In the Kansas City metro, where heavy storms frequently lead to rapid roof replacements, the "final sweep" is often more critical than the installation itself. A standard 2,500-square-foot home in neighborhoods like Waldo or Prairie Village can involve the removal of over 10,000 nails. While drop cloths catch the bulk of the debris, many nails inevitably find their way into the thick fescue or between the cracks of older concrete driveways.
What is a Magnetic Sweep?
A magnetic sweep (or "magnetic rake") is a specialized tool featuring a high-intensity permanent magnet mounted on wheels or a handheld bar. In the KC roofing industry, we typically use "load-release" models. These allow the operator to pull a lever, dropping the collected metallic debris directly into a trash bin, preventing the hazardous "hand-clearing" of sharp shingle nails and flashing scraps.
The KC Yard Challenge
Kansas City's heavy clay soil and lush lawns can easily swallow a 1.25-inch roofing nail. In the Northland or Lee's Summit, where lawns are often meticulously maintained, a standard pass isn't enough. Professional sweeps used locally are rated for "pull strength"—often lifting up to 30-50 lbs of metal—to ensure nails are pulled out from the thatch of the grass.
Driveway Protection
Older homes in Brookside or Westport often have cracked or aggregate driveways. Magnetic sweeps are vital here, as nails wedged in concrete fissures can cause slow leaks in tires that might not appear until days after the roofing crew has left the site.
Local Availability & Pricing
If you are a DIY homeowner or want to do a "secondary sweep" for peace of mind, Kansas City has several specialized suppliers. While big-box stores carry consumer-grade models, professional-grade sweeps provide significantly higher magnetic flux.
- ABC Supply Co. Inc. (KCMO & Olathe): Carries professional-grade 24" and 36" rolling sweeps. Expect to pay $120 to $180 for a high-performance contractor model.
- Westlake Ace Hardware: Often stocks the Quick-Release handheld or small wheeled versions for $45 to $75, ideal for tight garden beds.
- Sunbelt Rentals (Various Locations): If you don't want to own one, you can rent a heavy-duty tow-behind or push sweep for approximately $20-$30 per day.
The "Double-Pass" Strategy
Expert installers in the Johnson County area know that one pass is rarely sufficient. A professional protocol involves:
- The Perimeter Sweep: A slow walk within 5 feet of the drip edge immediately after tear-off.
- The Cross-Hatch: Sweeping the lawn in two perpendicular directions (North-South, then East-West). This is particularly important for Overland Park homeowners with dense "K-31" or Bluegrass lawns where nails can hide horizontally in the blades.
- The "Shadow Pass": Sweeping under decks and around HVAC units where nails often ricochet during the disposal process.
Code and Compliance Context
While Kansas City, MO Building Code doesn't explicitly name "magnetic sweeps," Section R105.1 of the International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by most local municipalities, mandates that the job site be kept in a safe and workmanlike manner. Leaving sharp metal debris is a violation of safety standards and can lead to liability issues if a neighbor or pedestrian is injured.