Flat roof supplies we'd actually use

Silicone roof coating · $230–$330

HenryHenry 887 Tropi-Cool 100% Silicone White Roof Coating

Chemistry

Silicone

Size

4.75 gal

Coverage

About 320 sq ft per 4.75-gal pail at Henry's rate of 1.5 gal per 100 sq ft (22 dry mils minimum)

The silicone most homeowners can actually find on a store shelf: bright white, tolerates standing water better than acrylic, and rain-safe minutes after it goes on. Buy enough to hit the full thickness, because a thin silicone coat is money wasted.

Read the fine print: Once a roof is silicone, only silicone sticks to it later. No acrylic, asphalt cement or most tapes over it. Henry calls for a test area on asphalt roofs to check bleed-through and adhesion, and it's not for shingles. An opened pail starts curing from the humidity in the air, so don't plan on saving leftovers.

Best for: Recoating a sound mod-bit, built-up, metal or foam roof with long-lasting white silicone

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Silicone roof coating · $280–$400

GacoGacoRoof 100% Silicone Roof Coating, White (GR1600)

Chemistry

Silicone

Size

4.75 gal (sold as 5 gal)

Coverage

100 sq ft per gal per coat (about 11 dry mils on a smooth surface); Gaco calls for at least two coats, more on textured surfaces

A silicone that contractors use and that is also sold retail. Plan on two full coats to reach the film build Gaco specifies; like other silicones it handles ponding areas better than acrylic.

Read the fine print: Gaco says to recoat GacoRoof only with more GacoRoof, and to run its adhesion test (or prime with its E5320 epoxy primer) on aged asphalt to head off bleed-through. Not for shingles. It's solvent-based, so expect odor and keep it away from open air intakes while you work.

Best for: Full-roof silicone restorations where you'll put down two proper coats

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Acrylic elastomeric roof coating · $90–$160

Kool SealKool Seal Premium Elastomeric White Roof Coating (10-year)

Chemistry

Acrylic

Size

4.75 gal (5-gal pail)

A budget-friendly, water-based white coating for roofs that drain well. Cleanup is soap and water, and you can recoat it with acrylic again in a few years, which is why many homeowners start here.

Read the fine print: Acrylics need a dry, warm window to cure. Rain or heavy dew on a fresh coat can wash it off. Acrylic won't bond to silicone, and on asphalt surfaces brown staining can bleed through unless you prime.

Best for: A budget white recoat on a well-draining mod-bit, built-up or metal roof

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Aluminum roof coating · $110–$190

HenryHenry 555 Premium Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating

Chemistry

Aluminum

Size

4.75 gal

Coverage

Henry's rates: 2 gal per 100 sq ft on mineral cap sheet, 1.5 gal on smooth asphalt surfaces, 1.25 gal on metal

The classic silver coat for asphalt roofs: fibered asphalt loaded with aluminum flake that reflects sun and shields the membrane from UV. It costs less than white elastomerics and gets along with the asphalt underneath.

Read the fine print: Apply it only to a dry roof. Henry says no rain or dew within 24–48 hours, and a damp surface turns it brown. It's asphalt-based, so a future white acrylic or silicone recoat will need a thorough cleaning and usually a primer. Stir it well, because the aluminum settles.

Best for: Low-cost reflective protection on mod-bit, built-up and rolled roofs

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Liquid EPDM rubber coating · $400–$600

Liquid Roof (EPDM Coatings)Liquid Roof Liquid EPDM Roof Coating

Chemistry

Other

Size

5 gal

A true liquid EPDM, which makes it the natural recoat for an aging rubber roof where acrylic and asphalt products don't belong. It's best known for RVs but also goes on small low-slope EPDM roofs.

Read the fine print: It comes with a catalyst you stir in, and once it's mixed the clock is running, so plan the whole job before you open it. Solvent fumes are strong; follow the maker's ventilation and temperature limits. It's pricey per square foot, so it makes the most sense on small roofs and repairs.

Best for: Recoating or repairing a small EPDM rubber roof

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Wet-or-dry roof cement · $20–$40

HenryHenry 208R Rubberized Wet Patch Roof Cement (HE208R042)

Chemistry

Asphalt

Size

0.90 gal (1-gal can)

Coverage

About 12.5 sq ft per gallon at 1/8 in. thick

The emergency patch to keep in the garage: a rubberized asphalt cement that bonds to wet surfaces, even in the rain. Trowel it on thick and wide, and bed polyester fabric in it over anything bigger than a nail hole.

Read the fine print: Asphalt-based. Henry says to wait 30 days before coating over it, and it can bleed through white acrylic or silicone, so prime it with a bleed blocker or cut it out before a recoat. Not for EPDM rubber or PVC sheet roofs. Henry wants fabric on any hole wider than 1/4 in. or longer than 2 in.

Best for: Stopping an active leak on a mod-bit, built-up, rolled or metal roof

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Wet-or-dry roof cement (caulk tube) · $7–$15

HenryHenry 208R Wet Patch Roof Cement, 11 oz cartridge

Chemistry

Asphalt

Size

11 oz cartridge

The same wet-patch cement in a caulk tube, for nail holes, small splits and flashing edges where a trowel is overkill.

Read the fine print: Same asphalt limits as the can: let it cure before any coating, and don't use it on EPDM or PVC. A bead over a split is a stopgap, not a seam repair.

