It’s Getting Cold. Be Prepared Up There.

By Marco Industries.

Roofers' cold-weather tips. 

Marco prides themselves on delivering products that are easy to install, even in less-than-ideal conditions.The proven HydraShell™ underlayment, for example, stays flexible in cold weather so you aren’t wrestling with stiff, uncooperative material while up on the rooftop in the chill.

But while Marco can provide the right roofing materials, it’s up to you to make sure you and your crew are dressed properly for the cold. Here are some helpful tips from OSHA:

• Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation.
  • An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) to keep moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk or polypropylene, inner layers of clothing that will hold more body heat than cotton. 
  • A middle layer of wool or synthetic to provide insulation even when wet. 
  • An outer wind and rain protection layer that allows some ventilation to prevent overheating.  
• Tight clothing reduces blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities. Insulated coat/jacket (water resistant if necessary)
• Knit mask to cover face and mouth (if needed)
• Hat that will cover your ears as well. A hat will help keep your whole body warmer. Hats reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from your head.
• Insulated gloves (water resistant if necessary), to protect the hands
• Insulated and waterproof boots to protect the feet

In addition to wearing the proper gear while out in the cold and up on the roof, make sure to stay dry. Moisture or dampness, even from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body. Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change. And drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol) to help keep your core temperature up.

Working out in the cold is not fun, especially for roofers. But when you’ve got a job to do and the temperature dips, make sure to take extra precautions to keep warm and safe.

To learn more about Marco, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact Marco directly, you can email them here or call 1-800-800-8590.