When you are considering starting a new profession, one of the most crucial things to factor in is whether the job will give you steady work. If you’re looking for a special trade career, becoming a roofer may just be the perfect role for you.

Are you wondering what roofers do? In today’s post, we’ll cover what it takes to become a roofer.

Job Description

Roofers are trained in roof construction. They monitor the roofing process in residential and commercial construction projects. They analyze and study the roofing construction complies with the plans and designs of the property. Roofers also establish what materials and accessories – as well as the rafters, beams, and trusses – are needed for the installations of roofs.

Installation, Renovation, and Repair of Roofs

Roofers oversee the installation, renovation, and repair of roofs for any establishment. They are expected to have good balance and not have any fear of heights since they will need to climb onto rooftops. They are also required to have basic carpentry skills. They deal with multiple types of materials – from rubber and metal to polymer, asphalt, tile, and asbestos – these materials have vast applications in the industrial and domestic sectors.

Working in the roofing trade also means being prepared to work in different weather conditions and rooftop situations. As a roofer, it’s not uncommon to work on a steep-sloped roof in the heat one day, and on a flat roof in the rain the next.

When installing a new roof, the decking, which is made of thick plywood is set first. The felt, comes in next, which helps give roofers better footing. The shingles, or rubber membrane or metal panels come in after. Throughout the installation process, roofers need to be detail oriented. If they neglect any aspect of the job, leaks could happen. And the leaks can result in severe damage to the interior of the property.

Required Skills and Training

Many roofers learn on the job. Someone interested in a career in roofing needs to complete an apprenticeship program break into the trade. Being an apprentice will allow you to get genuine on-the-job experience as well as learning in the classroom. During the apprenticeship program, roofing apprentices can do real roofing work, learn how to use roofing tools and equipment, and learn the safety precautions and practices. These aspects will allow the apprentice to acquire a variety of experience before getting an official roofing position. Once the training program is completed, it will be easier for you to find work. Also, you will need to stay up-to-date with the relevant training and qualifications you need to continue working as a roofer as dictated by state and local laws.

Being a roofer is a physically demanding job; thus, you need to be in great physical shape. A good sense of balance and no fear of heights are also essential traits of roofers. Roofing work requires teamwork, as well as having initiative and working independently without too much direct supervision.

Roofing Industry Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of roofers in 2017 is $38,970 per year or $18.74 per hour. The employment market is also expected to continually grow by 11 percent in the next eight years, which is faster than the average for all other skilled labor professions. As more properties are built to cater to the growing population, the need for roofers also increase.

Also, roofs are more inclined to wear faster than other parts of the building – not to mention severe weather conditions can damage them. Therefore, the need to repair or roofs is more frequent and consistent; this need equates to more work for roofers.

A Great Career Path

Being a roofer can be a great alternative to the usual 9 to 5 work or the other skilled labor jobs. However, it is a physically demanding job, and it takes a certain kind of individual to take it on. If you are seriously considering breaking into the roofing trade, look at trade schools online that offer roofing courses. You can also get in touch with your local roofing companies and get advice from them.