A roofer must be prepared to face different types of weather while roofing. The task is physically and mentally draining. In summer, when temperatures are often brutal, most roofers find it hard to keep calm. Even if the weather is not particularly hot, you must learn the art of staying cool. In this post, we will show you how to stay cool while roofing.
Wear the proper cloths
When working under the scorching sun, you should wear suitable work pants and a cotton shirt. The goal is to wear the type of cloths that allow your skin to “breathe”. Try to wear sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Proper clothing can save you from sunburn and provide protection against scraps. Yes, you will have to consider other protective measures, but wearing the proper cloths is the most important protective measure.
Pay attention to the weather forecast
Before you dive into action, it is important to know the weather forecast. There are a lot of apps than can provide you with the latest information. If the forecast says that the day is going to be scorching hot, start working early in the morning. Maybe you can avoid the direct glare of the sun if you are a bit strategic.
If it is a rainy day, do not work on a roof. It is extremely unsafe to work on a slippery roof. If you feel tempted to work in a dangerous situation, you may end up breaking your bones. Your work is simply not worth the risk.
Stay hydrated
To stay hydrated, take water breaks many times during the day. It is very good if you take a water break every 30 minutes. To keep you cool, keep some water bottles and ice ready. If you are wondering how to stay cool while roofing, you have to figure out a way to stay hydrated throughout the day.
The weather has an important role too. You should drink even more water on a humid day, because humidity can slow down the cooling process of your body. Taking water breaks is never a waste of time, because in the long run it can actually help you save time.
Dehydration can be a terrible thing because it will gradually make you lose your energy and strength. Staying hydrated is one of the wisest things you can do while roofing, even if it is not a hot summer day.
There is a misconception that for roofing professionals, sports drinks are better than water. For your electrolytes, you do not need to drink sports drinks. You can gain necessary electrolytes from regular meals and snacks.
When you are properly hydrated, you will think clearly, and easily figure out how to stay cool while roofing. If you are not yet acclimatized to high temperatures, you should add some more salt to your meals. Do it at least for the first couple of days. If you are on a low sodium diet, talk to your doctor before you start working.
If you suspect hypothermia, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. In some situations, treating yourself can be a dangerous idea. It can result in serious health conditions. To avoid hypothermia, you can also take salt tablets.
Rest is important
When you are engrossed in your work, you may not feel like taking some rest, but you should. Why is it so important to take breaks? The reason is simple: working for very long hours under the scorching sun can lead to a host of complications such as heat stroke.
Listen to your body. Throughout the day, take some rest periods. Yes, taking breaks means spending some time not doing your work. But in the long term it means more productivity because it helps you regain your energy and enthusiasm.
If you are wondering how to stay cool while roofing, the answer may lie in taking adequate rest. Try to spend some time in the shade, because it will lower your body’s temperature and keep you healthy and alert. That shade can be natural or provided by tarps or trees.
Watch out for symptoms of heat stroke
Do not forget to listen to your body while you work. When you work for long hours in direct sunlight, you must watch out for symptoms of heat stroke. Take breaks, drink plenty of water, and try to understand how your body is reacting.
Get out of the sun if you feel a persistent dizziness or headache. If it persists for a long time, do not hesitate to quit for the day. Slurred speech, little perspiration and reddening skin are some of the most obvious symptoms of heat stroke. If you notice these signs in your co-worker, stop signs and help that person.
Take routine safety measures seriously
In all weather conditions, make sure you have safety equipment. Remember, they are an integral part of your job. Roofing on a hot summer day is hard work, and you should never take it lightly.
Falls can result in different types of workplace injuries and fatalities. Construction professionals should be very careful about falls. If you are a little careful, you can avoid job most job-related hazards.
Be careful when using tools
Before you install shingle bundles, they may lie in the sun for weeks. Wear gloves and handle them cautiously if they are hot. If possible, store them in a shady place. You may end up injuring yourself if you handle them carelessly.
It is not easy to carry wet shingle bundles, because they are a bit heavy. Do not work on a roof on a rainy day. Sometimes it can be very dangerous.
Asphalt shingles should not receive direct sunlight. It can be very dangerous to walk on them. Do not dive into action until they cool down.
Metal tools should not be left in the sun for a long time. When you handle them, do not forget to wear work gloves.
Spend less time on the roof
Do not work on the roof for a very long time, because direct sunlight can make the roof really hot. Take breaks and get in the shade several times in the day. Taking breaks is good for another reason: it allows you to reevaluate your workflow. You can make the best use of your time only when you have a strategy.
You will have various health issues if you are constantly exposed to extreme temperatures. When you are on the roof, do what you are actually supposed to be doing. If you really want to know how to stay cool while roofing, take this suggestion seriously. Spending long hours on the roof does not always mean doing more work.
Know your staff
It is important to understand that your new staff members will take some time to adapt to the new weather conditions. On the first day, a new staff member should not spend long time doing the job. It can be counterproductive in the long term.
Working in the heat can be extremely dangerous for workers with health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. If a worker is on prescription medications, make sure that the worker is really capable of working in extreme weather conditions.
