There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not roofing is a promising career for you. Roofing can be a gratifying profession, but it also comes with risks. Here are some things to think about before making your decision:
-The pay can be good, but it varies depending on your location and experience.
-Roofing is physically demanding and can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
-It’s essential to work independently, as you may often be alone on a job site.
-There is a lot of training and experience required to become a successful roofer.
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What Are Roofers?
Roofers are experts in the installation, removal, and repair of a wide range of roofing materials, including asphalt, wood, and polymers. Roofers frequently work in hot, sunny circumstances, laying roofing on immense commercial structures or private homes. You’ll utilize a variety of hand and power tools as a roofer. Roofs can also be cleaned of debris. Work experience in painting or carpentry could lead to a roofing career.
Most roofers must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent as a minimum. Roofers must be able to work long hours of hard labor, have good hand-eye coordination, and bend and climb. It is vital to read blueprints and diagrams to follow directions on the job. Because this job is typically done in the summer, it also necessitates operating in intense heat.
How to Become a Roofer?
You don’t need a formal education to work as a roofer. Some businesses may require credentials such as prior training or expertise in roof installation. However, there are apprenticeship programs that give novice roofers the necessary skills. You must be physically capable of performing roofing tasks.
Although there are no formal educational requirements for roofers, math, shop, mechanical drawing, and blueprint reading classes in high school are considered beneficial. Technical schools that provide roofing courses may be found in a few locations.
College/ Training Provider
You could enroll in a Level 2 Diploma in Roofing Occupations or Roof Slating and Tiling at your local college. This would give you valuable experience and help you work as a roofing operative trainee.
Two or more GCSEs with grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) or equivalent are typically required.
An RIA Roof Training Prospectus, published by the Roofing Industry Alliance, provides more information on qualification paths and training needs.
Most on-the-job training programs consist of experienced workers instructing new employees on how to handle roofing tools, equipment, machinery, and supplies. Trainees begin by transporting equipment and materials, as well as installing scaffolding and hoists.
Apprenticeship
After completing an intermediate roofing apprenticeship, you might work as a roofing operative.
To become an intermediate apprentice, you’ll need two or three GCSEs in grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) or equivalent.
Anyone over the age of 16 can apply for an apprenticeship. You’ll be wholly hired by your employer as an apprentice, and you’ll be expected to work a minimum of 30 hours each week. Your time will be divided between on-the-job training and attending a college or training facility.
Work Experience
To work in the construction sector, you must have prior work experience. You may earn this at school or by working weekends and holidays for a roofing company or a relative who works in the industry. Work experience stated on your CV will always impress potential employers.
Roofers Job Outlook
The roofer profession is one of the most in-demand jobs in the United States.
There are several reasons for this, not least because it’s a highly lucrative field. Roofers can make up to $50 per hour, and they work with their hands, so there are fewer chances that they’ll get injured than if they were working at a desk all day long. This means you don’t have to worry about paying medical bills or disability insurance premiums either! If you’re looking for a job with stability and good pay, becoming a roofer may be the right move for you. There’s no time like now to start learning what colleges teach roofing skills!
What Are the Requirements of a Roofing Career?
Many trainee roofers have no previous work experience and are trained on the job. They learn an understanding of the building and construction sector, as well as practical knowledge of tools, materials, and the roofing process, during this course.
Roofing can be a physically strenuous job. It takes energy to stand, climb, and stroll safely in hot, cold, and occasionally windy, snowy, or wet conditions. Roofers guarantee that buildings are structurally sound and safe for the people and things that are covered by the roof.
If you’re not aware of the many advantages of a roofing profession, here are seven reasons why it might be the correct choice for you.
Variety of Work
As a roofer, you’ll go to many different job sites. You might only stay at one job site for a few days before moving on to another. This provides a variety of exciting vistas and knowledge of the landscape in your neighborhood.
There are many types of roofing, but there are also different types of settings. It’s possible that the last building you roofed had an EPDM roof, while the next one wants wood shake shingles. Each material’s processes will be distinct, and you’ll gain additional expertise along the way.
Join a Growing Industry
In the next ten years, the roofing sector is predicted to rise by more than 10%. Roofs will always need to be changed, and new structures will continue to be constructed. Unlike many other industries, roofing is unlikely to replace automation very soon.
Pick Up Other Technical Skills
With a roofing professional, you can learn various skills that can come in handy as your career progresses. You’ll learn to interpret blueprints and become familiar with a range of tools, as well as how to use them effectively.
You’ll also improve your ability to think critically. Roof measurements and the number of supplies required for each work can be straightforward to calculate.
Make a Living Wage
A roofing career allows you to earn a living wage rather than the minimum pay. Roofers earn a median salary of $46,240 in the United States, equivalent to jobs that need a university diploma. The hourly wage is significantly dependent on where you reside.
Gain Knowledge in the Industry
Roofers receive experience in the construction business, which they can apply to various fields. As a roofer, you’ll interact with people specializing in many fields. If you have a particular interest in one, you may obtain certification in that field in the future. There are also long-term career possibilities available in roofing. You can use what you’ve learned to become a project manager, an estimator, or a construction contractor.
Enjoy the Outdoors
For many people, working outside in the fresh air is a benefit. Being outside is beneficial not only to your physical health but also to your mental wellbeing. Roofing may be the right career for you if you don’t want to be cramped up in an office all day.
