Roofer
The Work
Roofers construct and repair roofs on all kinds of buildings. The jobs can range from stripping and re-slating a roof on a domestic household, working on a renovation project on an historic building, to working as part of a team on a new commercial development such as a shopping centre.
There are various techniques used in roofing and roofers will often specialise in one or more areas. These include:
Main aspects to a job include stripping off (where appropriate) the existing roof; checking the underlying structure is sound e.g., roof timbers; calculating surface areas to be covered and quantities of materials required; in the case of slating - re-sizing, cutting and re-holing of slates; with felt roofing - working with hazardous materials such as molten bitumen; re-covering the roof area and finishing off with mortar or synthetic sealant to ensure roof is watertight.
Roofers use a range of hand and power tools depending on the job.
Although a lot of materials such as slates can be reused, some ordering and taking delivery of new materials will often be required.
Depending on the job roofers may work in conjunction with other construction tradespeople, for example joiners and plumbers.
Hours and Conditions
The usual working week is 39 hours, but this varies when deadlines must be met.
Roofers work mainly outdoors and at heights, using ladders and scaffolding. The work is physically demanding and roofers may have to work in cold, dirty or windy conditions. Similarly, during summer, roofs can get very hot as heat is reflected from the surface. Protective clothing such as hard hats and knee pads are usually required.
Roofers travel from site to site to complete jobs and although not essential, a driving licence would be useful. Depending on the contract, they may have to work away from home for periods of time.
Skills and Interests
To be a roofer you should:
Training
Training is normally provided on the job with day or block release at local colleges or training providers.
There is a range of NVQ / SVQs available, validated by CITB - Construction Skills and City & Guilds:
A three-year Construction Apprenticeship Scheme (CAS) is available. You are registered by an employer and earn a wage at the same time as following a structured training programme. Contact the CITB for details.
CITB - Construction Skills also provides training at four of its own centres in Bircham Newton, Norfolk, Erith, Kent, Birmingham and Glasgow. Contact the CITB for details.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24. For details see:
MAPPs
(England)
Skillseekers
(Scotland)
National
Traineeships MAPPs (Wales) and
MAPPs
(Northern Ireland)
Opportunities
Roofers work for specialist roofing firms, building contractors, roofing materials suppliers, local authorities and other public organisations. Many are self-employed and work as sub-contractors with materials supplied by the building contractor. There may be opportunities to work abroad on contracts.
It may be possible to progress to technician level and then into construction management.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
The Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC) agrees minimum wage rates annually.
Trainees can earn up to £13,000 a year.
With qualifications, roofers can earn between £14,500 and £18,000+ a year.
Experienced roofers may earn up to £25,000+ a year.
Overtime and shift allowances will supplement income, while self-employed roofers negotiate their own rates.
Further Information
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CITB - Construction Skills
Tel: 01485 577577
www.citb.org.uk
