Roofers

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-2181
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
• Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
• Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
• Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
• Cement or nail flashing strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.
• Install partially overlapping layers of material over roof insulation surfaces, using chalk lines, gauges on shingling hatchets, or lines on shingles.
• Cut felt, shingles, or strips of flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.
• Apply plastic coatings, membranes, fiberglass, or felt over sloped roofs before applying shingles.
• Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems, using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric, or other asphaltic compositions.
• Attach roofing paper to roofs in overlapping strips to form bases for other materials.
• Cover roofs or exterior walls of structures with slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, gravel, gypsum, or related materials, using brushes, knives, punches, hammers, or other tools.
• Waterproof or damp-proof walls, floors, roofs, foundations, or basements by painting or spraying surfaces with waterproof coatings or by attaching waterproofing membranes to surfaces.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, ASR Software LWC-Plus, ASR Software Taper-Plus, ASR Software TopView LE, ASR Software TopView ME, Adjustable roof brackets, Air compressors, Angle knives, AppliCad Roof Wizard

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Helpers--Roofers
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
• Insulation Workers, Mechanical
• Carpenters
• Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Roofers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.