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Roofer: Easy Reading Job Profiles - alis
Roofers repair old roofs. They work on new roofs.
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Meet a roofer
Rick is a roofer. He works for a roofing company. He works on the roofs of houses and businesses.
Here are things that Rick does:
- He works on flat roofs. He prepares the roofs. For example, he puts on a layer of insulation. Then he puts on hot tar (bitumen) or other materials. This keeps water out of the building.
- He works on sloped roofs, too. He prepares the roof. He puts down a membrane. Then he nails shingles in rows. Shingles may be made of different things. For example, tile, wood or asphalt. Asphalt is made of tar and sand.
- He puts on flashing. These metal strips go around chimneys or pipes. He also covers up nail heads. This helps keep water out of the building.
- He sometimes repairs roofs.
- He sometimes calculates (figures out) costs. For example, how much will the shingles and other materials cost? How long will the job take?
- Sometimes he puts on new types of roofing systems. For example, solar roofs and green roofs. Solar roofs use the sun to heat the house. Green roofs are made of plants.
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Strength Required Lift over 20 kg
What is a roofer’s work like?
Rick works outdoors. Rick’s work is seasonal. He works many hours when the weather is good. Some days are very hot. Rick never works alone. He always works with other roofers.
Rick has to be careful. He doesn’t want to fall off a ladder or a roof. He doesn’t want to burn himself with hot tar. Sometimes Rick works on high buildings. He wears a safety harness. A safety harness will hold him if he falls. Rick has to carry ladders and lift shingles. These things can weigh up to 25 kilograms (about 55 pounds).
Do you want to be a roofer?
- You need to be healthy and strong.
- You need to be able to work for many hours.
- You must like physical work. You have to bend, climb and kneel a lot.
- You must like to work with your hands.
- You must be able to work in high places.
- You must like to work outdoors in hot or cold weather.
- You must have good balance. You have to move and walk on roofs. You must not fall.
- You need to work well with the other workers.
What education do roofers need?
Some roofers learn on the job. They don’t need a high school diploma. Other roofers have a certificate in roofing.
Some roofers do an apprenticeship. They learn on the job and take courses at a post-secondary school. Most employers hire apprentices with a high school diploma. After 4 years, they can become a journeyperson roofer.
What can roofers do in the future?
Roofers can work for small or large roofing companies. Roofers can work on big projects. For example, a large building or a group of houses. Some roofers work from union halls.
Some roofers with experience start their own business. Others get jobs teaching other roofers, selling roofing materials, supervising others or inspecting roofs.
There is usually a lot of work for roofers. Most buildings need new roof systems after 15 to 30 years.
How much does a roofer make?
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
Other jobs to think about
You can ask your career advisor or tutor about other jobs that are like roofer.
Do you want more information?
Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.
You will see some red words on this page. Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.
Updated Oct 16, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the date shown.
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