No One,” 5-star review on Amazon.
Pros
Protection against temperatures up to 350 degrees F
Adjustable Fast-Trac suspension for comfort
Hand-made phenolic shell for durability
Meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Class G standards
Cons
Expensive
Some do not like the height that the suspension gives the hat
If you ever work on a job site early in the morning or late at night, visibility is inevitable reduced by lack of light. To be able to see what you’re doing, you need a hard hat that has a headlamp attached, like the Klein Tools 60407 Hard Hat.
This hat not only has an attached light to allow you to work at night or in the morning, but it also has all of the added comfort features you could need.
It has a breathable, padded sweatband that also wicks sweat away. The air vents on the sides of this hat are adjustable, allowing you to open them up to increase breathability or close them when necessary.
Here is one thing a reviewer loved about this hard hat:
“Along with the easy adjusting, it’s also fitted with some great padding so it doesn’t feel clunky like most!! It’s also ventilated!! Overall, glad I purchased.” – Amanda P., 5-star review on Amazon.
Pros
Removable attached headlamp for better visibility in the dark
A construction hard hat is a helmet that is made from a hard material that is designed to protect your head from falling objects.
Are Hard Hats for Construction Worth It?
Hard hats are essential for every contractor, and this is especially true for those that work in heavy construction sites.
It’s worth it to invest in a comfortable and effective hard hat for one obvious reason: protection and safety.
First and foremost, a construction hard hat is essential for job safety. If you don’t wear a hard hat while working on a job site, you always risk something falling while you’re on the ground. This could cause serious brain injury and, in severe cases, even death.
More Roofing Tools and Equipment
We’ve used our industry expertise, partnerships, and analysis to find the absolute best roofing tools and equipment online. If you liked this post on the best roofing shoes, consider checking out some of our other guides to find top products.
If you’re a construction worker, you have to have a quality hard hat. Try one on this list to make sure that your hard hat will be comfortable and protective.
https://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Best-Hard-Hats-for-Construction-Workers.jpg12002401adminhttps://atticsandmore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/attics-and-more-2021.pngadmin2022-03-22 13:53:332022-12-25 14:37:225 Best Hard Hats for Construction Workers
A roofer’s job requires a wide variety of tools and equipment every day, some of which you wouldn’t think twice about.
Here, we’ll cover the best of the best for all of the major tools that a roofer needs to have in (and on) their toolbelt, including roofing hammers, nail guns, utility knives, safety harnesses and more.
If you want to see other options for each of these, we’ll include a link to our list for those, too.
Table of Contents
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Roofing Hammers
A reliable roofing hammer is one of the most important tools that any roofing professional will count on.
For precision and efficiency, if you’re planning to work on a roof installation, buying the best possible roofing hammer is essential.
Check out our comprehensive list of best roofing hammers here.
The Lathe Aze Fiberglass is a roofing hammer made by The Stiletto Tool Company. They’re very well known for producing top-notch quality hand tools.
This hammer is very easy to grip thanks to a straight and hybrid curved design. This hatchet proves to be twice as durable between its head and its handle.
Because it is made of fiberglass material, it only weighs 1.3 lbs (extremely lightweight). This allows roofers to work for long periods without getting tired. It also helps expedite roofing construction projects.
For a better grip on the nails, the hammer head has a serrated face. It also comes designed with a nail claw, making it easier for residential remodeling and framing.
Top-rated on every site from Amazon to small independent blogs, the BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer is a favorite among roofers everywhere.
With a patented single-action side load canister and adjustable depth guide, you can use this roofing nail gun quickly and easily for every roofing project you work on, no matter what material you use.
Another great selling point on this nail gun is how comfortable and lightweight it is. Since roofing is labor-intensive and takes hours at a time, the lightweight aluminum housing and molded grip make this a favorite among roofers.
Pros
Lightweight aluminum housing and molded grip for comfort
Patented single-action side-load canister
Quick-set adjustable depth guide to set nails to desired depth efficiently
Indicates when to reload the magazine
CONS
Learning curve- have to learn how to prevent double-nailing
Possible jamming issue when using with 1-¾ nails (the maximum size nail usable with this gun)
It can be used for everything from trimming asphalt shingles to gutter placement. Having this lightweight and easy-to-handle tool can save roofers a lot of time and energy.
Coming out to just over $15, the Stanley Twin Blade FatMax Knife is a surprisingly affordable knife that makes the top of the list.
Roofers love it because it’s two knives in one, allowing them to switch easily between the hook and straight blades. This is due to the interlock mechanism that allows only one blade to slide out while the other is secured in place.
An important feature that is non-negotiable for a roofing utility knife is durability. Roofers need to know that their knives can handle being dropped from stories high on job sites without falling apart. Luckily, the Stanley Twin Blade can take a beating.
Pros
Essentially two knives in one
Storage holds up to nine blades
Durable
Hook and straight blade easily interchangeable
Cons
Larger than the average utility knife- may be more difficult to fit in your tool belt
With options available in 16, 25, and 30-feet lengths, the Craftsman Tape Measure is a top pick for roofers, contractors, and hobbyists alike.
What this tape measure has that makes it such a popular choice is the little things. Features like a rubber over-mold for better grip, a crisp white tape, and a solid metal edge perfect for hooking onto things while measuring.
It’s also super durable because of the rubber coating on the outside and the blade coating designed to extend the life of your tape measure.
Showing up to a roofing job site in shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops just isn’t going to cut it.
Roofers need special protective clothing to keep them safe while on the job.
Gloves
If you’re a professional roofer, you know just how important it is to keep your hands protected. Here are the best work gloves for roofers based on their grip, level of protection, and comfortability.
In roofing, you have to work in all kinds of weather. With this in mind, the grip on these SHOWA 300L-09 Atlas Fit 300 Gloves is well-suited for work in both dry and wet conditions.
These seamless gloves are designed to be lightweight and feature an elastic wrist to keep them securely where they need to be. They also are ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue.
They’re made from a stretchy cotton-polyester blend that makes them comfortable and breathable, featuring a rubber coating on the palms and fingers to provide superior grip.
The gloves are also machine-washable, making it easy to keep them clean after long days of repeated use.
Roofing is a labor-intensive job where you spend the majority of the day on your feet, on an elevated surface, surrounded by sharp objects that could easily stab through typical shoe materials.
For this reason, roofers must have the right pair of boots or shoes for the job.
Largely considered the “gold standard” of roofing boots, Cougar Paws have pretty much everything you could want from a roofing shoe.
Some of the most important things that you need to look for in a roofing shoe are protection on the bottom of your feet, traction, and comfortability. Cougar Paws pass the test on all of these things.
They feature a wood sole to prevent sharp objects from piercing through, a vented exterior and a breathable inner boot lining to keep your feet cool, and durable upper leather to extend the life of your pair of boots.
They also have a velcro strap across the top to keep your laces from coming untied.
Due to the elevation and dangerous materials flying around, there is special equipment that roofers need to use to keep themselves protected from serious injury while working.
Safety Harness
No matter how high the roof, roofing contractors always risk serious injury from falls.
To help mitigate that danger, roofing harnesses are a great way to ensure that you don’t fall to the ground if you lose your footing and slip off of a roof.
Check out our comprehensive list of the top safety harnesses for roofers here.
What many reviewers love is how easily adjustable it is. The harness features fully-adjustable chest, shoulder, and leg straps. The best part is that roofers don’t have to worry about the webbing being compromised when adjusting.
It features a unique stitching pattern for added support and strength, which is very important when you’re working on a high-elevation roof.
Pros
Fully-adjustable straps
No risk of jeopardizing webbing when adjusting
Comfortable extra-long waist pad that wicks moisture away
A hard hat protects your head from projectiles and falling objects. Our top pick offers superior protection while keeping your head comfortable and cool all day.
When you think of a hard hat, weightlessness is not the first thing that comes to mind. But with the PYRAMEX Ridgeline Full-Brim Hard Hat, it’s one of the key features that make it our top pick.
This roofing hard hat is made from ABS (Acrylonitrile, Butadiene, Styrene) material, which is a lightweight thermoplastic resin. The properties of each material used give it rigidness, impact strength, and heat and chemical resistance. By using this mix instead of High-Density Polyethylene, this hard hat provides all of the necessary protection without the unnecessary weight.
It also features an adjustable 4-point ratchet suspension as well as a rear padded suspension. For protection against sweaty heads, the sweatband is replaceable and the hat is vented.
Pros
Lightweight and comfortable
Ratchet suspension easy to adjust
Meets ANSI Z89.1-2009 standards, type 1, Class C, G, and E
Replaceable sweatband and well-vented hat
Cons
Snags on longer hair
Vent holes aren’t allowed at all roofing companies
One of the most important pieces of protective equipment for roofers is a good pair of safety goggles or glasses to keep their eyes safe from projectiles like nails or scraps of shingles.
They come in a wide variety of different colors, which offer more than just aesthetic appeal. Some of them are grey-tinted or even mirrored to protect your eyes from the sun (99% UVA/B/C protection) as well as flying roofing materials.
The soft nosepiece and rubber temples add an extra level of comfort, allowing roofers to wear these safety glasses all day without getting a headache.
The roofing industry is rapidly advancing due to new and improved technology.
Software companies with a focus on servicing roofing companies can provide a number of useful tools, including estimating, invoicing, and scheduling software.
CRM for Roofing Companies
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software has been around since the 1980s. It’s extremely valuable to track the outcomes of all customer engagement.
For roofers, a CRM is an invaluable tool as it can provide complete visibility into the operations, marketing, and sales of a company.
Check out our comprehensive list of the best CRMs for roofing companies here.
Unlike other popular off-the-shelf CRM technology, Jobber is purpose-built for home improvement companies and contractors.
With Jobber, you can manage your entire roofing business and back-and-forth with customers from one place. Estimate, quote, schedule, invoice, get paid—no software experience required.
