Becoming a roofer can be challenging. You\u2019ll have to deal with heights, work in crazy weather conditions, and move heavy materials, but hey, it\u2019s also a rewarding career path.<\/p>\n
The pay doesn\u2019t stink (more on that below), it provides the opportunity to work outdoors, and it\u2019s incredibly fulfilling if you love solving hands-on complex problems.<\/p>\n
As a seasoned roofing contractor, I know that this profession requires a combination of technical skills, physical stamina, and business acumen. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in roofing, then this article is for you.<\/p>\n
Here, I will walk you through the skills and qualifications needed to become a roofing contractor. Let’s get started!<\/p>\n
To become a roofing contractor, you\u2019ll at least need to have some basic educational qualifications. This includes having a high school diploma or GED. This is because many employers value roofers who can read, draw, and handle basic mathematics.<\/p>\n
High school courses that can give you an edge for a career in roofing include basic math and mechanical drawing.<\/p>\n
You can learn the skills needed to be a roofer either through on-the-job training or by completing an apprenticeship. While most roofers learn on the job, supervised by more experienced roofers, apprenticeships provide more thorough and comprehensive training.<\/p>\n
Generally, I\u2019ll recommend aspiring roofers take an apprenticeship program, as those require less time to complete, usually three years. Learning on the job might require four years or more to be fairly confident as a roofing contractor.<\/p>\n
Attending a technical school is by no means necessary to be a roofer, but it can give you an advantage over other job seekers. There are several courses you can take at technical schools to improve your skills as a roofer. These include blueprint drawing, construction management, and mechanical drawing.<\/p>\n
While there are usually no specific licenses or certifications required to become a roofing contractor, licensing requirements may vary by state. Some employers might need you to be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n
Additionally, some states may require you to complete a certain number of hours of classroom or on-the-job training and pass an exam with your state\u2019s licensing board. Such licenses might not be necessary for some employers, but they\u2019ll definitely make you more employable.<\/p>\n
Roofing<\/a> can be a dangerous job, so generally, you should receive safety training that complies with the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Ideally, you should receive this training from your employer, but if it\u2019s not available, you can get it through OSHA’s Outreach Training Program.<\/p>\n In addition to practical experience, becoming a successful roofing contractor requires a set of technical and soft skills. Some of the technical skills you need to develop include:<\/p>\n Soft skills are also crucial to succeeding as a roofing contractor. These include:<\/p>\n You may need to obtain liability insurance and any necessary permits to operate legally. Liability insurance protects you and your customers in case of accidents or damages that occur during a roofing project.<\/p>\n You may also need to obtain permits from your local government before starting a roofing project. This ensures that the project complies with building codes and regulations and is safe for both the workers and the public.<\/p>\nDevelop necessary technical and soft skills<\/h3>\n
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Obtain insurance and permits<\/h3>\n
Market your roofing business<\/h3>\n