Recommended tools for repairing a roof

Robert Pollack, Exteriors by Design, Lake Zurich, Illinois, began repairing roofs 35 years ago. Today, he owns Exterior by Design, in Lake Zurich, Illinois, serving suburban Chicago homeowners with full roofing services.

“Chicago’s extreme cold winters and hot summers can wear on roofs but it was the hailstorm of 2014 that caused a lot of damage to area roofs,” he says.

With the help of 12 employees, Pollack operates a “great business in a quiet way.” His neighbors would agree. He’s worked on most of the roofs in the subdivision where he lives.

Referrals and word of mouth have kept his business growing. “From million dollar houses to modest homes, I diagnose roofing problems, recommend materials, and provide accurate roof estimates for the work that needs to be done,” he says.

Werner 36 foot aluminum D-Rung Extension Ladder with 250 pound load capacity

Pollack stands behind his work, providing a 10-year unconditional workmanship warranty. He is a GAF board certified roofer, and is licensed and bonded in every town where he works.

Tools for repairing a roof

Werner D-Rung Extension Ladder

“I’ve been using this extension ladder for 25 years. It’s well-made, heavy duty and durable. I rely on it to reach roofs, gutters and do repairs. It never breaks and it doesn’t scratch the surfaces it touches.”

Premium Kiln Dried Whitewood Stud

“Lumber 2 inch x 4 inch x 96 inch Premium Kiln Dried Whitewood Stud, #161640 – we use kiln dried construction lumber in 2×4, 2×6 and 2×8 sizes, because it’s a good quality lumber that won’t warp,” says Pollack.

“I personally hand-pick the lumber and use it for replacing rafters. It doesn’t buckle and bow.”

Clay Quad Advanced Formula Window Door and Siding Sealant

“OSI 10-ounce Clay Quad Advanced Formula Window Door and Siding Sealant – this caulk can be found in nearly any color so I can match the color of the roof we’re doing,” he says.

“It’s made for exteriors and it’s easy to use. It doesn’t crack under inclement weather. We use it to seal flashing around chimneys and around skylights to prevent leaking.”

RIDGID 7¼-inch Worm Drive Circular Saw

RIDGID 7¼-inch Circular Saw

“RIDGID 7¼-inch Worm Drive Circular Saw – “I select this circular saw because I can take it on a rooftop and trim wood or sheets of plywood up there,” he says. “It’s made for construction and it’s user-friendly. The blade cuts to the right side so I can see where the blade is cutting at all times.”

Stanley 1¼ inch x 40 foot Fat Max Tape Measure

Stanley Fat Max Tape Measure

“Stanley 1¼ inch x 40 foot Fat Max Tape Measure – I use this tape measure 100 times a day for measuring roofs and cutting wood,” says Pollack. “It’s made well, holds up and doesn’t rust. It’s easy to make accurate measurements with.”

Plywood Sheathing

“Plywood 19/32 inch x 4 foot x 8 foot Rtd Sheathing – we use this exterior plywood on all of our roofing jobs,” says Pollack. “It’s a 4-ply that’s durable under shingles and makes a good base for any roof.”