Roofer
What is the work like?
As a roofer, your work could range from re-slating the roof on a house, to restoring the lead sheets on a historical building. You would choose a roofing method best suited to the job, for example:
- slating and tiling – using traditional slate, concrete tiles or synthetic slates to cover a sloped roof
- built-up felt roofing – fitting felt sheets or spreading a waterproof bitumen layer on a flat roof
- leadwork – covering a roof using lead (sometimes copper) rolls, often seen on schools and churches
- thatching – a specialist skill using natural materials to provide roof coverings – for more information, see the job profile for Thatcher.
On a typical roof slating job you would:
- strip off the existing roof where required, or repair broken slates and tiles
- check that the roof timbers are sound
- resize, cut and re-hole slates or tiles
- fit insulating materials between the joists
- lay felt across the roof trusses then nail rows (courses) of wooden battens to them
- attach slates to the battens, working from the bottom course (eaves) to the top (ridge)
- put lead flashing around the chimney as you move up the roof
- ‘top off’ the roof with ridge tiles
- seal joints with mortar or synthetic cement to make it watertight (pointing).
You would usually work on jobs with other craftspeople, for example joiners and plumbers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could start out in an entry-level job as a roofing labourer. This will give you the on-site experience employers often look for. Once you are working, your employer may be willing to offer you training in roofing.
You could consider an Apprenticeship with a building or roofing firm. To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you may need some GCSEs (A-C) in subjects, such as maths, English and design and technology, or equivalent qualifications like the BTEC Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction.
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
As an alternative, you could take a college course, such as the Intermediate and Advanced Construction Award (Roof Slating and Tiling). This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job, but employers may still ask for some site experience. Check with your local colleges for more details.
See the ConstructionSkills website for more information on construction careers and qualifications. The construction trades are also being promoted as a career choice for women through the Know Your Place campaign.
What further training and development can I do?
You could work towards one of several NVQs, approved by ConstructionSkills and City & Guilds, including:
- Roofing Occupations at levels 2 and 3 (options in tiling, slating, metallic roofing and thatching)
- Mastic Asphalt levels 1 to 3
- Roof Sheeting and Cladding levels 2 and 3
- Applied Waterproof Membranes at levels 1 and 2.
You could consider applying for membership of the Institute of Roofing (IOR). You would join at a grade that matches your specific area of work and level of responsibility.
The IOR membership scheme offers a programme of continuing professional development (CPD) which could improve your career prospects. To find out more, visit the IOR website.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme
With the right skills and experience, you could apply for a training place on the The Traditional Building Skills Bursary scheme.
This scheme aims to address some of the skills shortages within the traditional crafts and built heritage sector. It offers bursaries and organises work-based training placements for eligible applicants who want to develop their skills in these areas.
To find out more about the scheme, eligibility and what placements are available, visit the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme website.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 020 7448 3858King's Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6RH
Tel: 01485 577577
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- As a roofing labourer you can earn around £13,000 to £15,000 a year.
- With qualifications, this can rise to between £16,000 and £21,000.
- Experienced roofers can earn up to £27,000 a year.
Overtime and shift allowances will increase wages, while self-employed roofers negotiate their own rates.
Figures are intended as guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your typical working week would be around 40 hours but may be longer during the summer months. Overtime may be available, especially on big commercial contracts.
You would work at heights, using ladders and scaffolding, and safety equipment like a hard hat and kneepads would be essential. This job is physically demanding and dirty, and you would be exposed to all weather conditions.
You would travel from site to site and, depending on the contract, you may have to work away from home at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- practical skills for using tools
- the ability to understand building plans
- good maths skills to work out areas, quantities and prices
- a good head for heights
- the ability to work as part of a team
- an awareness of health and safety
- a good level of fitness.
What opportunities are there?
Demand for qualified roofers is steady, and ConstructionSkills forecasts a need for around 5,000 new roofers over the next few years. Public and private construction projects are partly driving this demand.
You can find work with roofing firms, building contractors, roofing materials suppliers, local authorities and other public organisations.
With experience, you could become a site manager, technical salesperson or roofing technician, dealing with project planning and costing jobs. See the related profiles below for more options.
A popular option within construction is to become self-employed. Another small but growing field is sustainable energy technology installation, for example rooftop solar panelling.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
bConstructive (directory of building firms)
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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