If you’re looking for a career that requires little formal education, provides on-the-job training, and allows you to work outside, a roofing career may be the right fit for you. We know it can be tough pinpointing the right profession for those who recently graduated high school, are looking for a new roofing job, or are ready to switch careers. You want something that is more than just a job—you want a career.
Roofing, in particular, is an excellent job for those who enjoy being outside, have a background as a construction worker, and want to learn how to use a variety of tools and equipment. At Heidler Roofing, we offer our employees a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that allows them an opportunity to strengthen their skills while promoting diversity and safety.
What Does a Roofer Do?
A roofer’s job involves installing, replacing, and repairing roofs on homes or commercial properties. They work with materials including shingles, tiles, slates, bitumen, and metal sheets, like steel, copper, and aluminum. It’s a physically demanding job that requires climbing onto roofs, working with large or heavy materials and tools, and handling hot bitumen. There’s also much bending and kneeling involved, and the work hours frequently occur during warm weather.
Those with a roofing career ensure the type of roof installed on a building can withstand rain, snow, sun, and everyday wear-and-tear for years to come, so long as the roofer knows what they’re doing. Most of that knowledge comes from gaining roofing experience while learning on the job or starting as an apprentice.
How Does One Become a Roofer?
While plenty of roofers might learn the trade through apprenticeship programs or come from jobs in the carpentry or construction industry, many roofers learn and hone their craft while on the job. This hands-on learning makes roofing a particularly enticing career for those looking to get into a new field without needing a lot of formal education.
While there are no specific education requirements to start a roofing career, math, vocational education, blueprint reading, and mechanical drawing can benefit a prospective roofer. Since most learning happens on the job with a roofing company, new roofers will work alongside experienced tradespeople and gain insight into using the tools, equipment, and materials necessary to complete assignments on various roofing systems.
Other Necessary Requirements
Becoming a full-time roofer also requires being physically fit, healthy, and having an excellent attitude to perform the job. Roofers often work in warm weather, on hot roofs and may sometimes need to climb quite high to complete a project. This varied work environment means you must be okay with heights and hot weather to thrive in a roofing career.
Responsibilities and Common Tasks Associated with Roofing Careers
Roofers work on various roof shapes and materials, assist customers and potential customers with roofing estimates, and perform various other duties. A standard checklist of possible tasks for roofers includes:
- Inspection of basic and specialty types of roofs to determine problem(s) and the best way to address the issues if there are any
- Replacing any damaged or rotting joists/plywood
- Installing layers of insulation and/or vapor barriers
- Installing roofing materials (shingles, asphalt, etc.) to create a weatherproof roof
- Ensuring materials are cut to fit and align with edges of roof
- Altering materials to work around obstructions such as vents, walls, and chimneys
When appropriately installed, a roof should prevent water from leaking into buildings and damaging the interior. Different types of roofs require unique techniques and skillsets, which is why some roofers choose to specialize in a particular kind, such as low- and steep-slope roofs, vegetative roofs, or even roofs with solar shingles.
With the increased popularity of solar and plant or landscape features on roofs, roofers can quickly adapt to modern trends to make a name for themselves in the already-niche industry. At Heidler Roofing, we specialize in commercial and specialty roof repairs and installation, giving our employees a variety of work to experience and new challenges to overcome.
Seasonality and Schedule of Work
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 5 percent growth in roofing jobs from 2020 to 2030, with annual median pay of $43,580. This projected growth is likely due to the recovery of the COVID-19 recession, which began in 2020. The average roof’s lifespan (which depends on the materials used), and the repair and maintenance needs also contribute to growth potential. In addition, those with roofing careers need to install roofs on new buildings and construction projects every year.
In terms of demand for roofers, the field experiences fewer downturns than other construction trades since most roofing projects consist of repairs, installations, replacements, and new construction. It’s only during the seasonal dips in winter and autumn that the roofers might see a decline in work (spring and summer are the busiest annual periods for roofing work).
Ready to Start a Roofing Career? Contact Heidler Roofing Today!
Overall, this outlook makes a roofing career one that is always in demand. There’s no foreseeable reason why employment or job opportunities would shrink given the finite lifespan of the average roof, as well as new construction opportunities that arise each year. Roofing can be a vital and rewarding career for those capable of handling the work.
Suppose you’re ready to start a new chapter in your career and get out of that cramped office space. In that case, Heidler Roofing can offer a fulfilling career that provides an opportunity for growth and invaluable advantages for you and your family. With competitive salaries, benefits, and more, Heidler Roofing is a great place to start or continue your roofing career. Learn more about working for Heidler Roofing and explore our available roofing jobs.