Tips for Choosing Roofing Boots

Getting a Grip on the Roof

Roofing boots are easy to find, so it doesn’t make any sense for anyone to climb and walk on the roof without putting these boots on first.  Find out more about roofing boots and how to choose the best ones for your needs.

Whether it's your job or just some sort of hobby, walking on the roof has its risks.  Depending on the height of the house, once you're on the roof, you'll find yourself at the very least, about 15 feet from solid ground.  Imagine slipping and falling in case you have an accident.  If you don’t like this picture, make sure you keep yourself safe by wearing roofing boots.

What Makes Roofing Boots Special?

Roofing boots are designed to have traction.  This is the 'grip' the soles of the boots have in order for you to stay on the roof.  Traction keeps your soles from slipping so you can walk on the roof and up and down the slope or incline without worries.

Who Needs Roofing Boots?

Just about anyone who has to climb and walk on the roof will need roofing boots.  So if you work as a house inspector, repairman, roofer, adjustor, window cleaner, gutter installer or chimney sweep, you will find roofing boots very handy and essential to your job.  If you're a homeowner who likes to do DIY projects of any kind on the roof or just someone who likes to make periodic inspection of the roof, you will need roofing boots to ensure that you keep your footing and don’t slip. 

Roofing boots are available in different sizes, along with styles that will fit men or women.

Choosing Your Roofing Boots

Always choose a pair of roofing boots that fit your feet – not too loose and not too tight.  If they're too loose, your feet need to adjust every step of the way to make up for the extra space.  If the boots are too tight, they cut off circulation and cause pain.  Tight shoes can also lead to physical foot problems.  Choose roofing boots that are a good fit, allowing your feet to move comfortably within the confined space.

Most roofing boots reach up to the ankles so that you are given support in that area.  This helps keep your ankles in place especially when you're walking on the roof.  However, if you will be spending a lot of time working on the slope and find that high ankle boots press too much on your legs, pick a pair that comes with low tops.

You might also want to pick roofing boots that are unheeled or those that have a soft wedge.  This type of sole is more reliable because they offer the best traction.  They also don't leave marks on the roofing materials.  You can also pick roofing boots that can use interchangeable soles so you can walk on roofing made with different roofing materials any time.

When choosing roofing boots, take a look at the sole.  Soles should not collect a lot of debris because this can cause problems later.  Do you use leather laces or fabric laces?  That depends on what you and your roofing boots will be doing on the roof.  If you'll be doing some welding jobs, go for the leather laces.  They don’t catch the sparks as well as cloth laces do.

Does the cold bother you?  If you'll be working on the roof on cold days, there is something else you can slip into your roofing boots aside from a pair of feet wrapped with extra socks.  Thinsulate is a product made by 3M and acts as insulation for your boots.  It's supposed to be warmer than foam, pile or felt and it doesn’t retain moisture.  It can also keep your feet warm even when it's wet.

Keeping Safe

Just because your roofing boots promise a good grip doesn’t mean you should be over confident to do something that might cause you to slip and fall.  Lace up your roofing boots firmly and make sure they are comfortable to wear.  Put on safety cords and walk on the roof with care, especially when there is some moisture present.  Roofing boots are worn for your own safety but they are mainly tools.  Your own safety up there on the roof depends on you and nobody else.

The final article in this series is all about getting your own roofing franchise.