Best for: Pinholes, fastener heads and flashing edges

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Plastic roof / flashing cement · $20–$40

GardnerGardner Wet-R-Dri All Weather Plastic Roof Cement

Chemistry

Asphalt

Size

1 gal

An all-weather asphalt plastic cement for setting flashing, sealing laps and filling cracks on asphalt roofs. A solid alternative when the Henry is out of stock.

Read the fine print: Like every asphalt cement, it stays soft for weeks and stains white coatings. Don't topcoat it with acrylic or silicone until it has cured and been primed with a bleed blocker.

Best for: Flashing, laps and cracks on mod-bit, built-up and rolled roofs

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EPDM repair kit · $50–$110

QuestMarkQuestMark EPDM Roof Patch and Repair Kit

Chemistry

Other

Size

Kit

One box with what a proper peel-and-stick EPDM repair needs: wide flashing, cover strip, seam tape, T-joint covers, membrane cleaner and the hand tools. It's the right way to fix a rubber roof, not smearing tar on it.

Read the fine print: EPDM tape only holds on rubber that's been scrubbed free of chalk, and primed if the kit calls for it. Skip the prep and the patch peels. Never use asphalt cement on EPDM.

Best for: Punctures, open seams and small tears on EPDM rubber roofs

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TPO repair tape · $40–$120

VariousTPO peel-and-stick cover strip / patch (white)

Chemistry

Other

Small punctures and lifted lap edges on TPO can be covered with a TPO-specific pressure-sensitive patch over primed membrane. It's the DIY alternative to hot-air welding.

Read the fine print: Confirm the listing says TPO; EPDM tapes and RV kits are different products. Clean the membrane and use a TPO primer. A welded TPO patch is the permanent fix, and a roof under warranty should be repaired by a certified installer. PVC needs PVC-specific material.

Best for: Small punctures and lap edges on TPO roofs

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Silicone roof sealant · $50–$90

HenryHenry 885 Tropi-Cool Silicone Seam & Repair Roof Sealant (HE885042)

Chemistry

Silicone

Size

0.90 gal

The thick silicone Henry pairs with 887 for seams, cracks, penetrations and flashing details before the field coat. It's also the right patch material for a roof that's already silicone-coated.

Read the fine print: The silicone rule applies: once it's on, only silicone goes over it. Don't count on one thick glob over a wide crack. Clean it, fill it and feather it out.

Best for: Detail work before an 887 coat, and patches on silicone-coated roofs

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Tripolymer roofing sealant · $8–$16

GeocelGeocel 2300 Construction Tripolymer Sealant, 10.3 oz

Chemistry

Other

Size

10.3 oz cartridge

A tough, flexible solvent-based sealant that roofers grab for metal flashing, gutters, counterflashing and penetrations. It stays elastic and sticks to most building materials.

Read the fine print: Solvent-based, so expect a strong smell. It's a joint sealant, not a membrane patch, and like most caulks it won't bond to a silicone coating.

Best for: Sealing metal flashing, termination bars and penetrations

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Clear roof repair sealant · $10–$18

SashcoSashco Through The Roof! Sealant, 10.5 oz, Clear

Chemistry

Other

Size

10.5 oz cartridge

A clear, very stretchy patching sealant for quick fixes around vents, skylights and flashing where black cement would look bad.

Read the fine print: Clear means any dirt you seal under it stays visible, so clean first. It's for small spots, not a substitute for a real seam or flashing repair, and it won't bond to a silicone coating.

Best for: Small leaks around vents, skylights and flashing

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Polyester reinforcing fabric · $15–$35

HenryHenry 296 Polyester Repair Fabric, 4 in. x 150 ft

Chemistry

Other

Size

4 in. x 150 ft

Thin, stretchy polyester you bed into roof cement or coating to bridge cracks, seams and flashing joints. It's the difference between a patch that splits in a month and one that lasts.

Read the fine print: Fabric goes into a wet base layer and must be fully covered by a top layer. Exposed fabric wicks water and breaks down in the sun.

Best for: Reinforcing patches, seams and flashing transitions

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Seam repair tape · $70–$120

EternaBondEternaBond RoofSeal White Seam Tape, 4 in. x 50 ft

Chemistry

Other

Size

4 in. x 50 ft

A UV-stable peel-and-stick tape with an aggressive sealant layer that bonds to rubber, TPO, metal and most other roofing. It's the fastest durable fix for an open seam or a split along a metal edge.

Read the fine print: Prep decides whether it lasts: clean, dry, free of chalk, and rolled down hard. Don't put it over a silicone coating, and check whether your membrane needs a primer first.

Best for: Open seams, metal-edge splits, curbs and fast storm repairs

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Asphalt bleed-blocking primer · $100–$300 (depends on pail size)

Tropical Roofing Products (TRP)TRP #996 Eterna-SIL Premium Bleed Blocker

A primer that seals asphalt surfaces so brown oils don't stain up through a white silicone topcoat. TRP is a Florida coatings maker, and this is a step pros don't skip on older mod-bit and asphalt-patched roofs.

Read the fine print: Use it with the silicone system it's designed for, and wait the maker's dry time before topcoating. Fresh asphalt cement and wet-patch repairs still need to cure before you prime over them.

Best for: Priming mod-bit, built-up or asphalt-patched roofs before silicone

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Single-ply adhesion primer · $50–$90

Liquid RubberLiquid Rubber EPDM & TPO Primer

Chemistry

Other

Size

1 gal

An adhesion primer for slick single-ply membranes, which most water-based coatings won't grip on their own.

