Roofer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a roofer. Feel free to use our roofer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a roofer.
Who is a Roofer?
Roofers are responsible for roof repairs, including the reshingling of old roofs and the installation of shingles on new buildings. Roofers are often faced with difficult tasks when an old roof must be removed before the new roof can be installed. A roofer can also install metal roofs, wood or tile roofs, and rubber roofs. Roof workers can work at heights because this type of work often places them several stories above the ground. Although power-nailing guns are faster than traditional hammer and nail methods, many companies still offer standard hammer services as a quality control service.
Most of these jobs are done by roofers working for roofing companies. However, the crew who built the building will complete the work. A rubber roof is required for a typical commercial roofing job. The roofer will often have to remove any stone from the roof before removing the rubber roof. To help the rubber roof hold down in high winds, stone is added to it. It is common to have to cut around any roof protrusions like vent pipes, heating units, air conditioners, and heating units.
The roofer is responsible for mopping the entire roof with hot, melted asphalt. Before the roof can be swept clean, the first thing to do is to remove stones or other debris. After the tar is removed, small areas of rubber may be applied to the roof to sealing cracks and worn areas. Metal roofing includes tiles, shingles, and metal roofing. The old roofing materials are usually removed to reveal the wood roof material. A base of fresh tar paper then is laid and secured with staples or nails.
Sometimes, a roofer may be required to replace the wood of a roof due to rot. This is usually plywood or particleboard sheeting, which is attached to the rafters with nails. After the base wood has been secured, roofers cover it with paper, then the shingles, tiles, or steel panels for a metal roof. The roofing materials are secured to the roof using power nailers, either electric or air.
Roofers can do different jobs. They can be involved in everything from the estimation of work to the actual installation. There are different jobs for roofers, including tile removers, shingle installers, and tar applicators. Spreading pea stones on rubber roofs can be the most tedious job for any roofer. Green roofing systems employ workers who lay sod to cover a waterproof membrane.
Job estimation is one of the most important jobs in roofer work. The job estimator, often also known as a crew foreman or crew manager, meets potential customers and gives them an estimate of the cost of a new roof. The homeowner might be angry if they receive a bill that is higher than the estimated price or loses the job to another roofing company. The estimator is often the first person a customer meets. Therefore, they must clearly understand the pricing of all materials as well as the features, colors, and warranty information.
Some roofs require the removal of the entire roof. This job falls to the tear-off crew. This job involves not only the removal of old roofing materials such as metal tiles, shingles, or metal roofing but also the replacement of roof materials. Typically plywood must be removed to the rafters. Crews with more experience in carpentry are often able to rebuild the roof. After the roof is rebuilt, it’s covered with felt paper. The actual roofers then apply shingles, tiles, or metal sheets to the roof. This is often done with air-powered nail guns, rather than the traditional hammer-and-nail method.
Roofer Job Description
Below are the roofer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a roofer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a roofer include the following:
- Inspecting the roof structure to determine the best course
- Providing clients with estimates of labor and materials costs to repair or construct a roof.
- Measuring and cutting materials to make sure they fit snugly around chimneys, vents, gutters, and walls.
- Smoothening roofs in preparation for waterproofing or new shingles.
- Repairing roofs damaged or rotting for clients.
- Installing barriers or insulation to create a waterproof seal
- Assembling ladders, scaffolding, and other equipment safely as needed.
- Reporting any job-related problems to the supervisor and updating the supervisor about the progress of the job.
- Transporting all equipment and materials safely to job sites
- Performing roof repairs include filling in gaps, flashing and replacing missing shingles, chimney work, and removing water-damaged pieces.
- Measuring the roof to install a new roof. Cut the roofing material to fit the dimensions of your house.
- Inspecting the roofs and preparing comprehensive reports detailing any potential problems and possible solutions if a customer requests a routine inspection
- Installing scaffolding and other safety equipment to ensure that everyone is working safely and securely at work.
- Selling certain services to clients such as waterproofing and adding a skylight is a good idea.
- Asking past clients if there are any other repairs needed to their roof.
- Installing proper insulation in your attic, and removing any insulation that is not up to current state standards.
- Painting the roof’s surface
- Installing roofs on other structures
- Examining roofs to determine what repair is needed to keep a roof in good condition.
- Re-roofing damaged or old roofing by removing the old roof and installing new material
- Taking measurements of the roof of a structure to determine how many of each material are needed
- Weatherproofing all doors and windows to keep rain, snow, and other elements out
- Creating cost estimates for labor and material for clients and customers
- Reviewing warranty paperwork with customers and writing it.
- Adhering to safety standards and wearing safety equipment to ensure safety at work
- Scheduling the roofing job together with other laborers, customers, and clients
- Supervising other roofers
- Buying and purchasing materials needed for roofing
- Keeping the work area safe and clean for all who visit the site.
