Roofing Hoists and Conveyors

Roofing materials are heavy and awkward: bundles of shingles, stacks of tiles, rolls of membrane, insulation boards and metal panels all need to reach the roof. Carrying them up a ladder by hand is slow and is a common cause of strains and falls. Material-handling equipment moves loads mechanically and reduces manual lifting.

Common types

• Ladder (platform) hoists: a powered platform that runs up a dedicated ladder or rail set against the building. Petrol (gasoline) or electric motors drive a cable; product listings show load ratings of a few hundred pounds, for example 200 to 400 lb (about 90 to 180 kg), and rail lengths around 27 to 28 ft (about 8 to 8.5 m). The platform often tilts at the top so loads slide onto the roof.
• Conveyors: inclined belt conveyors, often truck- or trailer-mounted, that carry bundles and tiles onto the roof continuously. Common for tile roofing and large residential jobs.
• Boom trucks and supplier delivery cranes: many roofing suppliers deliver materials directly onto the roof with a truck-mounted boom or conveyor ("rooftop delivery").
• Cranes and telehandlers on commercial jobs for insulation pallets, rooftop units and heavy materials.
• Hand-operated gin wheels and electric hoists on scaffolds, widely used in Europe for lifting smaller loads.

Safe use

Industry guidance on loading roofs typically covers:

• Following the manufacturer's rated load and setup instructions, including ladder angle and footing for ladder hoists.
• Keeping people clear of the area beneath the hoist and load path.
• Spreading loads on the roof to avoid overloading the structure, keeping materials away from edges, and securing them against sliding and wind.
• Distributing heavy materials such as tile over the framing rather than stacking them in one place.
• Checking for overhead power lines, a frequent hazard when hoisting or using boom equipment.
• Using fall protection for workers at the receiving point near the roof edge.

Regulation

In many countries, lifting equipment is covered by workplace safety regulations that require inspection and competent operators, and cranes are subject to separate certification rules. Supplier rooftop delivery shifts some of this responsibility to the supplier's trained operators.