Working Smart in Extreme Heat: A Roofer's Safety Playbook

 

Long, humid stretches can turn a roof into a griddle. Shingle temps can soar, adhesives cure fast, and crews tire quickly. Here’s a practical, field-tested plan your roofing team can follow when the heat is on—plus a few notes from Brown Roofing’s owner, Eddie Griffin, on how we keep our people safe. “Productivity never outranks safety—especially in a heat wave. We plan the day around the temperature, not the other way around.”

 

1) Pre-job planning (the day before)

• Check the forecast and heat index; set “go/no-go” thresholds for tear-offs and attic work.
• Right-size the crew so you can rotate tasks
• Hydration breaks
• Brief the homeowner about earlier start times and extra rest periods.

2) Start early, pause smart

• Front-load heavy work (tear-off, ridge work, hauling) in the first few hours.
• Build in short, regular cool-down breaks—and stick to them.
• Rotate positions (loader → installer → ground) to spread heat exposure.

“We shift tear-off to first light, then move into lighter detail work as temps climb. That simple change has cut fatigue and callbacks.” — Eddie Griffin

 

3) Hydration & electrolytes (steady, not chugging)

• Water within reach at all times—coolers at the ladder and ridge.
• Sip consistently; pair with electrolytes during long, sweaty runs.
• Skip energy drinks and heavy lunches that slow recovery.
• Coach pre-hydration at the morning job briefing.

 

4) Heat-smart PPE & clothing

• Lightweight, UPF long sleeves and breathable pants (less sun, less burn).
• Brimmed hard hat / hat shade, UV-rated safety glasses, sunscreen (reapply).
• Heat-resistant kneepads and non-marking, high-grip footwear.
• Gloves with good tactile feel so hot tools don’t get dropped.

 

5) Train the crew to spot problems early

• Talk daily: symptoms of heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke.
• Buddy system: partners check each other for confusion, headache, chills.
• Designate a heat lead to call breaks and make the “pull off the roof” decision.

“Every foreman has the authority to stop work the moment someone looks off. No questions asked, no pressure. We want people going home healthy.” — Eddie Griffin

 

6) Roof-specific tactics that reduce heat stress

• Limit black-surface exposure mid-day; stage bundles and tools in shade.
• Protect the roof and the crew: use walk boards on hot shingles to prevent scuffing and reduce contact time.
• Mind your materials: hot shingles = softer asphalt—watch foot twists and nail depth.

 

7) Material quality control in high temps

• Check nail depth (over-drives spike when decks and shingles soften).
• Watch sealant and foam—they skin faster; adjust bead size and timing.
• Keep rolls and adhesives cool; store in shade to maintain workability.
• Document anything deferred (e.g., postpone heat-sensitive details until cooler hours).

 

8) Emergency plan everyone knows

• Post the site address by the ladder; keep a charged phone topside.
• If heat stroke is suspected: call 911, move to shade, cool aggressively (ice at neck, armpits, groin), remove excess PPE, do not give fluids if unconscious.
• Assign roles (caller, guide, first-aid lead) so response is automatic.

 

9) Track, review, improve

• Log breaks, temps, and any symptoms; use it to fine-tune schedules.
• Debrief weekly during hot spells—what worked, what didn’t, what to change next week.
• Refresh training mid-season; complacency creeps in when crews “get used to it.”

 

Brown Roofing’s heat-day checklist (steal this)

• Early start approved and homeowner notified
• Shade tents up; coolers iced; electrolytes stocked
• Morning talk: forecast + symptoms + buddy pairings
• Rotation plan set (heavy → light tasks)
• Address posted; first-aid kit and ice packs on site
• Sunscreen and cooling towels issued to each tech

 

“Our message is simple: the roof can wait; your health can’t. We build the schedule around safety so the quality takes care of itself.” — Eddie Griffin