Roofs protect buildings from various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and sunlight. 

Roofers have the expertise to choose and apply suitable roofing materials, guaranteeing that your roof is long-lasting, waterproof, and well-insulated. Without the work of roofers, structures would face issues like leaks, structural harm, and reduced energy efficiency. 

In this article, we’ll discuss what a roofer is, their responsibilities, the four types of roofers, how to choose the right one to suit your project, and so much more! 

Keep reading to find out. 

What Is A Roofer?

As the word suggests, roofers or roofing contractors are professionals whose skills focus on installing roofing materials and repairing existing roof systems. They work within the construction industry and ensure that roofing systems are secure, weather-resistant, and offer sufficient protection for buildings and their residents. 

A roofer may be hired by roofing construction companies or operate as their own business. The job of a roofer involves working at elevated heights and being exposed to various weather elements, which is why strict adherence to safety guidelines and protective equipment is mandatory. 

Moreover, it is physically demanding as roofers have to carry heavy materials and work in different environments. A roofer’s manual dexterity and meticulousness are crucial to the durability, effectiveness, and overall quality of roofs, making them vital to the construction sector. 

What Does A Roofer Do?

The responsibilities of a roofer can differ based on the project and environment. Nonetheless, some common duties include: 

Installation: Roofers install new roofs on buildings by measuring and cutting roofing materials to fit, laying underlayment, and attaching various roofing materials like asphalt, shingles, tiles, roofing cement, metal panels, and vapour barriers. They ensure proper alignment, security, and weatherproofing for a durable, watertight roof. 

Repair And Maintenance: Roofers are adept at identifying and fixing roofing problems. They inspect for damage, leaks, or wear and carry out necessary repairs or replacements such as fixing shingles, replacing flashing, sealing leaks, or patching holes. They also perform maintenance tasks like cleaning gutters, removing debris, and checking for wear. 

Safety And Precautions: Roofers prioritise safety when working at heights, adhering to safety regulations, and using PPE like harnesses, helmets, and safety glasses. They must know how to properly use equipment such as ladders and scaffolding and be aware of fall protection to prevent accidents and injuries. 

Collaboration: Their job often requires them to work in teams, coordinating with other construction professionals such as roofing contractors, carpenters, and electricians. They ensure that roofing tasks integrate with other construction activities. 

Customer Service: One of their responsibilities is interacting with homeowners, addressing questions and concerns, and providing information about roofing materials, techniques, and maintenance. Good communication and customer service skills are crucial for customer satisfaction and for maintaining a positive client relationship. 

Four Types Of Roofers

There are various roofing systems, each with a roofer that focuses on installing, maintaining, and repairing roofs. Most roofers work on possessing skills across multiple areas to work with different materials. 

Here are the four types of roofers: 

Shinglers 

These roofers specialise in installing and repairing asphalt shingles, fibreglass shingles, and solar shingles. 

Their skills lie in assuring precise alignment and secure attachment of shingles, creating functional and visually appealing roofs. 

Metal Roofers

Metal roofers specialise in handling metal materials such as steel, aluminium, or copper. They possess skills in installation and repair, using specialised techniques and tools for these materials. 

Flat Roofers

Flat roofers install and maintain low-slope roofs, often seen on commercial buildings or specific residential structures. 

They are experienced in working with materials like modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUF), and single-ply membranes, employing techniques for installing a flat roof. 

Hot Roofers

Hot roofers install and repair hot roofs, involving multiple layers of asphalt and felt. These roofs in residential and commercial properties often contain tar and gravel. 

Hot roofers need a thorough knowledge of the materials and methods used in construction and maintenance, and compliance with local building codes and regulations.

As a bonus, here are two other types of roofers: 

Slate And Tile Roofers: These roofers work with natural or synthetic slate and clay or concrete tiles. They possess the skills to handle, cut, and securely attach these materials, ensuring that the roofs have proper insulation, are long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. 