- Calculating the amount and type of materials required for the job
- Using technical drawings and specifications
- Ensuring that the materials to make sure the roof is weatherproof
- Installing skylights where necessary
- Working on buildings of historic or cultural significance
- Creating decorative metal or lead items that match the structure.
The following are other important tasks:
- Roof inspections
Roofers inspect roofs before they start a job to determine the best repair and replacement method. Roofers inspect the area they are working on to ensure that all necessary tools are available. They also calculate the labor and materials required to complete the job.
- Measuring and cutting project materials
Roofers must ensure that all materials used are properly cut to fit tightly around roof edges. Roofers are responsible for changing materials as necessary. Roofers ensure that materials fit around vents, gutters, and chimneys.
- Smoothen and level roof surfaces
Roofers prepare the surface for waterproofing or new shingles by smoothing out any rough edges before adding layers. To level out surfaces, roofers use hammers, saws, or other abrasive tools such as dirt, bricks, sand, and dirt. A roofer will glaze the top layer of their work after placing new shingles and may embed gravel to fill in crevices.
- Install roofing materials
The primary task of a roofer is to install weatherproof materials like asphalt and shingles. They also replace damaged or rotten roof areas. A roofer might also use insulation or vapor barriers to create a weatherproof seal. Roofers cover exposed screws and nails with mortar or caulk during installation to stop leakage.
- Complete site set up and clean up
Roofers are responsible for cleaning up and preparing the job site. They are responsible for setting up scaffolding and ladders when they arrive at the job site. They can safely perform all necessary roof work with these tools. After the job is done, they must remove the debris from the site.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- State roofer license
- Experience in roofing and general construction.
- Knowledge of various roofing systems.
- Solid knowledge of the business laws.
- Ability to lift and use heavy tools and materials.
- Ability to use powered hand tools
Essential Skills
- Flexibility
Many roofing professionals work outside of the traditional hours so that the project does not fall behind schedule. Flexibility is important so that you can work more hours if necessary.
- Focus
You will need to be able to focus and pay attention to details.
- Be cautious
Roofs can pose a danger to your health and safety if you’re not careful.
- Computer skills
Basic computer skills are required to process invoices, bill clients, and communicate about your roofing project with others.
- Communication
As a roofer, you will need to communicate with customers, clients, and other professionals to complete the job. Communication skills are essential. You must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing and can listen to other people.
- Time management
Many roofing professionals must complete their projects within a certain timeframe. You must be able to effectively manage your time. This skill will allow you to give accurate time estimates to your customers and keep your projects on track.
- Roofing
Roofers are professionals who insulate and cover structures using asphalt, shingles, and slate.
- Construction safety
Roofers can be seriously injured if they don’t know how to safely use a variety of roofing tools.
- Waterproofing
Roofers are required to waterproof and damp-proof surfaces and walls.
- Fitness
Roofers have to meet many physical requirements. They must be able to lift up to 75 pounds of heavy materials and tools, as well as the ability to endure extreme bending, kneeling, and walking in hot temperatures.
- Interpersonal skills
Roofers must work together with a team to complete the job.
- Customer Service
This job requires exceptional customer service.
How to Become a Roofer
- Get a diploma from high school or the equivalent
Employers that hire roofers will require a minimum of a high school diploma. A high school diploma is important because your peers who are applying for the same job will likely have a similar degree. Employers will also find that you have a lot of basic skills. You can prepare for a job as a roofer, or any other career by taking courses in high school.
- Take a class in a trade school
Attending a trade school is not necessary if you are interested in becoming a roofer or other related professions, but it can make you stand out among others who apply for the same job. Although there are not many trade schools that specifically help with roofing careers, it is possible to get additional education in management or another related field.
- Register for an apprenticeship
An apprenticeship prepares you to enter your chosen field. You can explore all the apprenticeships that are available to you if you’re interested in becoming a roofer. An apprenticeship will allow you to work alongside a more experienced roofer and learn the trade.
- Complete training
Employers of roofers tend to value experience more than education. A manager might be more likely to hire you as a roofing contractor if you have the right experience. It is important to learn how to be a competent roofer, and how to work safely at different heights. Employers value roofers who can work with their team to ensure safety and complete the job on time.
- Obtain licensure
Every state has its requirements for roofers. It is important to verify with your state what you need to be licensed. You should typically have at least a certain amount of experience and on-the-job training. Also, you must pass a licensing exam in your state. Although an employer might not require you to have a roofing license to secure a job, it can be beneficial.
Where to Work
Roofers work outside in extreme temperatures but are not permitted to work in inclement weather. Roofers can work solo, but many roofers work in a team.
They are responsible for new roof installations as well as roof repairs and renovations. Roofers are often required to climb on rooftops to do their job. Roofers should not fear heights, and they should also have good balance and reasonable carpentry skills.
Roofer Salary Scale
The average annual salary for roofers in America is $45,892 per annum. However, this can vary depending upon your experience and where you live.