3 answers
Dre
Student
Arizona City, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
6443 views
What can i do to become a roofer?
My name is Dre and i want to learn and pursue roofing. What should i know about roofing. Like how i could become one, what kind of degrees i need, why should i not and why should i become one?
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3 answers
Sean Moriarty
Roofing Contractor
1
Answer
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hey Dre — that's awesome that you're thinking about getting into roofing. It's a trade that’s always in demand, pays well with experience, and gives you real-world skills you can take anywhere. Here's a breakdown to get you started:
✅ How to Become a Roofer:
No Degree Required:
You don't need a college degree to become a roofer. Most roofers start as laborers or apprentices and learn on the job.
Get Hired as a Helper or Laborer:
Apply at local roofing companies as a general laborer. Companies like Tectum Roofing and others are often looking for hard-working people they can train from the ground up.
Learn the Basics On the Job:
You'll learn how to tear off old roofs, install underlayment, shingles, metal, and eventually more technical systems like flat roofs or custom metalwork. The more you learn, the more valuable you become.
Consider an Apprenticeship or Trade School (Optional):
While not required, some trade schools offer roofing or construction programs. You can also look into unions or apprenticeship programs that give structured learning + paid work.
Certifications Help You Grow:
Once you’ve got some experience, certifications from manufacturers (like GAF, CertainTeed, etc.) or safety training (like OSHA 10 or 30) can make you stand out.
📚 What Should You Know About Roofing:
It’s Hard Work: You’ll be outside in the heat, cold, and on your feet all day — often on steep roofs.
Teamwork is Huge: Roofing is not a solo gig. You’ll work with a crew and need good communication and hustle.
Attention to Detail Matters: Sloppy work can lead to leaks and unhappy customers. The best roofers take pride in clean, tight installs.
Safety is Key: Roofing is one of the more dangerous trades — fall protection and good habits are critical from Day 1.
👍 Why You Should Become a Roofer:
You Learn a Real Skill Fast
You Get Paid While You Learn
No College Debt
You Can Move Up Fast — Crew Lead, Project Manager, Estimator
You Can Start Your Own Business Someday
👎 Why You Might Not Want to:
Physically Demanding — not a desk job
Weather-Dependent Work
Can Be Dangerous Without Proper Training
Early Mornings and Long Days
Final Advice:
If you’re willing to show up on time, work hard, and stay humble, roofing can take you far — even to ownership someday. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. Hit up local roofing companies, tell them you're ready to learn, and take it seriously.
Let me know if you want help finding companies near you hiring for entry-level roofing jobs — I can look them up.
✅ How to Become a Roofer:
No Degree Required:
You don't need a college degree to become a roofer. Most roofers start as laborers or apprentices and learn on the job.
Get Hired as a Helper or Laborer:
Apply at local roofing companies as a general laborer. Companies like Tectum Roofing and others are often looking for hard-working people they can train from the ground up.
Learn the Basics On the Job:
You'll learn how to tear off old roofs, install underlayment, shingles, metal, and eventually more technical systems like flat roofs or custom metalwork. The more you learn, the more valuable you become.
Consider an Apprenticeship or Trade School (Optional):
While not required, some trade schools offer roofing or construction programs. You can also look into unions or apprenticeship programs that give structured learning + paid work.
Certifications Help You Grow:
Once you’ve got some experience, certifications from manufacturers (like GAF, CertainTeed, etc.) or safety training (like OSHA 10 or 30) can make you stand out.
📚 What Should You Know About Roofing:
It’s Hard Work: You’ll be outside in the heat, cold, and on your feet all day — often on steep roofs.
Teamwork is Huge: Roofing is not a solo gig. You’ll work with a crew and need good communication and hustle.
Attention to Detail Matters: Sloppy work can lead to leaks and unhappy customers. The best roofers take pride in clean, tight installs.
Safety is Key: Roofing is one of the more dangerous trades — fall protection and good habits are critical from Day 1.