Green Roof Installers: These professionals install and repair vegetative roofs. They know about specialised roofing work like rainwater harvesting systems that support plant growth, offer insulation, and promote environmental sustainability, and photovoltaic products like solar tiles and shingles. 

Commercial Roofers Vs. Residential Roofers

Another way of categorising roofers is by distinguishing between commercial and residential projects. 

Commercial roofers focus on large, flat roofs typically found in commercial buildings, whereas residential roofers specialise in the construction and maintenance of sloped roofs for single-family homes and residential properties. 

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two: 

Commercial Roofers

Contractors who work on commercial buildings, especially in industrial areas, possess unique skills tailored to these environments. Commercial roofing often involves large teams and heavy lifting of machinery, which can introduce hazardous conditions. 

The specific requirements for commercial roofing work are usually more advanced than for residential projects due to the technical nature of flat or slightly sloped roofs, which demand careful installation and maintenance. 

Residential Roofers

These roofers specialise in working on homes and other residential properties. They install, repair, and maintain sloped or pitched roofs. 

Residential roofers use different materials, equipment, and techniques than those employed in commercial roofing, which are tailored to the specific needs of residential structures. 

Choosing The Right Type Of Roofer For Your Project

Understanding the different types of roofing jobs and specialisations required for each is crucial to the success of your roofing project. 

The skills of the roofer you choose will significantly impact the quality, appearance, and longevity of your roof. 

Here are some factors to consider to make an informed decision: 

• Match The Skills To Your Roof Type: Identify the roofing skills you need for your project. This ensures you select a roofer with the relevant expertise and experience for your specific roof type. 

• Evaluate Qualifications And Experience: When evaluating potential roofing companies, review their portfolios, past projects, and client testimonials. This will help you gauge their ability to handle a similar roofing job. Seek recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or other professionals in the construction field, to ensure you’re considering reputable candidates.

• Quality Assurance And Certification: Check for relevant certifications, professional memberships, and adherence to construction field standards. This demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development. Verify the company’s licences, insurance coverage, and any warranties they offer, as these are critical indicators of their reliability and professionalism. 

• Online Reviews And Customer Feedback: Use only review platforms and rating websites to read reviews from previous customers. This can provide valuable insights into the company’s reliability, customer service, and workmanship quality. Pay attention to negative reviews and the company’s responses, as this can reveal their dedication to customer satisfaction. 

• Request Detailed Estimates And Ask Questions: Finally, request a detailed estimate from potential roofing companies and ask specific questions about the roofing process, materials and equipment used, and expected timeline. A reputable roofer will be transparent and willing to provide clear explanations to address your concerns. 

A roofing project is a serious business that requires a lot of careful thinking before choosing a roofer to take care of your roof. Call local experts and verify all the necessary information before signing up with them. 

FAQs

What Are The Three Main Types Of Roofs?

Flat, gable, and hip roofs are the three most common types of roofs. Flat roofs are very low-pitched and almost horizontal, gable roofs have two sloping sides that join at the top, and hip roofs have slopes on all its sides. 

How Do I Become A Roofer?

You would first have to obtain a high school diploma. If you have one, you can enter a trade school and after graduating, you can get an apprenticeship for training. After you garner the required experience, you can then obtain your licence. 

How Much Can You Earn As A Roofer?

As with any occupation, the average salary of a roofer increases with experience. Here are the estimated amounts: 

• Entry-level roofers: Can start earning from £17,000 and above. 
• Roofers with some experience: Typically earn between £17,000 – £35,000. 
• Senior roofers or master roofers: Can make between £35,000 – £65,000. 
• Self-employed roofers: Have the flexibility to set their own rates.

Conclusion

Now that you know what each type of roofer specialises in, you can decide what kind of roofer fits your project best.

Don’t forget to inquire about their expertise and reviews from past customers to ensure you get the best service for your roofing project.