Read the fine print: Primers are matched to a coating system, and this one is made for Liquid Rubber coatings. With another brand's coating, use the primer that brand names or run an adhesion test first.

Best for: Priming EPDM or TPO before a Liquid Rubber coating

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Roof cleaner / coating prep · $25–$50

Rust-OleumRust-Oleum One-Step Roof Prep Cleaner, 1 gal

Size

1 gal

A roof-specific cleaner for getting dirt, chalk and mildew off before a coating goes on. Most coating failures trace back to prep, and this is the cheap part of the job.

Read the fine print: Rinse completely and let the roof dry, because cleaner residue blocks adhesion. Follow the label for dilution and protecting plants, and check that your coating maker accepts it as prep.

Best for: Washing a roof before priming or coating

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Roller cover (3/4 in. nap) · $6–$12

WoosterWooster Pro/Doo-Z 3/4 in. Nap Roller Cover, 9 in. (RR644-9)

Size

9 in.

A shed-resistant 3/4-inch nap holds enough thick roof coating to work it into granules and rough surfaces. Buy several, because silicone ruins roller covers and you won't be cleaning them.

Read the fine print: For heavy silicone, some pros step up to a 1-inch nap. Either way, swap the cover when it mats down instead of trying to stretch it.

Best for: Rolling acrylic or silicone coatings and primers

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Roller frame · $8–$16

WoosterWooster Sherlock Roller Frame, 9 in. (R017-9)

Size

9 in.

A sturdy frame whose threaded end locks onto a Sherlock pole, so it doesn't wobble under the weight of thick coating.

Best for: Pairing with a 3/4-in. nap cover and an extension pole

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Extension pole · $25–$45

WoosterWooster Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole, 4–8 ft (R091)

Size

4–8 ft

Lets you roll coating standing up instead of on your knees, and the locking tip keeps the frame from spinning loose.

Read the fine print: Work backward toward your exit, never toward the roof edge while your eyes are on the roller.

Best for: Rolling coating across a whole roof

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Stiff push broom · $25–$45

LibmanLibman 825 Rough-Surface Heavy-Duty Push Broom, 24 in.

Size

24 in.

Stiff bristles clear loose granules, grit and leaves off a flat roof before you wash, inspect or coat.

Read the fine print: Go easy on old mod bit. Scrubbing hard strips granules you want to keep.

Best for: Sweeping debris and loose granules before inspecting or coating

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Floor squeegee · $15–$30

LibmanLibman 515 Floor Squeegee, 24 in.

Size

24 in.

Pushes standing water toward a drain so a low spot can dry out for inspection, patching or coating.

Read the fine print: Moving water off a roof is maintenance, not a fix. If the same spot ponds after every rain, it needs slope or a drain.

Best for: Clearing ponded water before repairs or coating

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Cordless leaf blower · $120–$180

DEWALTDEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Leaf Blower (DCBL722B, tool only)

Cordless, so there's no cord dragging across the roof. Use it to clear drains and scuppers, and to blow off dust right before primer or coating.

Read the fine print: Tool only: the battery and charger are sold separately. Watch your footing, and don't walk backward while you blow.

Best for: Clearing leaves from drains and the final dust-off before coating

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Wet mil gauge · $7–$15

GenericWet Film Thickness Gauge, hex comb (1–118 mil)

A cheap stainless comb you press into fresh coating to read wet mils. It's how you know you're putting down what the data sheet calls for instead of guessing, and how a homeowner can check a contractor's work.

Read the fine print: Wet mils aren't dry mils. Use the coating's spec sheet to convert, since water-based acrylics shrink more than silicones as they cure. Wipe the gauge clean after every reading.

Best for: Checking coating thickness as you roll

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Pin-type moisture meter · $25–$45

General ToolsGeneral Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter

A pin meter for checking whether decking, framing and fascia got wet from a leak, and whether a repair area has dried enough to work on.

Read the fine print: It reads only what the pins touch. It can't see wet insulation under a membrane (pros use core cuts, impedance scanners or infrared for that), and pushing pins through a membrane makes new holes.

Best for: Checking wood decking, framing and fascia for leak damage

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Utility knife · $12–$22

StanleyStanley 10-777 FatMax Locking Retractable Utility Knife

Cuts fabric, membrane, cover tape and failed sealant. A locking blade matters when you're pushing through tough roofing material.

Read the fine print: Add a pack of hook blades for cutting membrane from the top without slicing what's underneath, and change blades often.

Best for: Cutting fabric, membrane patches and old sealant

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Margin trowel · $10–$20

MarshalltownMarshalltown Margin Trowel, 5 x 2 in.

Small enough to scoop roof cement out of the can and work it into tight spots around flashing, and stiff enough to spread it 1/8 inch thick.

Read the fine print: Asphalt cement doesn't wash off with water. Keep mineral spirits and rags on hand for cleanup.

Best for: Applying roof cement and wet patch

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Putty knife / scraper · $7–$14

HydeHyde Stiff Putty Knife, 3 in. (01440)

A stiff stainless blade for scraping off failed caulk, lifting loose coating and feathering patch edges.

Read the fine print: Don't pry at sound membrane laps, or you'll open the seam you're trying to protect.

Best for: Scraping failed sealant and feathering patch edges

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Wet/dry vacuum · $90–$140

CRAFTSMANCRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac

Size

9 gal

Pulls standing water out of low spots and drain sumps so you can inspect, patch or coat the same day.