👍 Why You Should Become a Roofer:
You Learn a Real Skill Fast
You Get Paid While You Learn
No College Debt
You Can Move Up Fast — Crew Lead, Project Manager, Estimator
You Can Start Your Own Business Someday
👎 Why You Might Not Want to:
Physically Demanding — not a desk job
Weather-Dependent Work
Can Be Dangerous Without Proper Training
Early Mornings and Long Days
Final Advice:
If you’re willing to show up on time, work hard, and stay humble, roofing can take you far — even to ownership someday. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. Hit up local roofing companies, tell them you're ready to learn, and take it seriously.
Let me know if you want help finding companies near you hiring for entry-level roofing jobs — I can look them up.
John Fening
Occupational Safety, Health Manager
47
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Good Day I hope you are well. Now lets answer your question, "Becoming a Roofer". Get a good pair of steel toed tennis shoes, a long sleeve cotton shirt, a good pair of long pant with reenforced knees {ask Mom or Grandma for help} Being down in Arizona this might change to shorts and a good pair of knee pads instead. Additionally you might get a good gal jug (something that can take a beating and not a milk carton) and a good pair of safety – sun glasses.
Here I am presuming a residential home with standard asphalt roofing shingles on a standard pitch roof… A roofer starts out with inspecting the roof work area for any soft spots. Then tear-off were one should use proper roofing shovels to pry up and toss out the old shingles and tar-paper. If any roofing boards/ply wood need replacing do it now. Then layout the first-strip shingles and, starting in the roof corner at the bottom edge, work upwards laying each shingles and each row precisely.
You will be spending a majority of your time on your hands and knees. Additionally you might also be moving shingle packets, roofing paper, etc from staging to work area {reason for a good shirt}.
To learn “How to do it.” Simply show up at any ongoing roofing work with the equipment I told you about and ask them, “Can I help?”. If you are over 18 yrs old change to “Can you use a junior roofer?” and be prepared to work.
Nothing in construction needs a degree; simply a willingness to learn, never repeat the same mistake twice, and do your job a safe as you can. Remember you are working over 10 ft or more above grade and ground ain’t soft to land on. Look over the various videos and see the tools you might be needing as well.
Good luck - jOHN
Now you indicated you wanted to know more so my I recommend this web site: https://inspectapedia.com/
A few more sites to look over…
www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/21016973/how-to-install-roof-shingles
www.gaf.com/en-us/for-homeowners/how-to-plan-for-a-new-roof
www.iko.com/na/pro/building-professional-tools/roofing-101/how-to-replace-missing-shingles
https://todayshomeowner.com/roofing/guides/how-to-install-roof-shingles
Here I am presuming a residential home with standard asphalt roofing shingles on a standard pitch roof… A roofer starts out with inspecting the roof work area for any soft spots. Then tear-off were one should use proper roofing shovels to pry up and toss out the old shingles and tar-paper. If any roofing boards/ply wood need replacing do it now. Then layout the first-strip shingles and, starting in the roof corner at the bottom edge, work upwards laying each shingles and each row precisely.
You will be spending a majority of your time on your hands and knees. Additionally you might also be moving shingle packets, roofing paper, etc from staging to work area {reason for a good shirt}.
To learn “How to do it.” Simply show up at any ongoing roofing work with the equipment I told you about and ask them, “Can I help?”. If you are over 18 yrs old change to “Can you use a junior roofer?” and be prepared to work.
Nothing in construction needs a degree; simply a willingness to learn, never repeat the same mistake twice, and do your job a safe as you can. Remember you are working over 10 ft or more above grade and ground ain’t soft to land on. Look over the various videos and see the tools you might be needing as well.
Good luck - jOHN
Now you indicated you wanted to know more so my I recommend this web site: https://inspectapedia.com/
A few more sites to look over…
www.thisoldhouse.com/roofing/21016973/how-to-install-roof-shingles
www.gaf.com/en-us/for-homeowners/how-to-plan-for-a-new-roof
www.iko.com/na/pro/building-professional-tools/roofing-101/how-to-replace-missing-shingles
https://todayshomeowner.com/roofing/guides/how-to-install-roof-shingles
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Dre!
Let's chat about the journey to becoming a roofer. Roofing is a rewarding profession that encompasses the installation, repair, and upkeep of roofs on all sorts of buildings, from homes to commercial and industrial structures. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate your way into a roofing career.
