Roofers build, repair, and replace roofs for residential and commercial buildings. They use a variety of materials, including tar, asphalt, gravel, rubber, thermoplastic, and metal. Roofers usually work on a team with other construction professionals. They must be comfortable working in all types of weather conditions and must follow strict safety protocols. They also need a reliable vehicle to transport their tools and equipment.
To become a roofer, aspiring roofers typically complete a four-year apprenticeship program. This training combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. Apprentices learn how to safely tear off old roofing materials, inspect the sheathing and underlying structures for damage or decay, and install new roofing systems. Upon completion of their apprenticeship, roofers useful reference earn their journeyman status. Some states require roofers to have a license to work in the roofing industry.
The primary responsibilities of a roofer include providing customers with estimates and advising them on the best roofing materials for their homes or businesses. They may also help customers choose siding and trim, gutters, and chimneys for their property. Other duties include installing vapor barriers, insulation, and ventilation systems, and repairing or replacing roofs damaged by hail or wind. In addition, roofers must be able to measure and cut shingles and other roofing materials accurately, and they often work with scaffolding or ladders that require special safety precautions.
Many roofers work on residential properties, but some specialize in re-roofing commercial or industrial buildings. These projects can be more complex and require a greater variety of materials than residential jobs. Roofers who work on these larger projects often collaborate with other construction professionals and must follow building codes and standards that are different from those for residences.
A roofer’s toolbox contains a variety of hand tools, power tools, and ladders. These tools are used to remove old shingles, install underlayment, and nail shingle bundles to the sheathing. Some roofers also use handsaws, hammers, and tin snips to cut or bend metal flashing or other roofing components. To prevent injuries from falling debris, roofers wear heavy-duty footwear and work gloves.
In addition to basic tools, a roofer’s toolbox should contain several supplies specific to the type of roofing material being installed or repaired. For example, a roofer who works with asphalt shingles should have extra bundles of shingles to cover unexpected areas or to replace shingles that are lost during the installation process. Additionally, a roofer should have a roll of tarpaper to patch small holes or leaks between shingles, as well as some form of waterproofing to protect the sheathing and interior living spaces from water damage.
Most roofers work in teams, so it is important for them to have a vehicle that can accommodate all of their tools and other supplies. The ideal vehicle for a roofer is a pickup truck with a covered bed, which can protect the tools from rain and other weather elements. A covered trailer or a van is also a good option for roofers who frequently travel to multiple job sites.