Read the fine print: It needs power on the roof, so use a GFCI-protected outdoor cord and keep the connections out of the water. Take out the dust bag before wet pickup.

Best for: Removing ponded water before repairs or coating

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Gas pressure washer · $330–$430

SimpsonSimpson MegaShot 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer (MS61222-S)

Enough flow to wash a whole roof before coating in a reasonable time, with no outlet needed on the roof. Pair it with a roof cleaner and a wide fan tip.

Read the fine print: Full pressure up close strips granules off mod bit and gouges foam and soft membranes. Use a 25- or 40-degree tip, keep the wand moving, and stay well back from the edge, because the kickback plus a wet surface is a fall risk.

Best for: Washing a flat roof before priming or coating

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Roofer's fall-protection kit · $120–$180

Guardian Fall ProtectionGuardian 00815 Bucket of Safe-Tie Fall Protection Kit

A harness, a 50-ft lifeline assembly and a reusable roof anchor packed in a bucket. It's the standard starter kit for anyone working near a roof edge.

Read the fine print: The anchor has to be fastened into structure, which on a flat roof means penetrating the membrane, so plan to flash and seal it or use a parapet or counterweight anchor instead. Rig it so you can't reach the edge, and read the fall-clearance instructions.

Best for: Working near unprotected roof edges

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Coated work gloves · $8–$15 a pair

SHOWASHOWA Atlas 377 Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves

Nitrile-coated gloves with real grip for buckets and tools, and they keep roof cement and coating off your hands.

Read the fine print: For solvent-based silicones, primers and cleaners, check the label. Some call for chemical-resistant gloves rather than coated work gloves.

Best for: Handling cement, coatings and tools

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Non-slip roofing boots · $120–$180

Cougar PawsCougar Paws Peak Performer Roofing Boots

Roofing boots with replaceable foam traction pads, made for grip on roof surfaces. On a flat roof the bigger slip hazards are slick coating, wet membrane and mildew.

Read the fine print: Nothing grips fresh coating, wet silicone or algae. Stay off uncured coating, and treat a wet roof as off-limits.

Best for: Steady footing on dry roof surfaces

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Silicone roof coating · $230–$330

HenryHenry 887 Tropi-Cool 100% Silicone White Roof Coating

Chemistry

Silicone

Size

4.75 gal

Coverage

About 320 sq ft per 4.75-gal pail at Henry's rate of 1.5 gal per 100 sq ft (22 dry mils minimum)

The silicone most homeowners can actually find on a store shelf: bright white, tolerates standing water better than acrylic, and rain-safe minutes after it goes on. Buy enough to hit the full thickness, because a thin silicone coat is money wasted.

Read the fine print: Once a roof is silicone, only silicone sticks to it later. No acrylic, asphalt cement or most tapes over it. Henry calls for a test area on asphalt roofs to check bleed-through and adhesion, and it's not for shingles. An opened pail starts curing from the humidity in the air, so don't plan on saving leftovers.

Best for: Recoating a sound mod-bit, built-up, metal or foam roof with long-lasting white silicone

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Acrylic elastomeric roof coating · $90–$160

Kool SealKool Seal Premium Elastomeric White Roof Coating (10-year)

Chemistry

Acrylic

Size

4.75 gal (5-gal pail)

A budget-friendly, water-based white coating for roofs that drain well. Cleanup is soap and water, and you can recoat it with acrylic again in a few years, which is why many homeowners start here.

Read the fine print: Acrylics need a dry, warm window to cure. Rain or heavy dew on a fresh coat can wash it off. Acrylic won't bond to silicone, and on asphalt surfaces brown staining can bleed through unless you prime.

Best for: A budget white recoat on a well-draining mod-bit, built-up or metal roof

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Aluminum roof coating · $110–$190

HenryHenry 555 Premium Fibered Aluminum Roof Coating

Chemistry

Aluminum

Size

4.75 gal

Coverage

Henry's rates: 2 gal per 100 sq ft on mineral cap sheet, 1.5 gal on smooth asphalt surfaces, 1.25 gal on metal

The classic silver coat for asphalt roofs: fibered asphalt loaded with aluminum flake that reflects sun and shields the membrane from UV. It costs less than white elastomerics and gets along with the asphalt underneath.

Read the fine print: Apply it only to a dry roof. Henry says no rain or dew within 24–48 hours, and a damp surface turns it brown. It's asphalt-based, so a future white acrylic or silicone recoat will need a thorough cleaning and usually a primer. Stir it well, because the aluminum settles.

Best for: Low-cost reflective protection on mod-bit, built-up and rolled roofs

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Wet-or-dry roof cement · $20–$40

HenryHenry 208R Rubberized Wet Patch Roof Cement (HE208R042)

Chemistry

Asphalt

Size

0.90 gal (1-gal can)

Coverage

About 12.5 sq ft per gallon at 1/8 in. thick

The emergency patch to keep in the garage: a rubberized asphalt cement that bonds to wet surfaces, even in the rain. Trowel it on thick and wide, and bed polyester fabric in it over anything bigger than a nail hole.

Read the fine print: Asphalt-based. Henry says to wait 30 days before coating over it, and it can bleed through white acrylic or silicone, so prime it with a bleed blocker or cut it out before a recoat. Not for EPDM rubber or PVC sheet roofs. Henry wants fabric on any hole wider than 1/4 in. or longer than 2 in.

