Roofers

Career summary

#No alternate titles

A roofer's work depends on the design, material, style, and location of the client's roof. The two main styles of roofs are flat or pitched. Some roofers work on both flat and pitched roofs, while other roofers specialize in one type.

Before beginning any roofing jobs, roofers remove debris from the surfaces to be covered. For some roofs, roofers remove old shingles. Roofers usually cover a flat roof with several layers. The first layer is insulation. They spread a tar-like substance over the insulation. Roofers cover the tar with roofing felt and spread hot tar over it. They repeat these steps, sealing the seams each time. Roofers either glaze the top layer or embed it with gravel. Some flat roofs are covered with only a single layer of waterproof rubber or thermoplastic. Roofers roll the sheets over the roof's insulation and seal the seams. They apply adhesives or mechanical fasteners to keep the sheets in place.

On pitched roofs, roofers lay, cut, and tack strips of roofing felt to the roof. Then, starting from the bottom edge of the roof, they nail overlapping rows of shingles. They use chalk lines, the gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles to make sure the distance of overlap is correct. Roofers measure and cut felt and shingles to fit around vents, chimneys, and corners. They nail strips of metal or shingle over spots where shingles meet an object, such as a vent. Roofers cover exposed nail heads with roofing cement or caulking to prevent water leakage. Roofers use punches and hammers or mortar to place shingles made of tile, terra cotta, or slate.

Some roofers also waterproof concrete walls and floors. They remove any rough spots from the area to be waterproofed using a hammer and chisel or by rubbing the area with a rubbing brick. Roofers apply a waterproofing compound. The compound may be painted, sprayed, or tacked on.

Roofers may install new products that help save energy for heating and cooling. For example, some solar power panels are part of roof shingles or tiles. They install reflective coatings on roofs and solar powered attic ventilation fans. They may also install skylights, green roof systems, and solar panels.

All roofers must clean and maintain their equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Carpenters
• Construction Helpers
• Drywall Installers
• Glaziers
• Insulation Installers
• Painters
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Structural Metal Workers
• Tile Setters
• Weatherization Installers and Technicians

Military careers

• Construction Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to roofers.

• Remove snow, water, or debris from roof before applying new roof.
• Cut roofing paper to size. Nail or staple paper to roof in overlapping strips to form base for roofing materials.
• Mop or pour hot asphalt or tar onto roof to hold layers of roofing material.
• Apply layers of hot asphalt or tar and roofing paper until roof covering is complete.
• Decide distance of overlap using chalk lines, gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles.
• Align roofing material with edge of roof.
• Cut strips of metal or shingles and fit them into angles formed by walls, vents, and intersecting roof surfaces.
• Fasten composition shingles or sheets to roof with asphalt, cement, or nails. Install solar power shingles, tiles, or reflective membranes.
• Apply gravel or pebbles over top layer, using rake or stiff-bristled broom.
• Punch holes in slate, tile, terra cotta, or wooden shingles, using punch and hammer.
• Cover nail heads with cement or caulk to prevent leaks.
• Apply waterproofing materials by painting or spraying. Install vapor barriers and insulation.
• Attach solar power systems to roofs.
• Install energy saving fixtures likes solar-powered attic vent fans, skylights, and green roof systems.
• Clean and maintain tools and equipment.

Common work activities

Roofers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Handle and move objects
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Coach others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Teach others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Control machines and processes
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Develop and build teams
• Think creatively
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Schedule work and activities
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Process information
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, roofers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of other workers and clients.
• Have a medium level of job-required social interaction. They usually talk to others over the phone or face-to-face.
• Are greatly responsible for the work done by other roofers.
• Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work outdoors.
• Are often exposed to high places. There is some possibility of moderate injury.
• Are often exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures, either from weather or equipment.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment, conditions, and situations that may produce cuts or minor burns.
• Often wear knee pads or safety gear.
• Are occasionally exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are sometimes exposed to extremely bright or dim lighting.
• Sometimes have to work in cramped places or in awkward positions.
• Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• May work physically close to others during installations.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could result in roof leaks or injuries to roofers.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Must sometimes match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.
• Sometimes make decisions that greatly impact coworkers and the result of their work. They sometimes must make decisions on the spot, but often seek input first.
• Set some of their daily tasks and goals without talking to another first.
• Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work all year, except in northern states.
• May work irregular hours because of the weather. Roofers may work more hours one week to make up for lack of hours the previous week.
• Most work 33 hours per week on the average.

Physical demands

Roofers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles.

It is important for roofers to be able to:

• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for roofers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Roofers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a roofer, you typically need to:

• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Roofer jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training

Many roofers receive informal, on-the-job training from an experienced worker. During training, you begin as a helper and load and carry equipment. As you gain more skills, you learn to measure, cut, and install roofing materials. Training may last up to one year.

It may be easier to learn skills if you've worked as a construction helper first.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be construction specialists. Training lasts five to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

If you receive this type of training in the military, you may earn credit for previous work experience when you enter a civilian apprenticeship program.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#ck 4/16/08 lh & 4/2/09 & 4/5/11, 4/30/13, 3/30/15, 1/23/17, 3/18/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Carpentry
• Construction
• Drafting
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

Many roofers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer applicants who have roofing experience. This experience can be from the military or Job Corps. Many employers prefer applicants who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are important. Physical fitness and a good sense of balance are also important.

Employers look for applicants with a valid driver's license and their own transportation. Employers also look for applicants who are willing to work, can get to work on time, and have no fear of heights.

Costs to workers

Union roofers pay an initiation fee and dues. Workers may have to buy protective clothing and tools.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Roofers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The number of hours roofers spend on the job may be reduced by bad weather or downturns in construction activity. Thus, overall earnings may be lower than these wages suggest.

Wages are higher for roofers who work in large cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Wages are also higher for skilled roofers.

Roofers who work full time for a construction company may receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Roofers who are self-employed or work part time must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 20% of roofers are self-employed. Many self-employed roofers specialize in roofing houses.

Major employers:

• Roofing contractors
• Residential building companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will continue to grow at a fast pace. Roofs deteriorate faster than other parts of a building and need to be replaced or repaired occasionally. Most work involves fixing existing roofs rather than adding new ones. Thus, when the economy is slow and the amount of new construction is low, roofers are still needed to do repairs.

Many new advances in technology and equipment have increased roofers' productivity. This may decrease the number of roofers hired by contractors. However, roofers have a high turnover rate. Since the work is hot, strenuous, and dirty, many roofers do not stay in this job for long. This turnover increases the number of openings. Since most roofing is done during good weather, there are more jobs in the spring and summer months.

Other resources

National Roofing Contractors Association 
10255 West Higgins Road, Suite 600
Rosemont, IL 60018
847.299.9070

North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) 
815 16th ST, NW, Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006

United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers 
1660 L Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
202.463.7663

Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council 
906 Columbia Street SW, Suite 107
Olympia, WA 98501
360.357.6778

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Roofers (47-2181.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Roofer (866.381-010) 
• Roofer Applicator (866.684-010) 
• Roofer Apprentice (866.381-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled