Roofer

Roofers build, maintain and repair roofs on all sorts of properties, from residential houses to commercial buildings, sports stadiums and industrial units. Working mainly on flat or pitched (sloped) roofs, they work with many different roofing materials, including tiles, slates, felt, corrugated sheeting and even thatch (see Thatcher article).

Duties may include:

• removing existing roof materials and checking the quality of roof timbers
• laying and/or replacing slate and tiles
• cutting and placing layers of felt on top of each other and melting bitumen to bond them together
• installing corrugated or profiled sheets
• applying weatherproof finishes, including leading, chemical liquids or waterproof membranes.

Roofers usually work a 39-hour week. This can vary depending on the time of year and workloads. Roofers work outdoors at varying heights, using ladders and scaffolding. It can be strenuous and physically demanding at times. Health and safety procedures should be followed at all times.

Salaries may range from between £8,639 and £14,439 for new entrants and apprentices to £30,000 a year. Self-employed roofers set their own rates and can earn more.

A roofer needs to be:

• practical and organised
• comfortable following instructions and working as a team
• physically fit, with good balance and a head for heights
• respectful of safe working practices
• happy working outdoors.

There are around 33,900 roofers working in England for specialist roofing and supplier firms, building contractors, local authorities and other public organisations. Many are self-employed.

There are no set entry qualifications. It is possible to start work as a trainee roofer. The main route in is through a ConstructionSkills Apprenticeship, which covers specific roofing trades. It may help to have GCSEs (A*-E) in English, maths and technology, or qualifications like the Diploma in construction and the built environment.

Entrants and apprentice roofers typically receive on-the-job practical training, whist studying the most appropriate roofing NVQs by day or block release with a local college or training provider. These are available Levels 2 and 3. Roofers also need to qualify for the appropriate ConstructionSkills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, proving they are competent to work on site. This requires passing the Working at Heights Health and Safety Test.

Roofers may progress to supervisory work, project estimating or construction management. Some might move into risk and health and safety inspections, or become self-employed, running their own roofing business.

Further details