Best for: Stopping an active leak on a mod-bit, built-up, rolled or metal roof

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Wet-or-dry roof cement (caulk tube) · $7–$15

HenryHenry 208R Wet Patch Roof Cement, 11 oz cartridge

Chemistry

Asphalt

Size

11 oz cartridge

The same wet-patch cement in a caulk tube, for nail holes, small splits and flashing edges where a trowel is overkill.

Read the fine print: Same asphalt limits as the can: let it cure before any coating, and don't use it on EPDM or PVC. A bead over a split is a stopgap, not a seam repair.

Best for: Pinholes, fastener heads and flashing edges

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Plastic roof / flashing cement · $20–$40

GardnerGardner Wet-R-Dri All Weather Plastic Roof Cement

Chemistry

Asphalt

Size

1 gal

An all-weather asphalt plastic cement for setting flashing, sealing laps and filling cracks on asphalt roofs. A solid alternative when the Henry is out of stock.

Read the fine print: Like every asphalt cement, it stays soft for weeks and stains white coatings. Don't topcoat it with acrylic or silicone until it has cured and been primed with a bleed blocker.

Best for: Flashing, laps and cracks on mod-bit, built-up and rolled roofs

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

EPDM repair kit · $50–$110

QuestMarkQuestMark EPDM Roof Patch and Repair Kit

Chemistry

Other

Size

Kit

One box with what a proper peel-and-stick EPDM repair needs: wide flashing, cover strip, seam tape, T-joint covers, membrane cleaner and the hand tools. It's the right way to fix a rubber roof, not smearing tar on it.

Read the fine print: EPDM tape only holds on rubber that's been scrubbed free of chalk, and primed if the kit calls for it. Skip the prep and the patch peels. Never use asphalt cement on EPDM.

Best for: Punctures, open seams and small tears on EPDM rubber roofs

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Silicone roof sealant · $50–$90

HenryHenry 885 Tropi-Cool Silicone Seam & Repair Roof Sealant (HE885042)

Chemistry

Silicone

Size

0.90 gal

The thick silicone Henry pairs with 887 for seams, cracks, penetrations and flashing details before the field coat. It's also the right patch material for a roof that's already silicone-coated.

Read the fine print: The silicone rule applies: once it's on, only silicone goes over it. Don't count on one thick glob over a wide crack. Clean it, fill it and feather it out.

Best for: Detail work before an 887 coat, and patches on silicone-coated roofs

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Clear roof repair sealant · $10–$18

SashcoSashco Through The Roof! Sealant, 10.5 oz, Clear

Chemistry

Other

Size

10.5 oz cartridge

A clear, very stretchy patching sealant for quick fixes around vents, skylights and flashing where black cement would look bad.

Read the fine print: Clear means any dirt you seal under it stays visible, so clean first. It's for small spots, not a substitute for a real seam or flashing repair, and it won't bond to a silicone coating.

Best for: Small leaks around vents, skylights and flashing

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Polyester reinforcing fabric · $15–$35

HenryHenry 296 Polyester Repair Fabric, 4 in. x 150 ft

Chemistry

Other

Size

4 in. x 150 ft

Thin, stretchy polyester you bed into roof cement or coating to bridge cracks, seams and flashing joints. It's the difference between a patch that splits in a month and one that lasts.

Read the fine print: Fabric goes into a wet base layer and must be fully covered by a top layer. Exposed fabric wicks water and breaks down in the sun.

Best for: Reinforcing patches, seams and flashing transitions

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Seam repair tape · $70–$120

EternaBondEternaBond RoofSeal White Seam Tape, 4 in. x 50 ft

Chemistry

Other

Size

4 in. x 50 ft

A UV-stable peel-and-stick tape with an aggressive sealant layer that bonds to rubber, TPO, metal and most other roofing. It's the fastest durable fix for an open seam or a split along a metal edge.

Read the fine print: Prep decides whether it lasts: clean, dry, free of chalk, and rolled down hard. Don't put it over a silicone coating, and check whether your membrane needs a primer first.

Best for: Open seams, metal-edge splits, curbs and fast storm repairs

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Roof cleaner / coating prep · $25–$50

Rust-OleumRust-Oleum One-Step Roof Prep Cleaner, 1 gal

Size

1 gal

A roof-specific cleaner for getting dirt, chalk and mildew off before a coating goes on. Most coating failures trace back to prep, and this is the cheap part of the job.

Read the fine print: Rinse completely and let the roof dry, because cleaner residue blocks adhesion. Follow the label for dilution and protecting plants, and check that your coating maker accepts it as prep.

Best for: Washing a roof before priming or coating

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Roller cover (3/4 in. nap) · $6–$12

WoosterWooster Pro/Doo-Z 3/4 in. Nap Roller Cover, 9 in. (RR644-9)

Size

9 in.

A shed-resistant 3/4-inch nap holds enough thick roof coating to work it into granules and rough surfaces. Buy several, because silicone ruins roller covers and you won't be cleaning them.

Read the fine print: For heavy silicone, some pros step up to a 1-inch nap. Either way, swap the cover when it mats down instead of trying to stretch it.

Best for: Rolling acrylic or silicone coatings and primers

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Roller frame · $8–$16

WoosterWooster Sherlock Roller Frame, 9 in. (R017-9)

Size

9 in.

A sturdy frame whose threaded end locks onto a Sherlock pole, so it doesn't wobble under the weight of thick coating.

