Roofer

Roofers cover houses and other structures with roof tiles, slates, shingles or steel sheeting to form waterproof surfaces.

Roofers may perform the following tasks:

• look at drawings, specifications and worksites to determine materials required
• assess risks
• erect ladders and tile elevators
• erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
• place roofing underlays over eaves and secure by nailing or stapling to roofs
• correctly space and nail wooden strips (called battens) across the roof rafters on which the tiles or other roofing material will be placed
• lay aluminium, steel or clay tiles, stone slates, wooden shingles or steel sheeting
• install metal gutters, downpipes and other rainwater products
• overlap successive layers of tiles and measure and cut roofing material to fit around vents, chimney edges and the hips and valleys of the roof
• fix roof flashings (weatherproof covering)
• fix the ridge caps and gable ends with cement mortar or tech screws
• handle waterproofing materials, tools and equipment
• apply protective paint coating systems
• clear the roof of debris when the job is finished.

Specialisations:

Roofers may specialise in tiling or installing new roofs, repairing existing roofs or removing old roofs and replacing them.

Roofers' work involves a lot of bending, climbing and lifting. They work outdoors, at heights, in all weather conditions.

Personal Requirements:

• enjoy practical and manual work
• good sense of balance
• good hand-eye coordination
• willing to work at heights and outdoors.

Related Jobs:

• Bricklayer
• Building Contractor
• Floor Finisher and Coverer

Education and Training, Employment Opportunities and Additional Information

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