How often do you get in a roofing situation where you do not have the right tool for the job?  You end up using a makeshift item and end up doing more damage than good.  Standing seam roofs are not a type of roof any roofer can pull off.  It requires experience and having the correct tools for the job.  Along with this post on some useful tools, you can find reliable sources for proper installation methods through the Copper Development Association, Rheinzink America, Revere Architectural Copper.  Onward to 5 standing seam tools that should be in your toolbox!

1. Eaves Edger / Eaves Seam Locker

TIME IS MONEY! We all know that labor is expensive, and tough roof jobs include tedious tasks can add up to some serious cash. Take a break from the headache of eave and rake details on a roof and start finishing like a professional. The RAU 105 and RAU 106 simplify and speed up the process of hemming material for a drip edge or gutter (or anywhere else for that matter). If you aren’t using these finishing tools, you’re competitors probably are…

RAU 105: A spring loaded 1 5/8” depth bender that will grip the metal and begin the hemming process

RAU 106: To finish the hem/crimp of the roofing material on the underside of an eave or rake

2. Wuko 2050 Radius Bender

Imagine trying to close seams on curved standing seam jobs by hammer and anvil? That is like swimming to the finish line while everyone else is in a speedboat. Let’s face it, the industry is changing and not keeping up will sink you!  Luckily, we’re on top of the changes and bring the newest tools to the market.

The WUKO 2050 is a 2” depth bender that provides the ability to turn metal to 90⁰ on a radius. This means bay windows and barrel dormers become part of your expertise. More expertise = bigger jobs = more bread at the dinner table!  This tool in conjunction with a metal shrinker and stretcher, curves can be made and ready to seam with ease.

3. Curved Double Seamer

Double Seamers have been used since metal roofing came into existence. So why does this tool lead to kick ass work? Because unlike every other seaming anvil on the market, this seamer has a concave bottom surface that allows the user to close a seam on a radius. So simple, yet so effective. Close seams on bay windows or cupolas or whatever else you can think of without having to build your own tool to do so.  Check out the curved hardy seamer if you haven’t already.  A common European bending anvil is the curved spoon.  Even though this video is in German (we are working on sub-titles), the use of this tool can be found towards the end of the video.

4. Seam Opener

A tool that metal roofer’s do not want to own but should be in every tool box.  Mistakes are made on a standing seam roof and every once in a while a seam will have to be pried open.  Not every closed seam needs to be cut open to remove the panel. The seam opener is a uniquely shaped hand tool the gives you the proper angles to open a double locked standing seam.

5. Angled or Heavy Squared Mallet

Your traditional steel headed hammer will leave undesirable marks on your material. A PVC or composite headed hammer is a much better hammer choice, especially when working with copper or other expensive material. The two featured hammers are both solid choices for standing seam work. The angled hammer is nice for keeping your hands from scraping the roof’s surface. While the squared face mallet provides additional weight for heavy gauge material.

This is what Erno Ovari from Copper Exclusive’s jobsite looks like in full swing.

• Erno is a graduate of Meister School and holds the degree of Meisterbrief.
• Erno has over 11 years of post-graduate training from some of the most elite trade schools in Germany.
• He holds numerous certifications and is board certified in restoration and reconstruction.
• Erno has well over a quarter century of experience working on buildings ranging from the ultra-modern to some of Europe’s most beloved pieces of historical architecture.