Best for: Pairing with a 3/4-in. nap cover and an extension pole

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Extension pole · $25–$45

WoosterWooster Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole, 4–8 ft (R091)

Size

4–8 ft

Lets you roll coating standing up instead of on your knees, and the locking tip keeps the frame from spinning loose.

Read the fine print: Work backward toward your exit, never toward the roof edge while your eyes are on the roller.

Best for: Rolling coating across a whole roof

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Stiff push broom · $25–$45

LibmanLibman 825 Rough-Surface Heavy-Duty Push Broom, 24 in.

Size

24 in.

Stiff bristles clear loose granules, grit and leaves off a flat roof before you wash, inspect or coat.

Read the fine print: Go easy on old mod bit. Scrubbing hard strips granules you want to keep.

Best for: Sweeping debris and loose granules before inspecting or coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Floor squeegee · $15–$30

LibmanLibman 515 Floor Squeegee, 24 in.

Size

24 in.

Pushes standing water toward a drain so a low spot can dry out for inspection, patching or coating.

Read the fine print: Moving water off a roof is maintenance, not a fix. If the same spot ponds after every rain, it needs slope or a drain.

Best for: Clearing ponded water before repairs or coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Cordless leaf blower · $120–$180

DEWALTDEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Leaf Blower (DCBL722B, tool only)

Cordless, so there's no cord dragging across the roof. Use it to clear drains and scuppers, and to blow off dust right before primer or coating.

Read the fine print: Tool only: the battery and charger are sold separately. Watch your footing, and don't walk backward while you blow.

Best for: Clearing leaves from drains and the final dust-off before coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Wet mil gauge · $7–$15

GenericWet Film Thickness Gauge, hex comb (1–118 mil)

A cheap stainless comb you press into fresh coating to read wet mils. It's how you know you're putting down what the data sheet calls for instead of guessing, and how a homeowner can check a contractor's work.

Read the fine print: Wet mils aren't dry mils. Use the coating's spec sheet to convert, since water-based acrylics shrink more than silicones as they cure. Wipe the gauge clean after every reading.

Best for: Checking coating thickness as you roll

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Pin-type moisture meter · $25–$45

General ToolsGeneral Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter

A pin meter for checking whether decking, framing and fascia got wet from a leak, and whether a repair area has dried enough to work on.

Read the fine print: It reads only what the pins touch. It can't see wet insulation under a membrane (pros use core cuts, impedance scanners or infrared for that), and pushing pins through a membrane makes new holes.

Best for: Checking wood decking, framing and fascia for leak damage

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Utility knife · $12–$22

StanleyStanley 10-777 FatMax Locking Retractable Utility Knife

Cuts fabric, membrane, cover tape and failed sealant. A locking blade matters when you're pushing through tough roofing material.

Read the fine print: Add a pack of hook blades for cutting membrane from the top without slicing what's underneath, and change blades often.

Best for: Cutting fabric, membrane patches and old sealant

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Margin trowel · $10–$20

MarshalltownMarshalltown Margin Trowel, 5 x 2 in.

Small enough to scoop roof cement out of the can and work it into tight spots around flashing, and stiff enough to spread it 1/8 inch thick.

Read the fine print: Asphalt cement doesn't wash off with water. Keep mineral spirits and rags on hand for cleanup.

Best for: Applying roof cement and wet patch

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Putty knife / scraper · $7–$14

HydeHyde Stiff Putty Knife, 3 in. (01440)

A stiff stainless blade for scraping off failed caulk, lifting loose coating and feathering patch edges.

Read the fine print: Don't pry at sound membrane laps, or you'll open the seam you're trying to protect.

Best for: Scraping failed sealant and feathering patch edges

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Wet/dry vacuum · $90–$140

CRAFTSMANCRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac

Size

9 gal

Pulls standing water out of low spots and drain sumps so you can inspect, patch or coat the same day.

Read the fine print: It needs power on the roof, so use a GFCI-protected outdoor cord and keep the connections out of the water. Take out the dust bag before wet pickup.

Best for: Removing ponded water before repairs or coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Roofer's fall-protection kit · $120–$180

Guardian Fall ProtectionGuardian 00815 Bucket of Safe-Tie Fall Protection Kit

A harness, a 50-ft lifeline assembly and a reusable roof anchor packed in a bucket. It's the standard starter kit for anyone working near a roof edge.

Read the fine print: The anchor has to be fastened into structure, which on a flat roof means penetrating the membrane, so plan to flash and seal it or use a parapet or counterweight anchor instead. Rig it so you can't reach the edge, and read the fall-clearance instructions.

Best for: Working near unprotected roof edges

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Coated work gloves · $8–$15 a pair

SHOWASHOWA Atlas 377 Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves

Nitrile-coated gloves with real grip for buckets and tools, and they keep roof cement and coating off your hands.

Read the fine print: For solvent-based silicones, primers and cleaners, check the label. Some call for chemical-resistant gloves rather than coated work gloves.

Best for: Handling cement, coatings and tools

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Non-slip roofing boots · $120–$180

Cougar PawsCougar Paws Peak Performer Roofing Boots

Roofing boots with replaceable foam traction pads, made for grip on roof surfaces. On a flat roof the bigger slip hazards are slick coating, wet membrane and mildew.

Read the fine print: Nothing grips fresh coating, wet silicone or algae. Stay off uncured coating, and treat a wet roof as off-limits.

