Roofer

Roofer

A roofer is a skilled tradesperson who constructs, repairs, and maintains building roofs using materials ranging from traditional shingles to modern solar tiles. These professionals combine technical expertise with physical stamina to ensure structures remain weatherproof and structurally sound.

Professional Requirements

The role demands specific competencies including comfort with heights, steady hands, physical strength, and the ability to interpret construction plans. Most roofers enter the field through apprenticeships, learning alongside experienced professionals while mastering essential skills.

Materials and Methods

Modern roofers work with diverse materials including:

• Asphalt shingles (most common in the US)
• Metal panels and shingles
• Clay and concrete tiles
• Single-ply membranes (EPDM, PVC, TPO)
• Green technology solutions

Industry Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 129,300 active roofers as of May 2022, with 93% working as contractors for Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior projects. Job growth projections show a modest 2% increase from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 12,200 annual openings primarily replacing retiring workers.

Safety Considerations

Roofing ranks among construction’s most hazardous occupations. In 2021, the fatal injury rate reached 59.0 per 100,000 full-time roofers, significantly higher than the national average of 3.6 per 100,000 workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandates specific safety measures including:

Fall Protection Systems

• Personal fall arrest systems
• Guardrail installations
• Safety nets
• Warning line systems

Regional Variations

In Australia, professionals split into two categories: roof carpenters (framework specialists) and roofers (cladding installers). The industry counts approximately 15,000 professionals, with New South Wales leading at 29% market share (4,425 companies).

Emerging Trends

Sustainable Solutions

Roofers increasingly install environmentally conscious options:

• Solar tiles offering 40-70% electric bill savings
• Living roof systems
• Rainwater harvesting setups
• Energy-efficient materials

Metal Roofing Surge

Customer demand for metal roofing installations has grown significantly, with contractors reporting weekly inquiries replacing previous monthly patterns.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roofer