What Do Roofers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Roofers cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures. They also inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.

Other tasks include:

• Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
• Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
• Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
• Cement or nail flashing strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.
• Install partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces, using chalk lines, gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles.
• Cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.

We asked Roofers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

55% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 44% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Roofers cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces. They inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.

A typical day for a Roofer will also include:

• Install vapor barriers or layers of insulation on flat roofs.
• Install partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces, using chalk lines, gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles.
• Cover roofs or exterior walls of structures with slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, gravel, gypsum, or related materials, using brushes, knives, punches, hammers, or other tools.
• Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
• Waterproof or damp-proof walls, floors, roofs, foundations, or basements by painting or spraying surfaces with waterproof coatings or by attaching waterproofing membranes to surfaces.

We asked some Roofers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Roofers also cover exposed nailheads with roofing cement or caulking to prevent water leakage or rust. They may also install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems, using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric, or other asphaltic compositions.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Roofers Apply gravel or pebbles over top layers of roofs, using rakes or stiff-bristled brooms. They might also Apply plastic coatings, membranes, fiberglass, or felt over sloped roofs before applying shingles.

In addition, they Cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.

To some Roofers, it is also their responsibility to Glaze top layers to make a smooth finish or embed gravel in the bitumen for rough surfaces.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as a Roofer, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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