A roof winch makes it easy to install shingles on a steep roof.
A roof winch is a device designed to lift heavy roofing materials from the ground to the roof of a building safely and quickly. There are a few different types of roof winches; the two most common designs are the ladder hoist and the swing beam hoist. The ladder model requires a metal ladder to work. The swing beam model mounts directly to the roof of a building and uses a pulley system to lift materials up to the roof. Each model saves carpenters from having to carry tiles and other heavy materials up stairs by hand.
The ladder ceiling hoist is used much more often than other models. In most cases, a standard aluminum ladder can be used with this system, since the hoist itself is mounted to the ladder posts. It is raised or lowered using a crank system or a motorized lifting system that uses cables to pull heavy loads. The size of the lift, the power of the motor and the type of ladder being used will dictate how much weight can be lifted at any given time. Almost all manufacturers will clearly list the weight capacity of the system on the machine.
One of the biggest disadvantages of the ladder roof lift system is its reliance on the stability of the ladder. The carpenter will need to ensure that the ladder is positioned correctly to prevent it from tipping or swaying, although sometimes factors other than the carpenter’s initial location can affect the stability of the unit. If the ladder is unstable, the materials being lifted may also become unstable and fall, which may cause damage to the materials or the ground, or injure anyone on the ground.
A swing beam ceiling hoist is suitable for lifting heavier loads to greater heights. This system is typically used on larger buildings rather than residential homes, and this system is typically used on flat rather than gabled roofs, though not exclusively. An inherent problem with this project is the need to transport the components of this often large machine to a roof. This can be difficult and setting up the machine can take some time. However, once installed, the swing beam ceiling hoist will be able to carry extremely heavy loads of materials and will generally be able to lift loads to a greater height.