Roofers is a construction worker who works on roofing projects. They may be a general contractor or own a roofing company.
Roofers and shinglers must work in teams to ensure safety and quality work. They must also interact with customers. They usually score high on the extraversion scale and enjoy working in environments that are exciting or full of people.
Roofers are construction professionals who build, inspect, repair, and replace roofs for residential and commercial properties. They use various materials to cover roofs, including shingles, metal, and tiles. In addition, they may install skylights and other types of windows on roofs. They often work as part of a crew and must be able to communicate well with others on the job site.
A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a roofer. However, many employers provide on-the-job training to new hires. They also must be willing to work in varying weather conditions. The job’s physical demands include the ability to lift heavy objects regularly and work for extended periods of time in different positions, such as standing and climbing up and down ladders at variable heights. They must be able to read blueprints and diagrams as well.
A roofer’s responsibilities include:
- Tearing off old roofing materials.
- Cleaning the sheathing and decking.
- Installing new shingles or tiles.
Other duties include repairing or replacing flashing and trim and sealing leaks. They also must be able to work with a wide range of tools, including hand tools, power tools, and sprayers.
In addition to these core tasks, roofers are responsible for maintaining the safety of their crew members and customers. When working on a roof, they must also follow building regulations and local laws. Finally, they must be able to collaborate with other construction professionals, including electricians and plumbers, to ensure that all work is completed properly.
Roofers may also be responsible for securing permits and planning permission before beginning work on a project. They must also be able to handle the logistics of getting the necessary materials and tools to the job site.
A successful roofer must be able to read and understand blueprints and diagrams and be capable of handling different kinds of tools, such as roofing shovels and shingle cutters. They must also be comfortable using ladders and scaffolds and working at varying heights. They must also be able to work with various materials, including wood and asphalt.
Roofers are responsible for keeping everything inside buildings protected and dry. They re-slate and tile roofs, fit skylight windows, and replace lead sheeting and cladding. They also make repairs, often climbing high heights to reach leaky spots. This is a highly skilled and rewarding career for the detail-oriented. There are several paths to becoming a Roofer, including earning a high school diploma and attending a trade school or working an apprenticeship with a construction company. Some Roofers even earn an Associate’s degree in a related field, like Construction Management or Engineering Technology.
If you choose to attend a trade school, it will likely cost you between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on your chosen field of study and the school you attend. On the other hand, an apprenticeship won’t cost you anything if you land one with a construction company; most companies will pay you while you learn the ropes and gain experience.
Many Roofers choose to take the apprenticeship route and enroll in a program offered by their local union or construction company. These programs typically last 4 to 5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, such as the history of carpentry, tools and equipment, blueprint reading, and building codes.
Those who choose this route must join the union and pay fees but can work as soon as they’ve completed their training. The National Roofing Contractors Association warns that more than these programs may be required for supervisor training under the EPA Model Accreditation Plan (MAP), as they focus on asbestos abatement rather than roof inspections.
After completing an apprenticeship or on-the-job training, you can apply for a trade certificate with the Canadian Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Board to become a Journeyperson Roofer/Shingler. Once certified, you can seek employment in any province or territory. You’ll also need to complete a safety course to qualify for the Blue Skilled Worker Card (CSCS).
If you decide to go the entrepreneur route, you’ll need to have enough money to buy the necessary supplies and tools and to hire workers. You’ll also need to obtain a business license and meet any other local laws and regulations. While it is not mandatory in all states to get licensed as a Roofer, it can help boost job opportunities and show customers and other contractors that you’re serious about your work.
People who have strong Realistic interests enjoy this career because it entails hands-on problem-solving and dealing with real-world materials. These individuals also tend to value Support and Independence in their jobs. Roofers work outdoors and do different inspections and constructions, so they always change the scenery. They also have to work in varying weather conditions, so this is not a job for someone who does not like being out in the elements. Working as a roofer is physically demanding, but it can be rewarding. They must also be willing to perform overtime when necessary. It is crucial that they are comfortable with varying heights and can frequently ascend/descend ladders to different locations on the roof.
The construction industry highly seeks after roofers. It is a seasonal job, with the peak hiring season occurring during the spring and summer. There are various types of roofing jobs available, including freelancers who work on multiple projects simultaneously and those employed by a company. Many military veterans are hired as roofers as they have been trained in the armed forces to be loyal and dedicated to their employers.
Roofers make a salary usually between $17,500 to $88,000 per year. This salary includes taxable wages, tips, and other bonuses. It also depends on a roofer’s location, education level, and professional domain knowledge. Annual income can vary by state, as shown below. For example, Roofers who live can expect to earn compensation that is around $66,400 a year. The local cost of living can influence the salary in other states, demand for roofing professionals, and average wages for similar positions. This information can be helpful to roofing business owners when determining what pay level they should offer their employees.
The product manufacturer typically issues manufacturer’s material warranties, ranging from 10 to 30 years. They are often limited in scope and only cover the quality and performance of the materials rather than the installation. This type of warranty is also often excluded from leaks attributed to artistry, such as roof-to-wall intersections, flashings, or other roof penetrations.
Many shingle manufacturers, such as GAF, offer their manufacturers’ artistry warranties. This option can provide additional peace of mind for the homeowner, especially if the roofing contractor is a trusted installer and has been certified by the manufacturer.
This type of warranty is usually a few years longer than the standard roofing material warranty and covers labor and materials. This warranty is often more expensive, but it provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the roofer will stand behind their work and fix any defects or damages caused by installation errors.
All reputable roofing contractors should offer artistry warranties and be in place to help protect the homeowner in the event of a problem with the roof installation. The warranty should be in writing and include specific stipulations. Some stipulations can include requiring the roofer to be notified of any issues within a certain timeframe or the need to register the warranty with the manufacturer.
