Introduction 

Roofers specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of roofs on residential and commercial buildings. Their main responsibilities include:

• Inspecting roof surfaces and identifying any issues or areas in need of repair
• Installing new roofing materials like shingles, tiles, or metal panels  
• Repairing damaged areas by replacing worn or broken shingles/tiles, re-applying sealants, etc.
• Cleaning and preparing roof surfaces prior to installation or repair work
• Using caulking guns, hammers, power tools, lifts, and other equipment to perform roofing tasks
• Following safety protocols like wearing harnesses and setting up fall protection when working at heights
• Providing maintenance services like sealing leaks and clearing debris from gutters and drains
• Advising clients on roof care and repair options within their budget

The goal of every roofer is to expertly install or restore roof systems to protect the structure and occupants of homes and buildings from weather damage.

Day in the Life  

A day in the life of a roofer involves various physically demanding tasks. Roofers typically start their day by loading supplies and equipment onto their truck and driving to the job site. Once on the roof, they inspect the area to determine what repairs or installations need to be done. Daily tasks can include tearing off old shingles, installing new shingles, membranes or flashing, repairing damaged areas, and applying waterproof coatings. Climbing ladders and working on steep rooftops is common. Roofers also use power tools like nail guns to efficiently install roofing materials. Clean up is part of the job too. At the end of the day, roofers load up unused materials and make sure the worksite is left neat and safe. The job requires being on your feet all day, often working in extreme weather conditions. Safety precautions like harnesses and protective gear are a must. While demanding, being a roofer provides the satisfaction of seeing your completed work protecting a home or building.

Pros of Becoming a Roofer

Becoming a roofer has many advantages that make it an attractive career path for those who enjoy working outdoors and don't mind physical labor. Here are some of the biggest pros of being a roofer:

• High earning potential - Roofers make excellent wages, especially for those without a college degree. The median pay for roofers in the U.S. is over $42,000 per year, which goes far in many areas of the country. Experienced roofers can make over $70,000.
• Satisfying work - Roofing work provides a sense of accomplishment and pride from a job well done. At the end of the day, roofers can see the tangible results of their labor. Constructing and repairing roofs leaves a positive impact.
• In demand - There is no shortage of roofing work. Storms, weather damage, and aging infrastructure ensures steady demand. Roofers have reliable job security as their skills will always be needed. The number of roofing jobs is projected to increase at an above average rate over the next decade.

In summary, if you don't mind working outside, the roofing trade offers excellent pay, rewarding work, and plenty of job opportunities. The satisfaction from craftsmanship and high wages makes roofing an appealing career choice.

Cons of Working as a Roofer

Working as a roofer can be physically demanding, involve safety risks, and be dependent on weather.

• Physically demanding - Roofing work involves a lot of physical labor like climbing, lifting, carrying heavy materials, kneeling, bending, and working in awkward positions. Roofers often work on their feet all day long in all weather conditions. The work can put a lot of strain on the back, knees, shoulders and other joints.
• Safety risks - Roofing work entails risks of injuries from falls, slips, cuts, and dealing with hot equipment. Proper safety training, harnessing, and protective equipment is essential. Roofers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
• Weather dependence - Roofing projects rely heavily on cooperative weather. Rain, high winds, extreme heat or cold can cause dangerous working conditions and delay projects. Most roofing does not get done in winter in cold climates. Schedule flexibility is needed.

Skills Needed

To be a successful roofer, you need more than just roofing knowledge and experience. Roofing requires certain physical abilities and skills to perform the job safely and effectively. 

Physical Fitness

Roofing is physically demanding work. You need good physical strength, endurance and stamina to be on your feet for long hours, often in high heat, hauling heavy bundles of shingles up ladders and lifting heavy tools and materials. Core body strength is essential for balancing while working on sloped roofs.

Balance  

Excellent balance is crucial when working on rooftops, especially steeply pitched roofs. You'll need to maintain your balance while carrying materials, walking roof ridges and navigating slippery surfaces. Good balance helps prevent falls, a leading cause of injuries for roofers.

Attention to Detail

Precision and attention to detail are vital skills. Proper roof installation depends on carefully following manufacturer's instructions. You must meticulously measure, align, secure and seal each component. Missing any details can lead to leaks, damage or roof failure down the road. Good hand-eye coordination helps you place and fasten shingles accurately.

Education Needed to Become a Roofer

Most roofers start by completing a high school diploma or equivalent. From there, the main path into the career is to complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships provide a mix of on-the-job training and classroom instruction on topics like safety procedures, blueprint reading, math, and more. 

Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years. As an apprentice gains more experience, they take on more challenging tasks and get pay increases. Upon completion of an apprenticeship, a roofer becomes a journeyman roofer. Some roofers choose to go on to become master roofers, which requires even more training and experience.

While not required, some roofers choose to complete vocational school or community college coursework related to construction and roofing. This can help provide a solid educational foundation. Certifications like from the National Roofing Contractors Association are also optional but can improve job prospects.

Overall, hands-on training and learning from experienced roofers is the primary path into the career for most. While formal education is helpful, real-world know-how is highly valued in this profession.

Certifications

Roofers should have certain certifications and licenses to perform their jobs safely and legally. The most important certification is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training. OSHA has requirements and standards for fall protection, ladder safety, and other critical safety issues for roofing work. Completing an OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour training course is essential. 

In addition, many states require roofing contractors to be licensed. Licensure demonstrates competency, involves passing an exam, and requires continuing education courses. Roofers may also choose to pursue voluntary certifications from organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association to highlight their skills and experience. Some roofing manufacturers require specialized product training and certification to install their roofing systems as well.

Overall, certifications help roofers work safely, legally, and give them a competitive edge. OSHA training and state licensing should be top priorities for new and experienced roofers alike. Voluntary certifications can further boost one's professional credentials.