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Roofers

Under the title Roofers, workers cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. You may also need to inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (7.0 of 7), then Conventional (3.5) and Enterprising, which gives it the code RCE. Plan on a few months to a year of learning on the job; O*NET labels this some preparation. Strength in coordination, time management, and operation and control helps most here. A regular part of the work is to 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. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

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.

Main tasks

  • Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
  • 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.
  • Cover exposed nailheads with roofing cement or caulking to prevent water leakage or rust.
  • Apply reflective roof coatings, such as special paints or single-ply roofing sheets, to existing roofs to reduce solar heat absorption.
  • Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
  • Cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.

Skills

  • Coordination
  • Time Management
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on coordination and time management.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.2 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCE takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • Commercial Roofer
  • Flat Roofer
  • Journeyman Roofer
  • Metal Roofing Mechanic
  • Roof Mechanic

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.