What degree do you need to be a roofer?

• Roofing practices

• Required tools

• Safety precautions

Most employers provide new employees with on-the-job training that covers both safety and classroom instruction. To start, Roofers carry equipment and complete simple tasks; however, they gradually advance to more difficult duties as they gain experience.

Roofers must have a firm grasp of many types of roofs and materials, and also be in good physical condition to handle the physically strenuous tasks required for the job. While working long hours in often hot weather, they also need to pay attention to detail and focus on manual dexterity. Patience is another critical virtue for roofers, who sometimes work independently and other times as part of a team.

To protect from weather conditions, roofers install and repair roofs that are made out of a variety of materials such as:

• Asphalt

• Tar

• Gravel

• Metal

• Rubber

• Thermoplastic

• Shingles

They work on new and existing buildings and on low-slope and steep-slope roofs.

The installation process begins with insulating the deck of the roof before applying layers of the roofing material. It's crucial to ensure that all surfaces are watertight to avoid any leaks.

Additionally, roofers install equipment such as attic fans and ventilation ducts. Some specialize in a particular type of roof, such as "green" roofs that incorporate plants.

Roofers can expect slower-than-average job growth in the coming years, but prospects are better during spring and summer, or in areas with year-long mild climates. Many job openings will come from seasonal storm damage across the country as well as retirement and workers changing professions.