HOW TO CHOOSE COLD WEATHER WORKWEAR FOR ROOFERS

Freezing and fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on a roof. Those conditions are as rough on the people that build and maintain them. Metal roofers need cold weather gear that protects against freezing temperatures, high winds and the hazards of the job.

“You’re up against low temperatures, high winds and sometimes even rain, sleet or snow. If you don’t have the right workwear and safety gear to handle those conditions, you can’t do the job,” says James Scogins, Safety Director at Mid-South Roof Systems, one of the largest commercial flat roofing companies in the country.

Cold Facts on Roofer Safety

Because they’re usually working at height and exposed to wind, roofers are vulnerable to cold stress, a condition in which the body draws blood away from the extremities to maintain sufficient warmth in the vital organs.

Cold stress can happen even when temperatures are around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in the presence of wind or rain. Cold stress induces fatigue, drowsiness, disorientation and delayed reaction times. It can also result in frostbite, hypothermia and other cold-related injuries that jeopardize safety on the job site.

“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping warm when you’ve got multiple crews working in multiple locations with different weather conditions all across the U.S.,” says Scogins.

How to Choose Jackets & Outerwear for Roofers

Scogins relies on feedback from project superintendents like Juan Landeros to help their crews select the right insulated workwear.

“Roofing work requires you to bend and reach and get into some pretty awkward positions, so we need something light and flexible,” explains Landeros.

Understanding Insulation

First, look for the lightest level of insulation that will suit the temperature range and wind chill on the jobsite. It’s important to avoid clothing that is too warm for the conditions, as over-bundling can cause excessive sweating, leading to cold stress and hypothermia.

Some manufacturers conduct thermal testing on their products to determine the range of temperatures that jackets, coveralls or bib overalls can protect against. In the absence of a temperature rating, compare levels of insulation by density, usually expressed in the product description as “g” or “gsm” to represent grams per square meter. Insulated jackets and outerwear constructed with high-gsm insulation will be warmer than garments with lower-gsm insulation.

Outerwear with synthetic insulation, such as polyester, are also a good choice for roofers because it’s lighter and more durable than traditional down insulation. Synthetic insulation is sewn into place, so it won’t settle into uneven lumps with regular wearing and washing or develop “cold spots” like natural down insulation.

Safety & Weatherproofing

Next, consider the outer shell of the garment. Look for wind-tight, water-repellent materials, such as coated polyester or nylon with a waterproof membrane underneath for protection from wind, rain, sleet and snow.

Most roofing jobs require a safety vest or high-visibility gear. It’s safer and more comfortable to avoid layering a safety vest over a thick jacket. Instead, an insulated high-visibility jacket like the RefrigiWear HiVis 3-in-1 Rainwear Jacket that meets both ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 - Type R, Class 2 and CSA Z96 - Class 2, Level 2 requirements, can help roofers meet safety requirements in cold weather.

Range of Motion

Roofers need thermal work jackets or coveralls made with bi-swing or raglan sleeves to give the shoulders room to move without adding bulk. Accordion-stretch panels at the elbow joints, such as the Performance-Flex panels on the RefrigiWear 54 Gold Hooded Utility Jacket, make it easier to reach and bend without the jacket riding up and exposing the torso to the cold.

Also, bomber-length jackets with a stretch knit hem, such as the RefrigiWear HiVis Waterproof Bomber Jacket, can seal out cold with while keeping tools within easy reach, without constantly having to hitch up the jacket or tug it back into place.

How to Choose Winter Workboots for Roofers

“Slips, trips and falls are a risk for roofers all the time. In winter, frost and ice can develop in shady spots, so our roofers need to be extra steady on their feet,” says Scogins.

In cold weather, the toes and feet are vulnerable to frostbite. Metal roofers are particularly at risk because they’re standing on surfaces that conduct cold though the sole of the boot into the feet, so look for insulated work boots with durable non-slip soles, safety toes, insulation and weatherproofing.

Non-Slip Soles

Standard work boots often have soles that crack or crumble after repeated cycles of freezing and warming, such as walking across an ice-cold metal roof then stepping into a warmer construction trailer. Look for heavy-duty, anti-slip outsoles that offer traction on slick or snow-covered surfaces, as well as durability against cracking that allows cold or moisture into the boot.

Composite Safety Toes

In cold weather, composite toe boots are better than a steel toe. Steel conducts cold from the ground to the feet quickly, increasing the risk of frostbite. Composite safety toes that meet ASTM standards offer protection without putting the toes and feet at risk.

Weatherproofing & Insulation

Choose work boots with outsoles glued or bonded to the upper, rather than welted or sewn. Glued and bonded boots have fewer points that allow cold or water to seep in. Also, leather boots need regular conditioning treatments, so consider boots made with materials, such as nylon or Kevlar, that don’t require conditioning.

Next, consider the level of insulation required and don’t overheat the feet. Just like jackets and outerwear, the warmth a boot provides may be described with a temperature rating, or the boot’s insulation may be described in terms of density. Boots with high-gsm insulation will be warmer than boots with lower-gsm insulation.

Shock & Sweat Absorbption

Roofers are always on their feet, so choose work boots with several layers of moisture-wicking, shock-absorbing padding in the insole. These layers can be filled with air or gel materials to cushion the foot and reduce foot fatigue. The insole layer closest to the foot should also include moisture-wicking materials that channel sweat away from the foot.

How to Choose Winter Work Gloves for Roofers

“Our roofing crews need coated gloves to work with certain adhesives, but they also use cut-resistant gloves. Whatever glove they’re wearing, they need enough dexterity to do the job safely,” explains Scogins.

Insulation & Liners

If winter temperatures on the job are mild, wear a thin, moisture-wicking glove liner under the chemical- or cut-resistant gloves routinely worn in the warmer months. When temperatures drop below freezing, switch to an insulated work glove.

Ergonomics & Dexterity

Choose an insulated work glove with a pre-curved, ergonomic fit to avoid hand strain and fatigue from repetitive motions. Flexible panels across the back of the hand and at the knuckles reduce hand fatigue by making it easier to bend the fingers.

For maximum dexterity, choose gloves with side gussets sewn between each finger. This type of construction makes it easier to move the fingers independently without sacrificing warmth. A glove with a grip pattern or tacky-finish palm coating can also aid in holding on to tools.

Stay Safe & Warm All Winter

Working through rough winter weather can be challenging for metal roofers. With the right cold weather jackets, boots and gloves, roofing crews can stay warm and safe so they can stay focused on getting the job done.

Shopping for your team? If you need help selecting the best insulated workwear for your employees, please contact RefrigiWear Customer Service.