What Does a Roofer Do?

May 21, 2023 / By Bob Williams

Roofers repair, replace, and install roofs on houses or other buildings. They use a variety of materials, including shingles and bitumen. Properly installed roofs keep water from seeping into a building and damaging its interior or equipment. There are two basic types of roofs: low-slope and steep-slope. Some roofers specialize in shingle work, while others focus on foam or metal roofing.

Many roofers are union members. Unions offer a range of benefits to their members, including job security, health and dental coverage, a pension plan, and educational scholarships for their children. They also have the power to negotiate with roofing material manufacturers, which can result in lower prices for their members.

Some roofers work independently or for small businesses. Others work as part of a larger team at a construction company. They typically need to climb, squat, and stand for long periods of time and are exposed to extreme weather conditions.

While roofers can complete their tasks using a variety of tools, they generally need a ladder to access the roof, a hammer or nail gun, tape measure, shovel, and a brush or broom to remove old shingles and debris. They also need scaffolding to provide safe access to the roof.

If a worker is injured on the job, a roofer general liability insurance policy may help pay for medical bills and other expenses. This type of insurance also covers property damage caused by a worker’s actions or by the use of power tools.

In some states, it is mandatory for roofers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. A business owner can purchase a private policy or contribute to the state’s workers’ compensation fund to cover employees who are hurt on the job. A worker who is injured while working for a roofer should always seek medical attention and notify the employer immediately.

A roofer’s duties can include installing or repairing shingles, felt, asphalt shingle, slate, wood, aluminum, or steel shingles. They can also spray roofs, siding, and walls with materials to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures. Roofers can also cement or nail flashing strips around vent pipes and chimneys to prevent water leaks.

Roofers have a wide range of career options, as they can find jobs in many different industries. They can choose to focus on repairing or replacing a specific type of roof, or they can become project managers, estimators, or building contractors. Some roofers also choose to pursue a trade certification in a particular specialty, such as tile or solar. This can lead to a higher salary and greater opportunities for advancement. Some roofers even decide to go into the management side of the industry and open their own roofing business. This involves bringing on new employees and developing relationships with local suppliers and clients. The responsibilities can be very rewarding, but it can also be very challenging. A successful roofing company must be able to balance the needs of all parties in order to thrive.