Education and Training
Generally, you don't need any formal education beyond high school to kickstart your roofing career. However, having a high school diploma or GED can be useful as it lays a good foundation for further training. Most roofers gain their skills through hands-on training on the job or through apprenticeship programs provided by trade unions or contractor associations. These programs usually span three to five years and blend classroom learning with paid practical work experience.
Skills and Qualities
Roofing is a physically demanding job that requires strength, endurance, and comfort with working at heights. Roofers need to have a good sense of balance, excellent hand-eye coordination, and be okay with working outdoors in different weather conditions. Being detail-oriented and having problem-solving skills are also key to spotting roof problems and finding effective solutions.
Licensing and Certification
While not every state mandates roofers to be licensed, some do have specific licensing requirements for contractors tackling roofing projects. Plus, getting certified by organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) can showcase a roofer's dedication to professionalism and top-notch work.
Career Outlook
The demand for roofers is driven by factors like new construction projects, the need for roof replacements and repairs, and the location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that roofer employment will grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, which is quicker than the average for all jobs.
Why Become a Roofer
If you love working with your hands, being outdoors, and seeing the fruits of your labor, roofing could be a great fit for you. It also opens doors for entrepreneurship, as some roofers decide to start their own contracting businesses.
Why Not Become a Roofer
Roofing can be tough and potentially risky. Roofers face safety hazards related to working at heights and handling heavy materials. The job can also entail long hours and exposure to harsh weather conditions.
To sum up, becoming a roofer is more about acquiring practical skills through training and apprenticeships than earning formal degrees. It's a career that suits those who are physically fit, enjoy hands-on work, and are okay with outdoor labor.
Top 3 Authoritative References Used in this Answer:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Provides extensive data on job trends and outlook for various professions.
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA): Provides info on certification programs and industry standards for roofing professionals.
Trade Unions or Contractor Associations: These groups offer apprenticeship programs and valuable resources for those pursuing careers in skilled trades.
These sources were used to ensure the information about becoming a roofer is accurate and current.
Take care and God bless,
James.
Let's chat about the journey to becoming a roofer. Roofing is a rewarding profession that encompasses the installation, repair, and upkeep of roofs on all sorts of buildings, from homes to commercial and industrial structures. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate your way into a roofing career.
Education and Training
Generally, you don't need any formal education beyond high school to kickstart your roofing career. However, having a high school diploma or GED can be useful as it lays a good foundation for further training. Most roofers gain their skills through hands-on training on the job or through apprenticeship programs provided by trade unions or contractor associations. These programs usually span three to five years and blend classroom learning with paid practical work experience.
Skills and Qualities
Roofing is a physically demanding job that requires strength, endurance, and comfort with working at heights. Roofers need to have a good sense of balance, excellent hand-eye coordination, and be okay with working outdoors in different weather conditions. Being detail-oriented and having problem-solving skills are also key to spotting roof problems and finding effective solutions.
Licensing and Certification
While not every state mandates roofers to be licensed, some do have specific licensing requirements for contractors tackling roofing projects. Plus, getting certified by organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) can showcase a roofer's dedication to professionalism and top-notch work.
Career Outlook
The demand for roofers is driven by factors like new construction projects, the need for roof replacements and repairs, and the location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that roofer employment will grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, which is quicker than the average for all jobs.
Why Become a Roofer
If you love working with your hands, being outdoors, and seeing the fruits of your labor, roofing could be a great fit for you. It also opens doors for entrepreneurship, as some roofers decide to start their own contracting businesses.
Why Not Become a Roofer
Roofing can be tough and potentially risky. Roofers face safety hazards related to working at heights and handling heavy materials. The job can also entail long hours and exposure to harsh weather conditions.
To sum up, becoming a roofer is more about acquiring practical skills through training and apprenticeships than earning formal degrees. It's a career that suits those who are physically fit, enjoy hands-on work, and are okay with outdoor labor.
Top 3 Authoritative References Used in this Answer:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Provides extensive data on job trends and outlook for various professions.
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA): Provides info on certification programs and industry standards for roofing professionals.
Trade Unions or Contractor Associations: These groups offer apprenticeship programs and valuable resources for those pursuing careers in skilled trades.
These sources were used to ensure the information about becoming a roofer is accurate and current.
Take care and God bless,
James.