Best for: Steady footing on dry roof surfaces

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Silicone roof coating · $280–$400

GacoGacoRoof 100% Silicone Roof Coating, White (GR1600)

Chemistry

Silicone

Size

4.75 gal (sold as 5 gal)

Coverage

100 sq ft per gal per coat (about 11 dry mils on a smooth surface); Gaco calls for at least two coats, more on textured surfaces

A silicone that contractors use and that is also sold retail. Plan on two full coats to reach the film build Gaco specifies; like other silicones it handles ponding areas better than acrylic.

Read the fine print: Gaco says to recoat GacoRoof only with more GacoRoof, and to run its adhesion test (or prime with its E5320 epoxy primer) on aged asphalt to head off bleed-through. Not for shingles. It's solvent-based, so expect odor and keep it away from open air intakes while you work.

Best for: Full-roof silicone restorations where you'll put down two proper coats

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

EPDM flashing / patch membrane · $150–$250

Firestone (Elevate)Firestone QuickSeam FormFlash, 9 in. x 50 ft

Chemistry

Other

Size

9 in. x 50 ft roll

Uncured EPDM flashing with a tape backing that stretches around corners, curbs and pipes. It's the material manufacturer-trained crews use on EPDM details and patch overlaps.

Read the fine print: It needs the matching EPDM primer and a seam roller, and the roll is far more than one repair needs. On a roof still under warranty, use the manufacturer's detail or a certified installer.

Best for: Pro-grade EPDM patches, inside and outside corners, and penetration flashing

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TPO repair tape · $40–$120

VariousTPO peel-and-stick cover strip / patch (white)

Chemistry

Other

Small punctures and lifted lap edges on TPO can be covered with a TPO-specific pressure-sensitive patch over primed membrane. It's the DIY alternative to hot-air welding.

Read the fine print: Confirm the listing says TPO; EPDM tapes and RV kits are different products. Clean the membrane and use a TPO primer. A welded TPO patch is the permanent fix, and a roof under warranty should be repaired by a certified installer. PVC needs PVC-specific material.

Best for: Small punctures and lap edges on TPO roofs

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Tripolymer roofing sealant · $8–$16

GeocelGeocel 2300 Construction Tripolymer Sealant, 10.3 oz

Chemistry

Other

Size

10.3 oz cartridge

A tough, flexible solvent-based sealant that roofers grab for metal flashing, gutters, counterflashing and penetrations. It stays elastic and sticks to most building materials.

Read the fine print: Solvent-based, so expect a strong smell. It's a joint sealant, not a membrane patch, and like most caulks it won't bond to a silicone coating.

Best for: Sealing metal flashing, termination bars and penetrations

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Polyester reinforcing fabric · $15–$35

HenryHenry 296 Polyester Repair Fabric, 4 in. x 150 ft

Chemistry

Other

Size

4 in. x 150 ft

Thin, stretchy polyester you bed into roof cement or coating to bridge cracks, seams and flashing joints. It's the difference between a patch that splits in a month and one that lasts.

Read the fine print: Fabric goes into a wet base layer and must be fully covered by a top layer. Exposed fabric wicks water and breaks down in the sun.

Best for: Reinforcing patches, seams and flashing transitions

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Seam repair tape · $70–$120

EternaBondEternaBond RoofSeal White Seam Tape, 4 in. x 50 ft

Chemistry

Other

Size

4 in. x 50 ft

A UV-stable peel-and-stick tape with an aggressive sealant layer that bonds to rubber, TPO, metal and most other roofing. It's the fastest durable fix for an open seam or a split along a metal edge.

Read the fine print: Prep decides whether it lasts: clean, dry, free of chalk, and rolled down hard. Don't put it over a silicone coating, and check whether your membrane needs a primer first.

Best for: Open seams, metal-edge splits, curbs and fast storm repairs

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Asphalt bleed-blocking primer · $100–$300 (depends on pail size)

Tropical Roofing Products (TRP)TRP #996 Eterna-SIL Premium Bleed Blocker

A primer that seals asphalt surfaces so brown oils don't stain up through a white silicone topcoat. TRP is a Florida coatings maker, and this is a step pros don't skip on older mod-bit and asphalt-patched roofs.

Read the fine print: Use it with the silicone system it's designed for, and wait the maker's dry time before topcoating. Fresh asphalt cement and wet-patch repairs still need to cure before you prime over them.

Best for: Priming mod-bit, built-up or asphalt-patched roofs before silicone

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Roller cover (3/4 in. nap) · $6–$12

WoosterWooster Pro/Doo-Z 3/4 in. Nap Roller Cover, 9 in. (RR644-9)

Size

9 in.

A shed-resistant 3/4-inch nap holds enough thick roof coating to work it into granules and rough surfaces. Buy several, because silicone ruins roller covers and you won't be cleaning them.

Read the fine print: For heavy silicone, some pros step up to a 1-inch nap. Either way, swap the cover when it mats down instead of trying to stretch it.

Best for: Rolling acrylic or silicone coatings and primers

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Roller frame · $8–$16

WoosterWooster Sherlock Roller Frame, 9 in. (R017-9)

Size

9 in.

A sturdy frame whose threaded end locks onto a Sherlock pole, so it doesn't wobble under the weight of thick coating.

Best for: Pairing with a 3/4-in. nap cover and an extension pole

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Extension pole · $25–$45

WoosterWooster Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole, 4–8 ft (R091)

Size

4–8 ft

Lets you roll coating standing up instead of on your knees, and the locking tip keeps the frame from spinning loose.

