What It Takes to Become a Roofer

What It Takes to Become a Roofer

a career as a rooferLike working outdoors? Are you good with your hands? Would you like to know that your occupation comes with a certain amount of job security? If so, you may want to become a roofer. While there are several different types of roofing, taking a step toward this profession could make all the difference in your life.

The Different Types of Roofing

It’s worth mentioning the different types of roofing that exist. While there is job security to be had, you’re probably aware of the fact that, when the housing market dips, roofing jobs go with it.

However, if you still want to become a roofer, knowing about the different types of roofing will help you find work when certain segments of the market are sagging.

The two main types of roofing are commercial and residential. You can either do roofing for a business or a home. However, these two segments of the market also represent a number of options. There are:

  • Asphalt shingles
  • Slate
  • Clay tile
  • Synthetic
  • Foam
  • Wood Shakes
  • Concrete

These are only some of your options though. Expect that more will show up in the future. As long as you keep abreast of these developments, there’s no reason you should ever have to look for work.

Apprenticeship

Before you can become a roofer, you need to apprentice with an experienced a professional. While this may seem like a formality, it’s actually one of the best ways to earn on-the-job skills. Most people have to go to school, rack up student debt and then suffer through years of informal training.

If you want to become a roofer, though, you’ll stack up valuable hours of experience with someone who has had the job you want for years. You’ll learn how to install a roof, maintain it and repair one. These are all three separate ways to earn a paycheck.

The apprenticeship program will take roughly three years. Once you have completed 4,000 hours, though, you will become licensed. This is not a step you can bypass, as without a license, you can’t legally work.

Classroom Work

Your learning period doesn’t just involve learning on the job. You’ll also be in the classroom. This is where you’ll learn more about the different types of roofing. It’s also where you’ll be formally introduced to licensing requirements, safety measures and even the ins-and-outs of the business.

Learn the Ropes

For the uninitiated, it may seem easy to become a roofer. However, the roof of a home or business is a complicated feature. You need to know how to read plans, for one. This is mainly for installing a roof. However, replacing certain aspects of one or otherwise repairing damage may necessitate that you can anticipate the finished result before it exists.

The Written Exam

It doesn’t matter how well you’ve learned to manage a roof; until you pass a formal, written exam, you can’t be considered a roofer. Once the apprenticeship requirements are met, it’s time to take the actual test to prove what you’ve learned.

After you pass, you’ll be a qualified roofer. Whether you want to join a union or work on your own is up to you. Many roofers do union work until they can hire contractors of their own. In any case, learn how to work on a roof and you’ll have a great career ahead of you.

 

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