Are you looking for a career that will help make your future brighter?
If so, roofing might be a perfect choice. Roofers are in demand all over the world and there is no shortage of job opportunities. While roofing doesn’t always sound like the most glamorous job, but it is in high demand and is a career that will always have opportunities.
We are going to look at 10 things you need to know before considering roofing as your career.
You Can Get Started in Roofing With Little or No Experience
For many people, the idea of working on roofs sounds intimidating, which is why they might not be considering it as an option for their career. But you would be surprised at how easy it is to get your foot in the door and learn more about this profession.
Many employers are willing to train new hires who have never worked construction before because there are plenty of opportunities available and a big need for skilled workers.
It’s also possible to work through apprenticeships that will teach you every aspect of roofing from beginning to end and put you on track towards becoming a journeyman. If nothing else, look into starting out by volunteering with local organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
Keep in mind that experience is everything when it comes to earning potential so take advantage of any opportunity available to get your career started!
Roofing Requires You To Be in Decent Shape
This isn’t your average desk job. Roofing is physically demanding and you need to be able to lift heavy objects, pull yourself up on roofs that are sometimes 20 feet off the ground or more, and stand or squat in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.
If you aren’t already active outside of work then it might take a while before you can handle this type of career but rest assured that if you put in enough effort into training your body there’s nothing stopping from learning how to become a roofer!
Learn to Love Working Outdoors and in the Sun
Working outside means that you are going to be exposed to the elements. This doesn’t just mean hot or cold weather, it also means lots of sun!
Many roofers end up with quite the tan but if you don’t take the precautions o protect yourself and your skin on hot days you can easily end up with a bad sunburn.
If you have a problem with being out in the heat for too long then this might not be the right career choice for you because roofing will require hours spent working outdoors at various times throughout the day.
Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and wear non-dark clothing in order to attract the sun’s rays less.
You Need to Be Willing to Work Hard and Ask for Help
There’s a reason why roofers are in high demand. They work hard, put their backs into everything they do, and don’t complain about the long hours or difficult conditions that come with working on roofs.
If you want your career as a roofer to be successful then it all comes down to how willing you are to go above and beyond what is expected of you every day.
Of course, there will also be times when no matter how much effort you put in, things just won’t seem like they’re going your way but this is where asking for help from other professionals becomes important.
It only takes one mistake to cost an employer thousands of dollars so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance when you need it.
Roofing is a Career that Will Always Have Opportunities
Even in times of recession or economic instability, the roofing industry is one that continues to grow. There will always be a need for people who are willing and able to work on roofs whether it’s during a natural disaster or just part of regular maintenance.
This means that your career as a roofer is pretty safe and you can count on having job security for many years to come. Of course, this also depends on how well you perform and if you’re keeping up with the latest trends in roofing technology!
You Don’t Need an Education but It Can Help You Stand Out
Many roofers start out as apprentices or laborers and work their way up the ladder by proving that they’re hard-working, dedicated individuals.
While there are no formal education requirements to become a roofer you can expect your career prospects to be brighter if you go through some sort of training program before trying for an entry-level job.
This may take longer than just jumping straight into things but it will provide valuable skillsets that other applicants won’t have – even those who do have experience in construction.
By completing certification programs like project management or roofing inspection, you’ll stand out among others who came right off the street looking for jobs at local construction companies.
Do Research on Different Roofing Materials
As a roofer, you’ll be working with a variety of different materials and will need to be familiar with each one.
Some common roofing materials include:
- Asphalt shingles
- Composite shingles
- Wood shingles
- Metal roofing
- Clay tiles
- Slate
Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important that you do your research.
Stay Up-to-Date With Changes in Roofing Technology
Just like any other industry, roofing is constantly changing and evolving with new technologies being developed all the time.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve then it’s important that you keep up with these changes by reading industry online posts, attending training seminars, and networking with other professionals.
This will help you learn about the latest trends in roofing design and installation so that you can be more successful in your career.
Don’t Be Afraid of Heights
Probably the most obvious if you want to get into a roofing career.
Working on roofs can be dangerous, especially if you’re not comfortable with heights.
However, with the proper safety gear and training, it’s definitely something that you can get used to.
Just remember that the higher up you are, the more important it is to stay focused and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Learn About the Safety Protocols Associated with Roofing
As with any other construction job, there are a lot of potential hazards involved in roofing.
This is why it’s so important to learn about the safety protocols associated with this profession and always follow them.
Some common dangers include:
- Falling from height
- Electrocution
- Misdone harnessing
- Falling tools and material
If you’re aware of these dangers and take steps to avoid them, you’ll be much less likely to get injured on the job.
Quick FAQs
Some other common questions that involve getting into the roofing industry include:
Q: What skills does a roofer need?
A: A roofer needs to be able to work with a variety of different materials, be good at working with their hands, have knowledge about the latest trends in roofing technology, and be comfortable working at heights.
Q: What type of jobs will I be able to get with this career?
A: You can expect to find entry-level jobs with local construction companies but advancement is possible with experience and continued education.
Q: What’s the average salary for a roofer?
A: The average salary for a roofer varies depending on factors such as location, years of experience, and type of work. However, it typically falls within the range of $30,000 to $60,000 per year.
Q: How long does it take to become a roofer?
A: There are no formal education requirements to become a roofer and the process of getting started can typically take less than one year.
Q: Do I need any licenses or certifications?
A: No, there is currently not a requirement for licensing in most parts of the country as long as you’re working with local construction companies.
Q: Do I need to have a college degree?
A: No, there are no formal education requirements for most entry-level positions in this profession. Some companies may prefer that you do complete certification programs.
Roofing Very Rewarding Career and T.Simpson Roofing Can Help
There are lots of reasons why roofers choose to dedicate themselves to this career.
Not only does it provide good job security, but you’re also working outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions which means there’s no shortage of variety. Working with your hands and building structures can also be very rewarding.
With over 25 years of experience, T.Simpson has hired and trained hundreds of roofers to their full potential. Running on great customer service and excelled attention to detail are the T.Simpson difference. We are always looking for new employees who want to work hard and strive for dedication to be successful.
If you are interested in working with T.Simpson Roofing, head over to our contact form and send us a message.