Read the fine print: Work backward toward your exit, never toward the roof edge while your eyes are on the roller.

Best for: Rolling coating across a whole roof

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Stiff push broom · $25–$45

LibmanLibman 825 Rough-Surface Heavy-Duty Push Broom, 24 in.

Size

24 in.

Stiff bristles clear loose granules, grit and leaves off a flat roof before you wash, inspect or coat.

Read the fine print: Go easy on old mod bit. Scrubbing hard strips granules you want to keep.

Best for: Sweeping debris and loose granules before inspecting or coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Floor squeegee · $15–$30

LibmanLibman 515 Floor Squeegee, 24 in.

Size

24 in.

Pushes standing water toward a drain so a low spot can dry out for inspection, patching or coating.

Read the fine print: Moving water off a roof is maintenance, not a fix. If the same spot ponds after every rain, it needs slope or a drain.

Best for: Clearing ponded water before repairs or coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Cordless leaf blower · $120–$180

DEWALTDEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Leaf Blower (DCBL722B, tool only)

Cordless, so there's no cord dragging across the roof. Use it to clear drains and scuppers, and to blow off dust right before primer or coating.

Read the fine print: Tool only: the battery and charger are sold separately. Watch your footing, and don't walk backward while you blow.

Best for: Clearing leaves from drains and the final dust-off before coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Wet mil gauge · $7–$15

GenericWet Film Thickness Gauge, hex comb (1–118 mil)

A cheap stainless comb you press into fresh coating to read wet mils. It's how you know you're putting down what the data sheet calls for instead of guessing, and how a homeowner can check a contractor's work.

Read the fine print: Wet mils aren't dry mils. Use the coating's spec sheet to convert, since water-based acrylics shrink more than silicones as they cure. Wipe the gauge clean after every reading.

Best for: Checking coating thickness as you roll

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Utility knife · $12–$22

StanleyStanley 10-777 FatMax Locking Retractable Utility Knife

Cuts fabric, membrane, cover tape and failed sealant. A locking blade matters when you're pushing through tough roofing material.

Read the fine print: Add a pack of hook blades for cutting membrane from the top without slicing what's underneath, and change blades often.

Best for: Cutting fabric, membrane patches and old sealant

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Margin trowel · $10–$20

MarshalltownMarshalltown Margin Trowel, 5 x 2 in.

Small enough to scoop roof cement out of the can and work it into tight spots around flashing, and stiff enough to spread it 1/8 inch thick.

Read the fine print: Asphalt cement doesn't wash off with water. Keep mineral spirits and rags on hand for cleanup.

Best for: Applying roof cement and wet patch

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Putty knife / scraper · $7–$14

HydeHyde Stiff Putty Knife, 3 in. (01440)

A stiff stainless blade for scraping off failed caulk, lifting loose coating and feathering patch edges.

Read the fine print: Don't pry at sound membrane laps, or you'll open the seam you're trying to protect.

Best for: Scraping failed sealant and feathering patch edges

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Wet/dry vacuum · $90–$140

CRAFTSMANCRAFTSMAN CMXEVBE17590 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac

Size

9 gal

Pulls standing water out of low spots and drain sumps so you can inspect, patch or coat the same day.

Read the fine print: It needs power on the roof, so use a GFCI-protected outdoor cord and keep the connections out of the water. Take out the dust bag before wet pickup.

Best for: Removing ponded water before repairs or coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Gas pressure washer · $330–$430

SimpsonSimpson MegaShot 3100 PSI Gas Pressure Washer (MS61222-S)

Enough flow to wash a whole roof before coating in a reasonable time, with no outlet needed on the roof. Pair it with a roof cleaner and a wide fan tip.

Read the fine print: Full pressure up close strips granules off mod bit and gouges foam and soft membranes. Use a 25- or 40-degree tip, keep the wand moving, and stay well back from the edge, because the kickback plus a wet surface is a fall risk.

Best for: Washing a flat roof before priming or coating

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Roofer's fall-protection kit · $120–$180

Guardian Fall ProtectionGuardian 00815 Bucket of Safe-Tie Fall Protection Kit

A harness, a 50-ft lifeline assembly and a reusable roof anchor packed in a bucket. It's the standard starter kit for anyone working near a roof edge.

Read the fine print: The anchor has to be fastened into structure, which on a flat roof means penetrating the membrane, so plan to flash and seal it or use a parapet or counterweight anchor instead. Rig it so you can't reach the edge, and read the fall-clearance instructions.

Best for: Working near unprotected roof edges

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Coated work gloves · $8–$15 a pair

SHOWASHOWA Atlas 377 Nitrile-Coated Work Gloves

Nitrile-coated gloves with real grip for buckets and tools, and they keep roof cement and coating off your hands.

Read the fine print: For solvent-based silicones, primers and cleaners, check the label. Some call for chemical-resistant gloves rather than coated work gloves.

Best for: Handling cement, coatings and tools

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure

Non-slip roofing boots · $120–$180

Cougar PawsCougar Paws Peak Performer Roofing Boots

Roofing boots with replaceable foam traction pads, made for grip on roof surfaces. On a flat roof the bigger slip hazards are slick coating, wet membrane and mildew.

Read the fine print: Nothing grips fresh coating, wet silicone or algae. Stay off uncured coating, and treat a wet roof as off-limits.

Best for: Steady footing on dry roof surfaces

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and specs are the manufacturer's stated figures. Disclosure