What do roofers do on a day to day basis?

Q: Is roofing the hardest job?

A new survey of contractors and consumers found that roofing is perceived as the most physically demanding construction trade, while electrical work seems to be the most difficult to master.

Q: What its like to be a roofer?

Roofing can be a physically demanding profession. It requires the stamina to stand, climb, and carefully walk in hot, cold, and sometimes windy, snowy, or rainy weather. The work that roofers do ensures that buildings are structurally sound and safe for the personnel or assets protected by the roof.

Q: How do roofers not fall off the roof?

Personal Fall Arrest systems, or PFAs, are body harnesses roofers wear and attach to a roof anchor by a lanyard. All components must be able to hold a certain weight, fit in a certain way (and not be a belt, for example) and be tested regularly.

Help roofers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment.

Índice Show

Technology Skills
Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Training & Credentials
Work Values
Work Styles
Wages & Employment Trends
Job Openings on the Web
Sources of Additional Information
What are the duties of a roofer?
Is roofing the hardest job?
What it's like to be a roofer?
How do roofers not fall off the roof?

Sample of reported job titles: Roofer Helper

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Tasks

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Check to ensure that completed roofs are watertight.
Sweep and clean roofs to prepare them for the application of new roofing materials.
Locate worn or torn areas in roofs.
Clean work areas and equipment.
Maintain tools and equipment.
Cover roofs with layers of roofing felt or asphalt strips before installing tile, slate, or composition materials.
Remove old roofing materials.
Unload materials and tools from work trucks, and unroll roofing as directed.
Set ladders, scaffolds, and hoists in place for taking supplies to roofs.
Place tiles, nail them to roof boards, and cover nailheads with roofing cement.
Provide assistance to skilled roofers installing and repairing roofs, flashings, and surfaces.
Attach roofing paper and composition shingles, using nails.
Perform emergency leak repairs and general maintenance for a variety of roof types.
Attach sheets of metal to roof boards or building frameworks when installing metal roofs.
Hoist tar and roofing materials to roofs, using ropes and pulleys, or carry materials up ladders.
Apply shingles, gravel, or asphalt over the top layer of tar to protect the roofing material.
Chop tar into small pieces, and heat chopped tar in kettles.
Clear drains and downspouts and clean gutters.

Technology Skills

Analytical or scientific software — Energy cost evaluation software; Exele TopView; Humidity and vapor drive calculation software; Roofing Calculator
Computer aided design CAD software — AppliCad Roof Wizard; DigiTools Roof CAD; Ziatek RoofDraw
Data base user interface and query software — Insight Direct ServiceCEO; Roof Pro Estimate Software Roof Pro; RoofLogic; Wintac Pro
Project management software — Maintenance record software

Work Activities

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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Detailed Work Activities

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Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.
Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
Locate equipment or materials in need of repair or replacement.
Clean equipment or facilities.
Install roofing materials.
Maintain construction tools or equipment.
Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction.
Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.
Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces.

Work Context

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Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 74% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Spend Time Standing — 75% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Exposed to High Places — 81% responded “Every day.”
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 80% responded “Every day.”
Face-to-Face Discussions — 67% responded “Every day.”
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 49% responded “Very high responsibility.”
Work With Work Group or Team — 44% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling — 40% responded “More than half the time.”
Exposed to Contaminants — 50% responded “Every day.”
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 36% responded “Extremely important.”
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 40% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 42% responded “Every day.”
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 68% responded “Every day.”
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 47% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 44% responded “Very important results.”
Spend Time Walking and Running — 34% responded “Continually or almost continually.”
Coordinate or Lead Others — 37% responded “Important.”
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 37% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Consequence of Error — 32% responded “Very serious.”
Contact With Others — 42% responded “Constant contact with others.”
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings — 35% responded “Every day.”
Physical Proximity — 40% responded “Moderately close (at arm's length).”
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 30% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
Level of Competition — 35% responded “Highly competitive.”
Freedom to Make Decisions — 31% responded “Limited freedom.”
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 27% responded “Moderate responsibility.”
Time Pressure — 33% responded “Never.”
Duration of Typical Work Week — 35% responded “More than 40 hours.”
Exposed to Radiation — 38% responded “Every day.”
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection — 34% responded “Never.”
Deal With External Customers — 42% responded “Very important.”

Job Zone

TitleJob Zone Two: Some Preparation NeededEducationThese occupations usually require a high school diploma.Related ExperienceSome previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.Job Zone ExamplesThese occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.SVP Range3 months to 1 year of preparation (4.0 to < 6.0)

Training & Credentials

State trainingLocal trainingCertificationsApprenticeshipsHave a career path or location in mind? Visit Apprenticeship.gov external site to find apprenticeship opportunities near you.

Skills

Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge

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Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Transportation — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Abilities

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Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Gross Body Equilibrium — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Interests

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Values

Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Work Styles

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Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2021)$17.48 hourly, $36,360 annualState wagesLocal wagesEmployment (2021)7,000 employeesProjected growth (2021-2031)Slower than average (2% to 3%)Projected job openings (2021-2031)900State trendsTop industries (2021)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021 wage data external site and 2021-2031 employment projections external site . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2021-2031). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

State job openingsLocal job openings

Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Actively assisted with the O*NET data collection, helping to identify occupational experts who can be surveyed about their work in the occupation.

What are the duties of a roofer?

Responsibilities.

Build roofs using various materials and tools..

Deliver projects within timeline..

Inspect damages and estimate costs of labor..

Repair or replace broken materials..

Remove debris from roofs to place materials..

Smoothen roof surfaces and fill in edges with cement..

Is roofing the hardest job?

A new survey of contractors and consumers found that roofing is perceived as the most physically demanding construction trade, while electrical work seems to be the most difficult to master.

What it's like to be a roofer?

Roofing can be a physically demanding profession. It requires the stamina to stand, climb, and carefully walk in hot, cold, and sometimes windy, snowy, or rainy weather. The work that roofers do ensures that buildings are structurally sound and safe for the personnel or assets protected by the roof.

How do roofers not fall off the roof?

Personal Fall Arrest systems, or PFAs, are body harnesses roofers wear and attach to a roof anchor by a lanyard. All components must be able to hold a certain weight, fit in a certain way (and not be a belt, for example) and be tested regularly.