Roofer

Also known as:

Felt Roofer
Tiler, Roof

Introduction

Roofers cover roofs with materials such as tiles, slates or roofing felt. The work involves measuring roof areas and calculating the materials needed. Roofers use a variety of tools to carry out their work.

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Work Activities

Roofers cover new and existing roofs with waterproof coverings such as slates, roofing felt or sheet materials.

Roofers may work in one of a number of areas including roof slating and tiling, roof sheeting and cladding, mastic asphalting, built-up felt roofing, single ply and liquid applied systems.

When working on new buildings, roofers first measure the roof area and calculate the amount of materials they need. On timber roofs, they lay protective felt over the framework of the roof and fix wooden battens into position. Finally, they fix the tiles or slates, working from the lowest part of the roof to the top.

If restoring or repairing an old roof, roofers must first remove the old materials, such as tiles or slates, using special tools. They check the state of the timbers, replace them if they need to and remove the felt, nails and battens ready to begin the new work.

If the replacement tiles or slates are not the same size as the old ones, they need to measure and calculate how many tiles or slates they need. Sometimes they use old slates and trim the edges level. In some cases, slates or tiles need to be trimmed or cut by hand to make a perfect fit.

When using sheet roofing, roofers fix sheets of plastic, steel aluminium or fibre cement. At least two people are needed for this job. There is normally one person on the ground to help hoist the sheets up.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need to be physically fit as the work involves a lot of bending, kneeling and lifting. The dusty work may affect you if you have allergies or breathing problems.

You will be working outdoors in all kinds of weather.

You need a head for heights as roofers often work several storeys above the ground.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Roofers earn in the range of £260 - £340 a week, rising to £400 - £430. Top earners can make around £500 a week. Hourly rates are in the range of £8.00 - £15 an hour.

Roofers work a 39-hour week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

You may work for roofing contractors and with building and construction companies throughout the UK.

A lot of construction jobs may come to Glasgow with the preparations for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained, for example as a building operative or woodworker, are useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available.

• 58% of roofers are self-employed.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.