vent tools

I've been a firefighter for just over a year in a small town. Not having a lot of experience, I'm wondering why do we vent roofs with a 16" or 18" chainsaw with a chain guard, instead of using a smaller light weight pruning saw like a tree expert would use?

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Permalink Reply by Doug on February 10, 2011 at 6:38pm
We're not pruning twigs off of trees or bushes, we're cutting through multiple layers of roofing and construction material.
Permalink Reply by Norm Tindell on February 10, 2011 at 7:31pm
And we want to get the job done as quickly as we can and get off the hazardous environment called a roof. Stay safe up there...out there.
Permalink Reply by Gary Beam on February 10, 2011 at 9:14pm
I agree with you about not cutting thru trees, but they have 40cc chain saws with 8" and 10" bars with diamond chains. most, not all, but most pitch roofs are 3/4" sheathing and one or two layers of asphalt shingles. the thickness is at most 2 1/2" with 2"x6" rafters. these saws, however, are just as strong as larger saws but weigh alot less and are less cumbersom to carry up a ladder and move around while up on a roof.
Permalink Reply by Chris Weber on February 11, 2011 at 11:49am
You stole my answer.POWER.Power definitely makes the job faster and easier.But,take the ax or maul with you.Never know when the saw is gonna konk out due to a number of factors.
Have to balance the power and weight out.
Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on February 11, 2011 at 12:00pm
Asphalt shingles can gum up a blade pretty quickly. The smaller the saw the more slowly it's going to cut and, since time is of the essence, trying to cut too quickly with an underpowered saw is only going to cause the blade to bind or gum up. Not to mention that if it's underpowered it's going to be working that much harder (slower) and will dull more quickly.

Also, keep in mind that the saws aren't only for venting a roof. You may want to open up a wall, or a floor for access. Also you might find yourself trying to remove a tree from a house (for rescue/access) or from a vehicle. There's really not enough cabinet space to carry a variety of chainsaws. On my engine we have a MS 460 R Stihl and a Partner Saw.
Permalink Reply by Matthew Madairy on February 11, 2011 at 1:08pm
Also, People do some goofy things. There maybe 10 layers of shingles on top of the plywood. It's not how its supposed to be done, but the weekend warriors have a tendency of screwing stuff up. DON'T ever take anything for face value in this business and no call is the sae as another.
Permalink Reply by Steve Howard on February 11, 2011 at 4:59pm
I would think that an 16 or 18 inch bar is too short. The biggest reason we use a longer bar is for reach. A longer bar allows you to stand more upright while cutting, allows for better balance while on the roof and is less tiring to use if you are doing bigger cuts like trenching. Longer bars need bigger power heads. It would be interesting to see if anyone has been able to try a carbide chain with a skip tooth pattern.
Permalink Reply by Gary Beam on February 11, 2011 at 5:27pm
Thanks Steve, that makes sense, I just wondered why, because under extreme conditions with pitch,snow, ice, wind, etc. while we are in full turnout gear,it would use a lot of energy to operate a big saw safely. you make a lot of sense, and experience is key, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!!! Be safe.
Permalink Reply by Ernie Scheinert on February 12, 2011 at 1:33am
Our two engines and ladder each have a K-12 on them as the primary tool for roof venting as well as a chainsaw for whenever one is needed.
Permalink Reply by Shareef Abdu Nur on February 12, 2011 at 5:35am
Jack/dt? Great answer and 100% correct! Also, with our saws, we use them in a multitude of applications like overhaul, gaining access, cutting out windows completely(Pittsburgh maneuver) and creating a doorway, cutting downed tree limbs during bad storms, etc...

I would also like to add as far as ventilation, whatever type of saw that your Crew takes to the roof, remember to always take tools as well. Axes always start!
Permalink Reply by Chuck Harvey on February 12, 2011 at 6:39am
MS 460 R STIHL Magnum™ "Rescue" Chain Saw
go to www.stihlusa.com and check out this saw!!! we have one and it is badass. it will get the job done!
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courtney lenzPermalink Reply by courtney lenz on February 12, 2011 at 9:24am
if you use anything smaller it wouldnt have the same effect yes its heavier and more work but it gets the job done with out hurting anyone or damaging fire dept. property because if the fd had the pruning chainsaw and used that and it broke it could hurt/injure you or you partner. my dept has a 18'' in the rescue and we use it for the vents in the roof and handling big jobs like trees in the road and its an all around good tool to have on hand

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