HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A typical pathway is to finish secondary school and look for entry-level roofing work with a roofing contractor. Many people start as labourers or helpers to learn safe work habits, tool use, material handling, and basic roof installation and repair on the job. Some employers may prefer previous construction experience, and requirements can vary by province and company. As skills grow, a worker may take on more tasks with shingles, metal, membranes, flashings, coatings, and scaffolding. Strong physical stamina, time management, and customer service help in this hands-on trade.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Install, repair or replace built-up roofing systems using materials such as asphalt saturated felts and hot asphalt and gravel
- Install, repair or replace single-ply roofing system using waterproof sheet materials such as modified plastics, elastomeric or other asphaltic compositions
- Install, repair or replace shingles, shakes and other roofing tiles on sloped roofs of buildings
- Install sheet metal flashings
- Apply waterproof coatings to concrete or other masonry surfaces below or above ground level
- Install and repair metal roofs using hand and power tools
- Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs
- May estimate materials required and quote costs.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Customer ServiceScheduling/Working to SchedulePhysical Work