Education Needed To Become A Licensed Roofer
Roofers, like painters, usually learn their trade at the side of another experienced roofer and by taking formal classes which usually include safety training and apprenticeships. A high school diploma or its equivalent is usually required in order to be hired by a roofing company. Roofers should be proficient in mechanical drawing and basic math. Many potential roofers can gain additional experience by training in a three year apprenticeship program that is administered by the local union that represents roofing contractors.
Apprentices are required to have three years of paid on the job training that spans 2,000 hours each year plus at least 144 hours of classroom instruction a year. Apprentices will take classes in math, safety and other topics needed for measuring and using the chemicals involved. They will learn how to damp proof and waterproof walls and roofs, and most start out by carrying materials and equipment, erecting scaffolds, and hoists. After a few months they will be taught by the master roofer how to cut and fit the materials on the roof, learn how to lay asphalt or fiberglass shingles, and more. Most of the materials that are used on roofing jobs are common materials and apprentices and experienced roofers both sometimes take years to learn how to use the less common ones.
Roofers are not required to be licensed by any governing body, but knowing how to do their job is essential, which is why apprenticing to a master roofer is recommended. They should be at least 18 years of age when they become apprentices and they must be in good physical condition in order to be able to lift the heavy packs of shingles and other materials used in the roofing trade. Roofers should have good balance and not be afraid of heights. Experience with metal-working is advisable for roofers who will install metal shielding and metal roofing.
Roofers who are advanced in the field can go on to become supervisors or estimators for roofing contractors. Some go on to start their own roofing contractor business taking on apprentices of their own to pass along their knowledge. Roofers currently are not as susceptible to job problems with the current state of the economy simply because people consistently need to have their roofs fixed. Plus, many people leave the occupation because of the nature of the work. Roofing jobs are needed most especially in the spring and summer when the weather is good.
Roofers who specialize in new roof installation will experience more of a problem with a fluctuating economy than most simply because the level of construction falls and fewer new buildings are erected. Roofers who concentrate primarily on maintenance and roof repair usually do not have problems finding jobs and they are in more demand than new roofers who primarily concentrate on new roof installation. Roofers who start their own roofing firm should consider making sure that they do not pigeon hole themselves and are able to provide both maintenance roofing work as well as new installation work.
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