Becoming a roofer is an attractive job prospect for many people. There is an almost unlimited amount of work available, thanks to every commercial and residential building needing a solid roof. So, what are the next steps, if you want to become a roofer? Once you become one, what will your life look like? We talked to the professionals at City Roofing & Exteriors about these questions and provided some insights to you, below.
Common Traits in People Who Seek a Roofing Career
If you want to become a roofer, you should first consider whether the lifestyle and work suit your personality. Some of the important attributes of a roofer include:
- You enjoy working outside
- You are physically fit and enjoy physical activity
- You do not have a fear of heights
- You like working with your hands
- You are comfortable in hot and cold weather
If these statements are true about you, you can start on the path to becoming a roofer. Your job will involve repairing and replacing sloped roofs, flat roofs, shingles, shakes and other components of these structures. You can also specialize by becoming a shingler, someone who focuses on replacing shingles, shakes and other roof tiles. This will vary depending on where on the globe you live and work, since different types of roofing are more prevalent in certain geographical regions. Shinglers sometimes also waterproof basements, decks and foundations, as do roofers.
If you believe this lifestyle and work suits you, you can choose to work throughout your career for an employer or general contractor in the field. Or, you can gain valuable experience and connections to qualify to own and operate your own roofing company. Besides experience, owning your own contracting company requires you to maintain a solid reputation by always striving to get the job done right, on time and according to budget.
A Roofer’s Duties
If you become a roofer, your daily work duties will likely include:
- Installing, repairing and replacing roof systems, shingles and roof tiles
- Applying waterproof coatings to concrete
- Using tools to install and repair metal roofs
- Constructing scaffolding for safe access to roofs
- Cost and materials estimating
Typical Work Conditions
Work conditions for a roofer include eight hour days, typically five days per week. On big jobs, your days can extend longer and you can often work overtime. You can expect to work throughout the year, because roofs can require installation, repair and replacement at any time. Most of the work is conducted outdoors among peers in the field, whether temperatures are hot or cold.
Safety is a big factor in your career longevity. Your job will also require physical strength and conditioning. You will frequently life and carry heavy materials and do a lot of bending and stooping. The job requires effective safety training, special equipment, protective gear and attention to injury prevention.
Salary expectations range from $21,000 to $62,000 per year. Of course, you can increase your income through certification and by developing your own contracting company.
Training and Certification
After high school or completion of at least Grade 9, your job requires training. In some regions it also requires apprenticeship and certification. Apprenticeship takes place in a classroom where you learn about your job, equipment and safety. Beyond these studies, you also receive on-the-job training that lets you apply and practice your learned skills.
You serve as an apprentice under a certified roofer/shingler journeyperson. This apprenticeship pays you by the hour for performance on the job site. Your starting wages are around 65 percent of what you will earn after certification. The program typically lasts four 12-month periods toward completion of at least 5,860 hours of work training. You also need 18 weeks of technical training and must pass a final exam for certification. This varies from one Canadian region to another, but is typically similar in duration. It is possible to reduce your apprenticeship time by taking college courses.
Certification requirements vary across Canada. In most provinces it is voluntary, while it is required in Quebec. By achieving certification where it is not required, you show your dedication to excellence in the field and can likely rise above other job applicants. If you hold certification, you can also take the Interprovincial Exam to achieve a Red Seal of the Interprovincial Standards. This empowers you to work as a roofer or shingler anywhere in Canada.
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