Practices involved in being a Roofer
Roofers are people who specialize in, obviously, the construction of roofs. Roofers often work to repair existing roofs and work on weather proofing areas of the community—people’s homes, the city’s planter boxes, whatever needs to be done. Roofers work with rafters, trusses, beams and various roofing materials like ply wood, boards, concrete (light weight of course), or steel panels.
Roofers cannot be afraid of heights, since roofs are almost never built on the ground. A trained roofer can also be called a Journeyman. Roofers are able and willing to work in most weather conditions and almost all of their work is done on the outside of a roof.
Typically a roofer is responsible for putting in, replacing or repairing roofing that uses asphalt, gravel, shingles or roofing tiles. They are also responsible for the application of water proofing roofs and concrete surfaces. Sometimes a roofer will have to install a metal roof (or repair it) using hand tools as well as power tools. They are also responsible for constructing and installing scaffolding that provides others with safe access to the roof that is being worked on.
Roofers usually work a standard full time week of five days with eight hours spent working each day. There are, of course, peak periods when a roofer will work extra hours to keep up with the demand for roof construction and repair. The good news is that roofers will always have work because all roofs eventually need to be replaced. As more homes are built, the demand for roofers grows, so the field is constantly expanding and job growth is almost guaranteed.
Roofers are good at working with numbers. They have a good memories and are able to work with others (even though most roofers prefer to work alone). Roofers also have customer service skills and some experience with basic construction. They will work with the fitting of shingles and other roofing materials and are often the people who will work with weatherproofing chemicals to make sure that your roof stands up against environmental agents. Roofers build roofs from scratch and can repair roofs that are experiencing problems. They use problem solving skills every day and know how to use tools, chemicals and building materials in a variety of weather conditions.
Roofers usually learn their trade on the job, though to become a professional there is a class and a test that must be passed before they are able to work on their own. This training is something that anybody can do and with the proper training and supervision, becoming a roofer takes very little time.
Roofers work outside in a variety of conditions. They are not afraid of heights and they don’t mind working with their hands. They also do not mind working in adverse weather—including rain, hail and snow. If you are good at math, have problems solving skills and can work with your hands, a career as a roofer might be a good idea.
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