Roofer

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

Also known as:

• Felt roofer

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.

Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a roofer, you need to:

• Have good practical skills.
• Be physically fit, as the work involves a lot of bending, kneeling and lifting.
• Have a head for heights, as roofers often work several storeys above the ground from scaffolding or ladders.
• Be able to read plans, diagrams and instructions.
• Have good number skills.
• Be aware of the health and safety issues related to the job.

As you may have to travel around locally, a driving licence would be useful for this type of work.

This job might not be suitable for people who have skin conditions, such as eczema, or breathing complaints, such as asthma.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Roofers start on about £17,000, rising to around £35,000.

Roofers work a 42-44 hours per week. Overtime, including Saturday working, may be available.

Employers are roofing contractors and building and construction companies. Opportunities for roofers occur with roofing contractors in towns and cities throughout the UK.

What’s happening in this work area?

Construction is an industry dominated by small firms. Employment levels are projected to grow steadily, as there is an urgent need for more housing over the coming decades. The construction industry is one of the most male-dominated industries. Women account for only one in 10 of all jobs. The industry is actively trying to change this. Full-time working remains the main method of working.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training

A level 2 (intermediate) roofer apprenticeship is a great way into this job. Apprenticeships will usually involve work- and college-based training. You will also receive training in subjects like health and safety.

There are also various relevant qualifications available from organisations like City & Guilds and Edexcel. These courses may be in a more general subject area, such as construction.

Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS): For most building companies, you’ll need a CSCS card to work on site. These cards show that you are qualified to do the work you’ve been employed for. Go to the CSCS website for more details.

In the construction industry, it is possible to work up from craft-level positions to managerial roles, such as construction site manager.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in maths and English, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

To enter a City & Guilds or Edexcel level 2 course in construction, you’ll usually need at least four GCSEs at grade 4 or below. However, individual centres may have different entry requirements. You may be able to get on to one of the courses without any qualifications.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: 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.

Related skills, for example, in building or woodworking, are useful.

Related careers

• Bricklayer
• Cavity wall insulation technician
• Ceiling fixer
• Construction labourer
• Floor layer
• Scaffolder
• Steeplejack
• Wall and floor tiler
• Window cleaner