1) Snips with non-serrated (smooth) blades should be used when cutting natural metals such as Copper, Zinc, and Aluminum.

Serrations in the blades will give the user a bite or grip on the metal when starting a cut.  This is advantageous to reduce the snips tendency to “slip” off of the metal. However, the serrations leave micro tears in the cut that ultimately can come back to haunt a roofer.  Overtime the micro tears may lead to lateral tearing of the metal and a future repair job needed.

2) A pair of Seam Profiling Pliers can reduce the amount of time spent scribing double sided sheets to mark for bending purposes.

This unique marking tool has three tips that can easily be set from anywhere between 8-50mm to give the roofer a quick and consistent way of marking sheets for male or female profile bends.  The marks show of both sides so flipping the sheet over is not necessary.

3) When soldering, focus on HEATING THE METAL not the solder.

A simple misconception when soldering is that the solder needs to get very hot in order to sweat a joint.  This is false.  The main focus of the soldering iron should be to heat the metal being worked on because the solder itself will be attracted to the heat and therefore run into the joint at hand.  Using a proper flux is also commonly a problem for people soldering for the first time.

4) When using snips to cut metal, be aware of the snips orientation and the “scrap” vs the “keep” side.

When cutting a piece of metal depending on the snips chosen, the scrap, or discarded material will be on one side and the keep, or the finished material, will remain on the opposite.  While cutting, use your off hand in a peeling motion to keep the scrap from getting in your way and holding the snips up from doing their job.

5) Half round gutter clamps exist to make your life easier.

Soldering together lengths of half round copper gutter can be tricky if you aren’t equipped with the proper tools.  The half round gutter clamp comes in 5” or 6” models and will hold your two pieces firmly together while you rivet and solder them.

6) You could be wearing better footwear for your particular roofing needs. 

Elten roofing shoes benefit the user is a number of ways. Here are some

• Heat insulated – protects against heat loss
• Heat resistant outsole, seams, and laces. Optimal flame/chemical resistance
• Full, padded bellows tongue prevents penetration of dirt & pressure points
• Reflective for high visibility in the dark
• Leather lining used is breathable and tear resistant
• Ergonomically shaped steel toe caps
• Excellent slip resistance for is guaranteed by a double-density RUBBER/PU profile sole