Safety and protection are the utmost priority in roofing along with the construction or repair work itself. Hence, roofing jacks provide us with this facility allowing you to move securely and effectively in the roof area.
But it is slightly tricky, so many find it difficult and do not know how to use roof jacks properly. If you are in such a situation, then this article will help you to go through this process.
Let’s move forward and have a brief discussion regarding the use of roof jacks.
What Is A Roof Jack?
Roofing jacks are equipment that is used for a variety of roofing jobs. They are metallic hooks that are curvy on one end and J-shaped on the other.
The curved end of the roofing jacks is attached to a big board or plank, and the straight end is attached to the shingles. If the roof has tough and sturdy shingles, it will be very challenging for you to use roof jacks.
How To Use Roof Jacks: Step By Step Guideline
Roof jacks are mainly a precautionary measure for the safety of the worker. It is an ideal tool for different types of roofing assignments including adjusting shingles, repairing water leakage, or completely reconstructing roof shingles.
Some steps need to be followed while using a roof jack.
Step 1
Finding a proper flat, clean and damage-free area on your roof is the first thing to do. Some shingles are easily breakable and dilapidated, so make sure to attach your jack somewhere between the fourth to fifth single lines.
Step 2
Next, find the rafter and attach the roof jack to the rafter by drilling a couple of nails. It is a good practice to avoid overlapping nails.
Step 3
Look for a board that can fit into the jacks. Place the jacks along with the originals by maintaining a minimum gap of 4 feet. The plank or board must be secured tightly to prevent any injuries. Usually, the board is about 2” in length and 8” to 10” in width.
Step 4
After the attachment, it is time to test the jacks. If it can hold your weight, then it is ready to use. Make sure to check for proper footing and wiggled board problems.
Releasing the Jack
Now, the installation of the roof jack is done. After you finish your required job in the roof area, then you need to release or remove these jacks.
For removing the jacks, disengage the nails with the help of a hammer. Push the nails so that they don’t pierce your roof.
The next thing you need to do is to slide the pry bar over the nail and beneath the shingle before pounding it down. The nails should be hidden by the next shingles row.
Some Tips
With efficient techniques, the roof jack installation and removal process can be quite handy. Some more tips can make the whole process even more simple, efficient, and long-lasting.
- For a good finishing, make sure to hammer all the nails properly and remove the roof jacks carefully.
- While pounding, make sure that they’re completely concealed. Otherwise, water sealing will be hampered.
Provision and Protective Benefits
Roofing means any type of construction or repair in the roof area of a house. It is quite risky to work on a roof as accidents and injuries can happen at any moment.
Again, a metal roof can be very slippery on a snowy day, so avoid climbing up the roof on such a day. If your roof is too steep, then it will be better to use more roof jacks.
As a result, it will provide you enough foothold and grip in your fixing old shingles or installing a new one. The number of roof jacks needed for a roof depends on the steepness, angle, and length of your roof.
Final Words
Roofing jacks are very useful to maintain balance when fixing roofs. It provides a stable plane for the worker. So, it is a very important tool for roof-related projects as roofing is quite a risky work.
If you are a beginner, you may face some kind of confusion. But hopefully, this article has met your expectations.
After reading this, you surely know now how to use roof jacks and apply the knowledge to your roof.
