A roofer is a skilled professional who repairs, replaces, and installs roofs. He or she must have good customer service skills to work with homeowners and answer questions about roofing materials and techniques.
Service roofers take care of insurance claims, offer a variety of financing options and have long warranties. They may also have several crews available to meet the needs of different customers.
Job Duties
The work of a roofer involves installing, repairing, and replacing roofing components on commercial and residential buildings. They may also be responsible for insulating or waterproofing these structures. In addition, they may be required to install gutters and drainage systems. Since they are frequently working at heights, roofers adhere to strict safety protocols and use specialized equipment to ensure their protection.
Other responsibilities include preparing estimates and ensuring that projects are completed within the allotted budgets. They also perform regular inspections of existing roofs to identify and address potential problems, such as leaks or structural damage. Because they are often interacting with clients, they must be proficient in communication skills.
Roofing specialists are familiar with a wide range of materials and installation methods, including asphalt shingles, tile, slate, metal, TPO/EPDM membranes, and other specialty applications. They are also capable of identifying the best roofing solutions for particular climate conditions and weather patterns.
A professional roofer should have experience with all aspects of the construction process, from initial inspection to completion. They should be proficient in the use of a variety of hand and power tools, and have a strong desire to learn new skills and techniques. They should also have good physical endurance, as they are regularly performing strenuous tasks in challenging weather conditions. Finally, a roofer should be able to communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and other construction professionals.
Education and Training Requirements
To be a roofer, you need to have specific education and training requirements. Vocational schools offer structured programs in roofing materials, installation techniques, and safety protocols. You can also obtain the necessary skills through on-the-job training, such as an apprenticeship or a role as a roofer’s mate. In addition, you can take college courses that focus on specific aspects of the roofing industry, such as roof slating and tiling or lead sheeting and cladding. You can also specialize in heritage conservation work.
You can also find online courses and certifications that provide a flexible learning experience. Some of these courses are designed to meet the needs of specific markets, such as roofing managers and foremen. Others are designed to be a supplement to on-the-job training. For example, NRCA’s Foreman Management Training teaches advanced roofing operations and supports NRCA’s foreman PROCertification.
Depending on your state’s laws, you may need to obtain a license to perform roofing work. For example, in Massachusetts, all roofers must be licensed by the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. Those who work on residential structures must have a Construction Supervisor License and those who work on commercial structures must have a Contractors Registration. You may also need to get a permit or other types of legal approval before starting a project.
Work Environment
Roofers are exposed to a range of workplace hazards. Depending on the nature of their work, they may be exposed to heat, fumes, and toxins. For example, bitumen or asphalt that is being heated creates fumes containing polyaromatic hydrocarbons and particulates that can irritate the respiratory tract, eyes, and skin. Inhalation of these substances can also cause lung cancer.
Many roofing jobs require a lot of walking and standing for long periods, which can lead to fatigue and RSI (repetitive strain injury). To prevent these types of injuries, workers should make sure that they take frequent breaks, wear comfortable footwear, and move their arms and legs frequently.
Roofers may also be exposed to construction dusts that contain silica (also known as respirable crystalline silica or RCS) and other materials that can lead to lung and nasal cancer, silicosis or serious respiratory problems. They should follow the Hazardous Substances Regulations and have access to Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets. If working on older buildings, they may also be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung or kidney disease, and published research has linked it to a small number of cancers.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for roofers should be steady. Because the average roof has a finite lifespan, these workers are needed to repair and replace them. Additionally, roofing companies need to install roofs on new construction projects each year. Severe weather, such as hail and high winds, can damage roofs, leading to an increased need for these workers in areas prone to such events.
Many roofers do not need a college degree and instead, enter the field through apprenticeships or on-the-job training. With experience, they may be able to advance into supervisory roles or even start their own roofing business. These owners must make decisions about the equipment, supplies, and personnel necessary to complete jobs. They also need to deal with financial matters, such as managing payroll and taxes. In addition, most roofing contractors require their employees to undergo safety training every year. If these workers do not have a college degree, they may be required to take continuing education classes to keep their licensing up-to-date. This is especially important in states that require licensed roofers.