SkillSET Blog
Advice For Pros · October 31, 2022 · AUTHOR: Stanley Bawalan

The Roofing Industry: Paths in Building a Career

Roofing is a rewarding, challenging, and in-demand career. If you're considering a job in roofing, this guide will help you understand what that means and how to get started on your path to becoming a roofer.

Roofing is a booming industry.

The roofing industry is a booming one. In fact, it's growing so fast that there are more contractors than ever before. This means more opportunities for you to get paid well while doing the work you love.

Why is the roofing industry in such high demand? It's simple: roofs are essential parts of our homes and businesses, but they wear out over time and need regular maintenance or replacement. They also need to be replaced when a storm damages them beyond repair or causes leaks.

What work is involved in roofing?

The roofing industry allows you to become an apprentice, roofer, or even a roof inspector or contractor. 

Roofers install and repair roofs on homes and other buildings. They work with many different kinds of materials including metal, wood shake shingles, slate tile shingles/slate flat roofs and asphalt shingles/flat roofs (in wet climates). Roofers also install chimneys and vents at ground level as well as skylights or dormer windows on top floors of homes.

A roofer’s job can vary greatly depending on where they live since some regions have different types of housing structures than others do.

Contractors usually hire roofers to perform specific tasks like installing new roofs or repairing existing ones.

How to start getting into roofing?

  • If you are in high school or considering going to college for roofing (or anything related to construction), ask around about local colleges or community colleges that offer programs in your area.

  • If there is no program nearby, consider online courses. Most of these will have the same information as traditional classes and can give you a head start on what it takes to become a contractor or work in an office setting at a company specializing in roofing materials distribution.

  • The good news is that most people who want to get into this industry will find some way of getting started—and those who don't get started might not be cut out for working on roofs anyway!

What it takes to become one.

The roofing industry is a physically demanding and dangerous profession. A good roofer will be able to lift heavy loads, work in tight spaces, and climb steep ladders without fear of heights or falling. Don't let this intimidate you; it's something that comes with practice.

You'll learn a lot as you work on roofs.

You’ll learn how to cut shingles down to size and how best to fit them together; how angles affect the water flow off of your home; how hot temperatures can damage materials faster than cold ones (and vice versa). That said, while there are certain skills that only come from experience, taking classes or obtaining certifications would be an excellent way of preparing yourself for the workplace before starting your career.

The roofing industry is highly competitive.

As more people enter this field each year seeking better opportunities than those offered by other tradespeople like carpenters or electricians. Competition between contractors becomes fierce enough that many companies will only hire those with proven experience under their belt—which means making it in the industry will take time. This also means keeping up with new technologies so as not to get left behind when companies start using them instead of traditional methods.

Standards and requirements vary by area.

It is important to understand the local requirements for licensure and certification. While the standards for licensure may vary from one place to another, there are some things that all regions have in common.

For example, potential roofers must pass an exam before they can receive their license or certificate. The exam covers everything from basic math skills to safety procedures. In addition to this test, each state will have its own set of rules regarding what types of licenses or certificates are required before someone can perform certain kinds of work on roofs (like installation). These regulations should be easily found online if you know what kind of information you're looking for (or if not available online then by contacting your local contractors).

Conclusion

Roofing is a great industry to get into, and there are lots of opportunities for people with all kinds of skill sets. It's never been easier to learn about roofing or start working as a roofer, so if you're thinking about joining the industry now is the perfect time to do it!

Find Roofing jobs and in-depth information about careers in roofing from industry experts. Download SetSchedule and discover the new virtual space for the real estate industry.

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