A sturdy roof protects the people and possessions inside a home from wind, rain and snow. Roofers install, repair and replace these vital structures.
They use a wide range of skills to perform their duties, including coordination, active listening and critical thinking. They also need to follow safety standards and manage time effectively.
Installation
Roofers install new roofs on structures like houses and office buildings. They use a variety of materials, including metal and shingles. When installing a roof, roofers follow construction plans to ensure the structure is properly covered and protected.
In residential roofing, roofers examine the wood framing and shingle underlayment to determine if there is any damage or rot. Before they begin laying the new roofing material, they remove old caulk and nails and pry bars as necessary. Roofer also inspect vents, chimneys and valleys to make sure they are free from rust or rot and that the flashing is in good condition.
During the installation process, roofers must be comfortable working in all weather conditions and at heights. They often wear safety gear, such as hard hats, goggles and gloves. They also must complete training on a yearly basis to keep up with new techniques. Roofers usually have strong Realistic interests and tend to work well independently.
Repair
Roofers often perform repairs on existing roofing structures. This can involve a variety of materials, such as shingles, metal and wood. They may repair leaks, replace flashing or install skylight windows. They also might inspect and assess damage to the roof to make recommendations on the best course of action. This requires them to have a good understanding of roofing systems and how different components work together. It also involves knowing how to read blueprints and other technical documents.
Roofers use a wide array of tools to complete their job, from a pry bar to a shears and nail puller. When repairing flashing, they try to mimic the way the previous flashing was attached. If that’s not possible, they use either nails or sealant to reattach it. They also apply roofing cement, which can be used to encase a piece of flashing or cover a hole in the roof.
Maintenance
Roofers repair and maintain the roofs of buildings. Their duties include replacing shingles, repairing leaks, and inspecting the structure of the roof to identify potential problems. They also install insulation systems and vapor barriers to protect the building from water damage.
Residential roofers work on single-family homes and multi-unit housing complexes. They use ladders and scaffolding to access the roof, which can be hazardous if not properly secured. They also interact with clients, answering questions and providing information about roofing materials and techniques.
To keep their skills sharp, roofers should regularly perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters and downspouts, examining chimneys, vents, and skylights for damage or deterioration, and spraying the roof with materials that bind, seal, and insulate sections of the roof. These tasks can help prevent small issues from escalating into major problems. Roofers also need to stay hydrated as they work in hot temperatures. A loss of balance or consciousness while working at heights can lead to severe injury or death.
Sales
You’ll need a solid sales pitch to sell your roofing services. Your goal is to get the homeowner to buy a roof from you instead of your competitors. The best way to do this is by demonstrating that your roofing company has done work in the area and has satisfied previous customers. Share pictures and stories to create a sense of trust.
Large roofing companies often hire a retail sales person to focus on selling and customer service. They typically offer zero-percent financing. These types of roofers also do insurance repairs and inspections for real estate companies.
When hiring a salesperson, make sure you discuss the sales goals they must hit and how much pay you can afford to offer. The more upfront you are with this information, the more motivated your roofers will be to meet their sales goals. You can use gross margin as a benchmark for their success. This metric includes the price you charge the homeowner, the cost of buying the materials and paying your roofers.