If you know someone who is good at tools and not even afraid of heights, then they have higher chances of becoming a residential roofer. These professionals find work on houses and buildings to maintain, repair and build roofing systems. They are also experts at using different kinds of tools and materials to carry out the job properly. If you’re looking forward to work with a residential roofer in the near future, here’s what you need to know about them from the get-go.
Common Jobs Performed By Roofers
Residential roofers are expected to work on installations, roof repair projects, and renovations. As required for their job, they need to climb up and down onto the rooftops to perform their work. When it comes to existing roofs, these roofers know how to replace old materials with the new ones. There’s no doubt if they usually deal with a variety of roofing materials such as metal, rubber, asbestos, tile, and polymer. All these materials are applied in residential sectors.
Below are the common jobs executed by residential roofers:
- Tile Removal – It’s one of the basic jobs performed by a roofing professional. The process is a lot easier for them so long as they know a couple of tricks. With the appropriate tool and equipment in place, working with roof tiles isn’t a problem for them.
- Shingle Installation – If there’s one thing a roofer is confident at doing, that is to install new shingles for residential houses. They just have to follow the step-by-step procedures to get the job done right.
- Tar application – If you request for a hot tar roofing, calling a residential roofer to handle the work can be the best option. This process is mostly handled by experts to make sure that the roof is sealed with a protective membrane. Tar application is, in fact, popular with residential houses having low and flat roofs because its smooth surface enables water to flow easily.
- Job estimating – Of all tasks, it’s one of the essential. The roofer needs to meet with clients and furnish an estimate about the anticipated expenses required for the installation of a new roof. That being said, the roofer should possess the ability to make an accurate and practical estimate beneficial for both parties. If the quote is too high, there’s a tendency that the roofing company may lose the contract. But if the estimate is too low, the company may not be able to earn a profit. That’s why job estimating is one of the crucial jobs given to a roofing specialist.
A Roofer’s Educational Requirements
There are no particular educational requirements before someone becomes a residential roofer. However, you should remember that a roofing job is never easy. Thus, a variety of training and apprenticeships are available to prepare anyone who wants to be part of the roofing industry. Some organizations, unions, and contractors provide training to those who are at least 18 years old, physically able, and more importantly, have a high school diploma.
- Moreover, apprentices are given the opportunity to learn how to waterproof and dampproof walls, while trainees are taught with some roofing fundamentals like measuring, cutting, fitting materials, and laying asphalt or fiberglass shingles.
- The training also requires them to learn to carry equipment and materials and to erect hoists and scaffolds.
- On the other hand, getting an experience on how to work on all types of roofing may take a few years because of the infrequent use of these roofing materials.
A Roofer’s Required Job Skills
Being a residential roofer isn’t easy. As a matter of fact, their safety is at stake every time they climb up and down the rooftop. If someone you know likes the idea of becoming a roofing expert someday, below are the job skills and requirements they should have in the first place:
- No fear of heights – Since roofs are very high, any work done on top can be very dangerous. Thus, a roofer should remain steady and brave while they’re working in high places.
- Strength – Whatever roofing job it is, they should have the strength to carry heavy materials like up ladders and bundles of shingles.
- Balance – Working on roofs requires balance. To ensure a roofer’s safety, they should know how to handle very steep pitches without putting oneself to danger.
- Stamina – A roofing job is an outdoor activity. With intense heat or cold, they should have a good stamina to enable them to spend a long day on their feet outside.
- Experience – Anyone repairing or installing a new roof should have valuable years of experience to perform the job. For workers who install metal roofing, experience in metal working is a plus.
Nature of Work Environment
Any kind of roofing work can be very strenuous. A residential roofer needs to lift heavy materials, climb, bend, and even kneel. Not only that but most of their jobs are outdoors especially when they’re making repairs.
- But when it rains or it’s in a cold weather, they rarely work to protect themselves from the danger brought about by working in the ice.
- During the summer season, residential roofers can work overtime to accomplish projects quickly.
- On the other hand, they don’t work during winter months in northern States. By the nature of their job, they are at risk for slips or falls from the scaffolds or ladders.
- That’s why safety precautions are in place to ensure their utmost protection against work-related injuries and heat-related illnesses.
Things To Consider When Hiring A Roofer
Looking for the right residential roofer can be tough. You shouldn’t only find a roofing company that’s cheap but you also want them to meet your needs. After all, you’ll get a long-lasting roof for your home if the roofer you hire does the job correctly. Let’s take a closer look at some essential factors to think about when hiring a contractor:
- Experience – It’s one of the vital factors that can affect your hiring decision. Any homeowner like you wants to work with a roofer who has a huge amount of experience to speak about. A contractor who has been in the industry for many years has definitely worked on several roofs.
- License and insurance – With licensed roofers, you can rest knowing that they’ll perform the job properly. What’s good with having a license is that they have gone through multiple tests and training and they know the industry very well. On the other word, be sure you hire a company who carries insurance at the same time. The insurance coverage doesn’t only protect their employees but also you as a homeowner. This means that the company will cover the medical expenses if the crew becomes injured.
- Physical address – Deal with a roofing company that has a local physical office. Ask for their address, visit their place and check whether they have staff members who’ll do the job. Remember, it’s important that you’ll be able to reach your roofing contractor in case you need help or an emergency arises.
- Estimates – Don’t hire a roofer based on the estimates they provide. Instead, take the time to gather at least three bids from several companies. If you’re looking to get the best value for your money, understand the price they’re offering along with other factors such as professionalism, communication, and many more.
- Warranty – Don’t hesitate to ask the roofer if they offer a warranty or not. In the roofing industry, a homeowner can take advantage of both the manufacturer warranty and the workmanship warranty. The former’s coverage is against any defects on the roofing material, while the former is intended against any installation mistakes. In the end, you should keep in mind that professional contractors should warrant their work. They have to pay for the error that you had nothing to do with in the first place.
- References – You’ll know how good a roofer is if you ask for references. In many times, these professionals prepare their portfolios on their websites, so you can check this yourself. If they don’t have a site, request for a list of references you can call. Talk to these clients by asking some questions. Know if they have been satisfied with the roofer’s work performance.
- Client reviews – Apart from the references, it’s helpful if you do a background check on your prospective roofing contractor. By looking at the client reviews online, you can tell whether they are worthy of your time, trust, and money. Don’t just pay attention to the positive reviews but you should also focus on the negative complaints and how they handle them.
Conclusion
Nowadays, roofing jobs start to grow as fast as other jobs in the United States particularly in Salt Lake City. Having said it, there’s no doubt if many people have thought of becoming residential roofer Salt Lake in no time. With the strict requirements and guidelines needed to perform a job, you can assure that everything about your roof will be handled correctly. So, you better start searching for the best roofer like Patriot Roofing & Construction in Salt Lake City by using all the information mentioned in this article.