Is becoming a roofer right for me?
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How to become a Roofer
People who want to take up roofing as a career will have to pursue a specialized apprentice training curriculum, which is a basic educational qualification required for the job. The apprentice training program is a combination of theoretical and practical courses covering various aspects of construction including quality management, material selection, roof installation techniques, roof installation skills, and diagnostic skills.
A fully licensed roofer who has successfully completed this type of program is well trained to handle different types and sizes of roofing projects in various settings. Residential roofers primarily specialize in shingle installation on homes. They may also carry out roof inspection services for hail, wind and water damage. Commercial roofers mostly work on bigger commercial and industrial buildings.
The roofer apprentice programs in most countries take three years to complete. The trainee has to complete a minimum of 4,000 hours of extensive training to get recognized and licensed to handle roofing-related jobs independently. The curriculum includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. In practical training sessions, trainees work on demo projects and their work is strictly supervised by a well-experienced roofer.
The essential skills that every roofer should have include the ability to read and understand plans, have average carpentry skills, good verbal skills, and the willingness to be part of a team. At times, the job will involve lifting and delivering heavy materials onto the tops of buildings and homes, so fitness and agility is important.