Work Seasonally
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons in the roofing industry. Fall and winter are often slower, depending on where you live. During the off-season, this fact typically frees up time to pursue other hobbies. You can take a tremendous lengthy break to travel or even pick up a hobby to compensate for all the long hours put in during the spring and summer.
Are Roofing Jobs Difficult?
It depends on who you ask. Some people might say that the work is challenging and requires a lot of physical stamina, while others might complain that the job can be pretty dangerous. No matter which side of the fence you’re on, it’s hard to deny that roofing is a physically demanding profession.
The purpose of the study was to determine which type of labor is the most physically demanding and which is the most difficult to learn and perfect. With 13 percent of contractors rating roofing as the most physically demanding work, it topped the list as the most physically demanding employment.
Types of Roofing
There are numerous roofs, each of which looks best when matched with various gutter accessories. You should be knowledgeable about the materials used to construct your roof if you want to get the most out of the exterior of your home.
These are the most prevalent roof types found on residential buildings.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used today by homeowners. They are less expensive than the other sorts, are readily available, and come in various styles and colors.
Asphalt shingles have been proved to provide a sturdy and long-lasting roof at a far cheaper cost than other roofing materials. When done correctly, this material also looks excellent with copper rain gutters and may keep your home quite dry.
Metal Roofing
This style of roof is becoming increasingly popular. They require very little maintenance and need to be repainted if they grow dull. While it is less expensive to repaint metal roofing than to replace it, you should still get it done by an expert. Any project that necessitates you be on your roof might be hazardous.
However, installing this style of the roof might be challenging. You’ll want to make sure you use a contractor who has experience installing metal roofs, or you’ll run into any problems.
Another reason why more people are opting for this option is because it is an environmentally friendly alternative that can be personalized to any color.
Ceramic Tiles
When properly maintained, ceramic roof tiles can survive for 70 years. They may give a lot of character to your home and are durable, so you should think about employing them. They also look fantastic when used in conjunction with copper rain gutters.
The tiles are set in such a way that they overlap, preventing water from entering your property. They do not, however, perform effectively in locations where the weather changes frequently. This is why they are so common in Spanish architecture, where the temperature is more stable.
Slate Shingles
Slate is a roofing material that has a sophisticated and elegant appearance. They don’t rot, so they’re ideal for preventing water damage in your home. They’re also simple to maintain and can last up to 100 years, so you won’t have to replace them any time soon.
Slate roofing is available in a variety of shapes and colors, so if you already have it, have a look at our custom gutter alternatives. We are confident that we have a color that will complement the look of your home. Slate is not very popular due to its high cost, even though it looks great and performs well as a roofing material.
Wood /Cedar Shake Shingles
Wooden shake roofs can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them ideal for most climes. They are considered an environmentally beneficial roofing option because they are recycled materials. They also have a negligible impact on the water that runs off your house, making it safer to rejoin the environment.
They are long-lasting and can endure for at least 30 years before needing to be replaced; in many cases, they can last for even longer. As a natural insulator, cedar is also excellent for lowering heating and cooling costs. Check out your roof if you want to boost the insulation in your home. Along with your windows, this is one of the most common areas for heat to escape.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Being A Roofer?
Pros:
-Roofers have a physical job that is often outdoors and offers a good view.
-Roofing is a trade that can be learned relatively quickly.
-Roofers can make a good living.
Cons:
-Roofing is physically demanding and dangerous, especially in bad weather.
-There is a lot of ladder work involved, which can lead to accidents.
-Roofing is often seasonal, so there may be periods of unemployment.
Where Do Roffers Make The Most Money?
According to Indeed.com, the average roofer salary in the United States is $42,000 per year. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on experience, location, and type of work. Roofers in major metropolitan areas can earn more money than those in rural areas.
Common Skills for a Roofers
Additional skills that may be useful to anyone looking for work as a roofing operative include:
- Construction and building knowledge
- A high level of fitness and the ability to operate at a height is required.
- Patience and the capacity to remain calm in stressful situations are two qualities that stand out.
- Ability to collaborate well with others
- Excellent customer service abilities. Be flexible and open to change.
How Much Could You Earn as a Roofer?
As you gain expertise, your expected income as a roofing operative rises.
- Roofers who are newly trained might make up to £17,000 per year.
- Roofers with some experience can expect to earn between £17,000 and £25,000 per year.
- Master roofers and senior roofing operatives can make between £25,000 and £35,000 per year.
- Self-employed roofing contractors choose their prices.
- Hours and pay vary depending on where you work, who you work for, and whether or not you work overtime.
What Are the Best Colleges to Study Roofing?
Here are some of the most significant institutions to attend if you want to become a Roofer:
Grays Harbor College
For almost 85 years, Grays Harbor College has proudly served the communities of Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. Whether you desire to acquire an Associate degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science degree, a Professional/Technical degree, complete your high school diploma or improve your English skills, we are committed to your success.
Centralia College
Centralia College was founded in 1925 as Centralia Junior College. Kemp Hall, the college’s first physical campus, was built in 1950, after a difficult start. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities also granted college accreditation in 1948. From a first-year class of 15 students, the college now has 4,803 students enrolled in 64 academic programs as of 2009. To supplement its public resources, the college is associated with the private Centralia College Foundation, which was created in 1982 by community residents.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a physical job with good pay and opportunities for advancement, roofing may be the trade for you. There are many colleges that offer programs in roofing, so there is no shortage of opportunities to learn the trade. However, it is important to note that this career can be dangerous and strenuous, so make sure you are prepared for the challenges.
