Industrial roofers repair and install commercial roofing systems. Often, these systems are large and require specialized materials for durability and performance.
If a problem with a roof goes untreated, it can lead to structural issues within the building. As such, it’s important to hire professional industrial roof contractors for any repairs or replacements.
Industrial roofers install, repair or replace the roofs of buildings and other structures. Their duties include assessing the condition of a roof and providing property owners with cost estimates for repairs or replacements. They also inspect and maintain the structural integrity of roofing systems to ensure that they are safe and waterproof.
They typically work with a crew, and as they gain experience in their field, they can advance to become a construction foreman. These are typically management positions that offer competitive benefits like paid time off, holidays and a 401(k). Some workers who prefer to work independently may start their own roofing businesses.
Typically, an industrial roofer is responsible for the installation of new commercial roofs and the repair or replacement of existing ones. They also provide services for skylights and other rooftop features. These types of projects typically involve more complex roofing systems and larger crews than smaller residential jobs.
Roofers must be able to operate hand tools, such as shingle cutters and roofing hatchets, and stand on ladders or scaffolding for long periods of time. In addition to these skills, they need the physical stamina to work in harsh weather conditions.
Depending on the type of business, an industrial roofer may need to travel between job sites or oversee more than one project at a time. Having the ability to multitask and stay on task is crucial. The role of a roofer also requires excellent leadership skills, as they must direct their crew members and ensure that the work is completed on time.
Supervisors can play a critical role in the employee discipline process, as well. If they notice that an employee is struggling with a specific task, the supervisor can take steps to help them improve and escalate issues to the human resources department if necessary.
Supervisors can also perform administrative tasks, such as reviewing payroll and ensuring that workers have the proper safety gear. They can also make sure that the job site is cleaned each day and look for stray nails or debris that need to be removed from the site. They also can help set up the schedule for employees, including determining when they are able to work overtime and when they will have days off.
Education and Training Requirements
Roofers install, repair, and replace roofs of buildings. They use different types of roofing materials, including shingles, metal, and bitumen. They also need to know how to maintain and inspect their work. This career requires a high school diploma or equivalent and extensive hands-on training in the field. You should also seek out relevant certifications to demonstrate your competence and commitment to quality work.
Most roofers learn the skills they need on the job or through an apprenticeship program that lasts about three years. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, covering topics like safety practices, how to use tools and equipment, and arithmetic. Beginners start as helpers, performing basic tasks like carrying equipment and erecting scaffolding, then advance to more complex projects and roofing techniques.
A high level of physical strength and stamina is needed to work as a roofer, since it involves lifting heavy materials and working in awkward positions for hours at a time. You should also have excellent manual dexterity and a healthy tolerance for heights. Since roofing can be dangerous, you should receive comprehensive safety training, including how to identify and avoid hazards. Falling from heights is the most common cause of roofing injuries, but you may also be exposed to electrical dangers or burns from tar.
Obtaining and maintaining relevant certifications is a great way to show your commitment to the profession and improve your chances of finding employment. Some of the most important certifications for roofers include the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training, EPA Lead-Safe Certification, and GAF Master Elite Certification. Continuing education and credential maintenance are important for keeping up with new technology, tools, and practices in the industry.
Become an industrial roofer and enjoy a highly-rewarding career that pays well and provides a high degree of professional satisfaction. The demand for this trade is expected to continue growing, making it an excellent choice for those who love skilled work and are interested in helping to keep homes, businesses, and hospitals safe and warm. Learn more about how to become a roofer by signing up for a SkillHero account and using our Path to Pro training program to find opportunities and resources in your desired industry.
Work Environment
Roofers work outside in various weather conditions and must adhere to strict safety protocols when working on a roof. They also must work with a crew of roofers to complete projects on time and within budget.
Industrial roofers often work on the new roofing systems of large warehouses, retail centers, and other commercial buildings. They can also replace or repair existing commercial roofs and skylights. This type of roofing contractor is required to know how to install flat or low-slope roofs, which require different techniques than residential roofs.
Aside from roof installation and repair, industrial roofers may also install solar panels or other green energy technologies on rooftops. In addition, they must be able to handle different types of roofing materials, including shingles, metal, or bitumen. They must be able to identify and address problems with roofing systems, such as leaks or damaged areas, before they get worse.
Roofers are typically employed by roofing companies, but they can also be self-employed contractors. Some roofers are also part of construction teams that collaborate with other building professionals, such as carpenters or electricians. Roofers who are part of a construction team must coordinate with the schedule of the project and adapt to any additional requirements set forth by the project supervisor.
Generally, roofers are required to wear protective gear, including hard hats and safety glasses. In some cases, they may be required to use climbing equipment or scaffolding to access difficult-to-reach areas of the roof. They may be exposed to a variety of hazards, including falling from the roof or being burned by hot roofing material.
As they gain experience, industrial roofers can move into leadership roles. Ambitious roofers can become crew foreman, overseeing the training and direction of the roofing team and executing the daily plan for the roofing project. They can also become superintendents, managing multiple roofing projects and ensuring that they are completed on time and per manufacturer specifications.
If you have a strong desire to work with your hands and are comfortable in a team environment, then a career as an industrial roofer might be the right fit for you. With good pay and room to advance, this is an ideal position for a hardworking person looking to make a lasting impact in the community and build a successful career.
Job Outlook
As long as buildings continue to be built and roofs need to be replaced or repaired, the job outlook for industrial roofers remains positive. This is because roofing contractors are often required to work alongside other construction trades, such as electricians and plumbers. This allows these individuals to gain experience and learn new skills in other areas before they move into roofing.
According to the Freedonia Group, demand for roofing services is projected to rise slightly through 2025. This is because many homeowners are remodeling and renovating their current homes, which includes replacing the roofs. In addition, there is a growing interest in green building and sustainable energy, which may lead to an increase in the need for roofers who can install green roofing materials, such as solar photovoltaic panels.
Despite the steady growth in the industry, there is still a shortage of workers to meet the needs of roofing contractors. This can lead to problems, such as having to turn away business or understaffing projects. In order to avoid these issues, some companies are hiring foremen who can help to attract and retain skilled employees. In addition, these experienced professionals can mentor and train new hires.
In general, the job outlook for roofers is good, especially for those who have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, it is important for those considering a career in roofing to be in excellent physical shape and have superb hand-eye coordination and balance. They should also have training that focuses on safety, as they are working at great heights.
Many people who have a job in the roofing industry find it rewarding because they enjoy being outdoors and working with their hands. In addition, they get a great deal of exercise and can feel accomplished after a hard day’s work.
Those who are not interested in the physical nature of the job should consider other careers in the construction industry, such as carpenters or masons. This is because these jobs require similar qualifications, and the pay is significantly higher. However, those who do choose to become roofers will find it is a worthwhile career choice that can be quite lucrative in the future.
