Working in the summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable: It can be straight-up dangerous. And for roofing crews spending hours in the sun, the risks ramp up fast. Hauling bundles, climbing ladders, working on heat-trapping shingles… it all adds up.
If your crews aren’t taking the right precautions, they’re at serious risk for heat-related illness. This guide breaks down exactly what to look out for, what to do if someone shows symptoms, and how to keep your team safe, hydrated, and working strong all summer long.
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke vs. sunstroke: what’s the difference?
When you're on the roof in 90°+ heat, you’ve got more than sweat to worry about. Roofers are at risk for a few different heat-related conditions and they’re not all the same. Knowing the difference could help you catch a problem before it turns into a full-on emergency.
Heat exhaustion (early warning signs)
This is your body’s way of saying “I’m running low on fuel.” It usually kicks in after too much physical exertion in high temps, especially if you're not drinking enough water or replacing electrolytes.
What it looks like:
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness or headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness or nausea
- Cool, clammy skin
What to do: Get the person to a shaded or cooled area. Give them water or an electrolyte drink, have them sit or lie down, and elevate their legs. If they’re not feeling better in 30 minutes, it could be something more serious.
Heat stroke (medical emergency)
Heat stroke happens when the body can’t cool itself down anymore. It’s very dangerous. This is when your core temp climbs above 104°F and your body starts shutting down.
What to look for:
- Confusion, slurred speech, or passing out
- Seizures
- Rapid pulse
- Hot, dry skin, or still sweating if it came on suddenly
What to do: Call 911 right away. Move the person to shade, start cooling them with wet cloths or ice packs, and don’t give fluids if they’re disoriented or unconscious.
Sunstroke (triggered by direct sun)
Sunstroke is technically a type of heat stroke, but it’s caused by direct exposure to the sun, especially on the head and neck.
Extra signs include:
- Bright red face
- Throbbing headache
- Burning skin
What to do: Treat it like heat stroke. Sunstroke is just as serious and just as urgent.
Which one’s worse?
- Heat exhaustion is the early stage. Catch it early and you can bounce back fast.
- Heat stroke and sunstroke are way more serious — and require immediate medical attention.
- If a crew member is showing signs of any of these, don’t wait. Pull them off the roof, give them shade, and get help. Fast.
Safety starts with leadership
If you own or run a roofing business, your crew takes their safety cues from you. That means it’s not just about being aware — it’s your responsibility to set the tone and put plans in place to protect your team.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Build in longer breaks, especially mid-afternoon when temps peak. Early start times or half-days can help too.
- Bring the shade. Pop-up tents, shaded trucks, or scout the job site in advance and make a plan.
- Use a buddy system. It’s easier to spot symptoms in someone else than yourself.
- Train your team. If your crew doesn’t know what heat stroke looks like, they won’t know when to speak up.
- Talk to anyone with medical conditions that make them more sensitive to heat — and make sure they know what precautions are in place.
Electrolytes: Your crew’s summer superpower
Hydration isn’t just about chugging water. When your guys are sweating buckets, they’re losing electrolytes: minerals your body needs to stay balanced. Without them, water alone won’t cut it. That’s when people start feeling shaky, cramping up, or getting lightheaded even after drinking a gallon of water.
What are electrolytes?
- Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- They help you absorb fluids, prevent cramps, and keep your energy steady.
How to get them:
- Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or BodyArmor.
- Mix-in packets like Liquid I.V., LMNT, or Pedialyte powder. These are easy to stash in the truck.
- Snacks like salted nuts or bananas. They're great to add to lunchboxes or keep on-site.
Don’t wait until you feel wiped out. The best approach is to load up before work, refuel during breaks, and replenish after your shift.
Stock your summer emergency kit
Every crew should carry a hot-weather-specific emergency kit. You don’t want to be digging through old tools when someone needs help. Here's what to include:
- Electrolyte packets or sports drinks
- Cooling towels or neck wraps
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Wide-brimmed hats or hard hat shades
- Portable misting bottles
- Basic first aid (bandages, aloe, antiseptic)
- Contact info for nearby urgent care clinics
Check the kit weekly and make sure it’s stocked and accessible — not buried under tool bags.
Sun safety 101
Working in the sun all day long isn't just about short-term safety. Sun exposure can cause long-term damage like skin cancer and eye problems if you don’t take it seriously. Make sun protection part of your crew’s daily routine:
- Lightweight, long-sleeve shirts in breathable fabrics.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (especially if you’re sweating through it).
- Polarized safety glasses to block glare and UV rays.
- Cover your neck and ears. People always forget about these.
If your guys are spending all day in the sun, give them what they need to protect themselves.
Recovering after a hot day
Staying safe doesn’t end when the tools get packed up. What your crew does after hours makes a big difference in how they feel the next day.
Encourage your crew to:
- Rehydrate with water and electrolytes.
- Cool off gradually, not with an ice bath or blasting AC.
- Eat well to replace lost salt and energy.
- Take a cool (not freezing) shower to bring core temp down.
- Monitor for delayed symptoms like headaches, nausea, or fatigue.
And when it’s a scorcher out, consider shifting your schedules earlier to avoid the 3–6 PM heat spike.
Keep your crew safe, keep them around
You can’t afford to lose good workers to preventable injuries. Crews want to work where they feel looked after. Put safety first, and you’ll keep your people longer, earn their trust, and build a stronger business.
The heat isn’t going anywhere. But with the right prep, you can keep your team working hard and staying healthy, all summer long.