A roofer must realize that roofing equipment that does not perform well in the warm weather, may fail completely in cold or wet weather. Therefore, it is the roofer’s responsibility to report to their employer any equipment that appears not to be operating in a first-class manner.
The roofer should make sure that the wiring and ignition systems on all equipment have been thoroughly sprayed or protected from moisture with spray-on or paint-on materials used for this purpose. Moisture, frost, melting snow, or ice on the warm engine surface can render the mechanical equipment useless, unless the ignition systems are properly protected.
Converting gasoline engines to burn propane fuel may be and appropriate option to eliminate hard starting and to eliminate problems related to ice, water and condensation from the fuel.
Equipment must be properly protected against unfavourable weather conditions at the end of each working day. Tools should be put under tarpaulins or other protection near the hoist at the end of each working day and material should be thoroughly protected against the snow and ice.
Cold weather conditions make it necessary for the roofer to thoroughly understand the use and safety factors of propane gas. Propane gas is widely used in the roofing industry as discussed in a previous section. The roofer should be thoroughly familiar with the uses and dangers of propane and other flammable materials. There are propane infrared heaters available which when set on a frame, or used as a hand unit can quickly and successfully dry the roofing surface. It must be remembered that on propane equipment there are two types of regulators high pressure and low pressure. Consequently, the roofer should acquaint himself with the type of regulator required for the piece of propane equipment that being used.