Roofer
Roofers are skilled professionals who specialize in installing and repairing roofs on various structures, including residential homes and commercial buildings. This occupation is categorized within the Architecture and Construction career cluster, highlighting its relevance to the construction industry. Roofers typically earn a median annual salary of approximately $50,030, and while formal educational credentials are not required, many enter the field through apprenticeships or entry-level positions.
The work is performed primarily outdoors and involves significant physical activity, often at heights. Roofers must be adept at using a range of tools, from hand tools to heavy machinery, as well as safety equipment to ensure their well-being while on the job. The roofing process varies based on the materials and building types, requiring roofers to assess structures, remove old roofing materials, and install new layers to create watertight seals.
While the job can be demanding, requiring teamwork and effective communication, it also offers opportunities for individuals transitioning from related fields like carpentry and construction. Roofers generally work standard hours, with the possibility of overtime during busy periods, and are encouraged to develop skills in mathematics, design, and safety to excel in their careers.
Roofer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Architecture & Construction
Interests: Construction, architecture, computer drafting, design, working outdoors
Earnings (Yearly Median): $50,030 per year $24.05 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 2% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education No formal educational credential; possible apprenticeship
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Roofers install and repair roofs on buildings, homes, and other structures. Roofing is a dangerous occupation involving the movement, application, and repositioning of building materials far off the ground. As such, professional roofers are additionally skilled at operating safety equipment and constructing scaffolding that allows them to install and repair roofs properly without jeopardizing their own or others’ safety. Roofing materials and support substructures vary from building to building and project to project depending on intended building use, location, and surrounding climate.
Work Environment. Roofers work primarily outdoors, and as such, contractors and construction companies traditionally plan jobs so that roofs are complete before the onset of harsh weather conditions such as extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation. Roofs are almost always constructed significantly above ground, requiring workers to be comfortable with heights. Roofers generally work traditional business hours and have weekends off. However, overtime work on weekends and holidays may be required to complete projects.
Occupation Interest. Roofers generally enter the occupation from previous positions in carpentry and construction. Many roofers learn the skills of the trade through apprenticeship programs or by working as entry-level laborers for roofing firms. Since the majority of training for roofing is acquired on the job and does not require an extensive educational background, roofing is a common transitional field for laborers, students, and building professionals who aspire to careers in other realms of the construction industry.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily duties of roofers vary based on the type of construction site and the materials used. Traditionally, a roofing project begins with an on-the-ground survey of the structure at hand. This is common for both new construction and renovation projects. Once the building and architectural plans have been inspected, the roofer begins constructing methods of access to the building’s roof area. This work can entail the construction of scaffolding, placement of ladders, use of temporary elevators, and creation of other temporary means of access that best suit a particular project.
A roof replacement begins with the dismantling of the existing roof structure. Roofers must carefully remove the old roofing material layer by layer and dispose of the waste without posing a threat to workers and other individuals on the ground. When working on shorter structures, workers may simply toss debris down into adjacent dumpsters. In other cases, they may use elevators, carts, and other methods to remove old roofs, depending on the particular job at hand.
Roofing professionals construct roofs out of all kinds of materials, including wood, asphalt, fabricated metal, slate, rubber, and high-density plastic. The particular nature of roof construction varies from building to building. Materials are typically layered together with tar to create watertight roofs on flat-topped buildings such as apartment complexes and retail facilities, while for most homes, roofers position strips of waterproof materials and then nail shingles or tiles over them. Regardless of the type of roof being built, the roofer must measure the area, determine how much material to use and its cost, replace damaged structural elements and clean the work area as needed, cut and position the roofing materials to ensure the roof is watertight and conforms to the shape of the building, and seal and insulate the roof to prevent leaks and corrosion.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Roofers work on residential, commercial, and industrial construction and building sites. Much of the work of a roofer is conducted on ladders and from scaffolding. It is common practice for roofers to work in harsh environments and inclement conditions, but most avoid working in the rain or snow when surfaces are likely to be slick.
Human Environment. As roofers often work alongside other construction laborers, excellent teamwork and communication skills are crucial, particularly given the numerous hazards present when working at high altitudes.
Technological Environment. Roofers use nearly all hand tools associated with light carpentry and contracting work, including saws, hammers, nail removers, hatchets, utility knives, and pry bars. They also use a variety of power tools, including electric saws, blow torches, soldering irons, drills, nail guns, and staple guns, as well as heavy machinery, such as cranes and lifts. They may also rely on modeling software, word processing software, databases, spreadsheets, and analytical applications. Excellent Internet skills are necessary if roofers are ordering materials or researching a job-related issue.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students can best prepare for careers in the trades with coursework in algebra, geometry, chemistry, design, physics, and computer drafting. Industrial arts and traditional art classes can also prepare students for future design and building work.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary education is not required for a career in roofing, as many of the basic skills are gained through apprenticeships and on-the-job training. Individuals interested in becoming construction or project managers may benefit from taking postsecondary courses in business management, finance, and architecture.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Roofers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.