Roofers

Career Description: Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, and related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures.

Industry: Construction and Extraction

Other Job Titles for Roofers:

• 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.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• 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.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Inspect problem roofs to determine the best procedures for repairing them.
• Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
• Align roofing materials with edges of roofs.
• Clean and maintain equipment.
• Cement or nail flashing-strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.
• Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems, using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric, or other asphaltic compositions.
• Cut felt, shingles, and strips of flashing; and fit them into angles formed by walls, vents, and intersecting roof surfaces.
• Install vapor barriers and/or layers of insulation on the roof decks of flat roofs, and seal the seams.
• Cut roofing paper to size using knives; and nail or staple roofing paper to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials.
• Cover exposed nailheads with roofing cement or caulking to prevent water leakage and rust.
• Install partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces, determining distance of roofing material overlap using chalk lines, gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles.
• Cover roofs and exterior walls of structures with slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, gravel, gypsum, and/or related materials, using brushes, knives, punches, hammers and other tools.
• Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
• Apply alternate layers of hot asphalt or tar and roofing paper to roofs, according to specification.
• Estimate roofing materials and labor required to complete jobs, and provide price quotes.
• Spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures, using spray guns, air compressors, and heaters.
• Waterproof and damp-proof walls, floors, roofs, foundations, and basements by painting or spraying surfaces with waterproof coatings, or by attaching waterproofing membranes to surfaces.
• Mop or pour hot asphalt or tar onto roof bases.
• Apply plastic coatings and membranes, fiberglass, or felt over sloped roofs before applying shingles.
• Hammer and chisel away rough spots or remove them with rubbing bricks to prepare surfaces for waterproofing.
• Glaze top layers to make a smooth finish, or embed gravel in the bitumen for rough surfaces.
• Apply gravel or pebbles over top layers of roofs, using rakes or stiff-bristled brooms.
• Punch holes in slate, tile, terra cotta, or wooden shingles, using punches and hammers.
• Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
• Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits and gate-crossing warnings.
• Turn valves to control air and water output of compressors and pumps.
• Operate equipment to demolish and remove debris and to remove snow from streets, roads, and parking lots.
• Operate conveyors to remove grit and debris from digesters.
• Compile cost estimates for jobs.
• Operate hoists to lift power line poles into position.

Emerging Tasks

• Inspect roofs for problems, such as leaks, to determine the best procedure for repairing them.
• Dust rocks after bolting.
• Install various types of bolts including truss, glue, and resin bolts, traversing entire ceiling spans.
• Perform safety checks on equipment before operating.
• Perform tests to determine whether methane gas is present.
• Perform ventilation tasks such as hanging ventilation curtains and tubes.
• Pull down loose rock that cannot be supported.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside 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.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 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.
• 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.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 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.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• 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.
• 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 of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• 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.
• 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.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• 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.

Detailed Work Activities

• adhere to safety procedures
• apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
• build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
• clean equipment or machinery
• clean rooms or work areas
• climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
• cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
• determine installation, service, or repair needed
• determine material or tool requirements
• erect scaffold
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• install prefabricated building components
• install shingles, tile, slate, asphalt, or related roofing materials
• install siding or sheeting
• move or fit heavy objects
• paint walls or other structural surfaces
• perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
• read tape measure
• repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
• use basic carpentry techniques
• use hand or power tools
• use hand or power woodworking tools
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use oral or written communication techniques
• plan or organize work
• pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
• read blueprints
• read specifications
• read tape measure
• read technical drawings
• repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
• solder metal parts or components together
• understand construction specifications
• use acetylene welding/cutting torch
• use arc welding equipment
• use basic plumbing techniques
• use braze-welding equipment
• use building or land use regulations
• use combination welding procedures
• use hand or power tools
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use pipe fitting equipment
• use pressure gauges
• use soldering equipment
• verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures
• use oscilloscopes in electronics repair
• use soldering equipment
• use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
• use hazardous materials information
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use spray paint equipment
• use surfacing machine to polish terrazzo or concrete
• verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob
• work as a team member
• understand construction specifications
• use basic carpentry techniques
• use basic plumbing techniques
• use building materials for routine building maintenance
• use building or land use regulations
• use concrete fabrication techniques
• use hand or power tools
• use hand or power woodworking tools
• use hazardous materials information
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use oral or written communication techniques
• verify trueness of structure using plumb bob or level
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a teller might benefit from experience working directly with the public, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be a teller with little difficulty.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, pharmacy technicians, salespersons (retail), and tellers.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$15.98
• Average annual wage (2007) - $33,240.00

• Projected growth (2006-2016): 14.34%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 22,413
• Employment (2006): 156,284

• Brickmasons and Blockmasons
• Construction Carpenters
• Glaziers
• Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters
• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
• Rough Carpenters
• Stonemasons
• Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
• Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
• Tile and Marble Setters