How Do Roofing Specialists Train for the Job?
There are many trades that go into the building and maintenance of a house. Bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, and kitchen fitters all have a role in making sure that houses around the United States are built to specification. Roofers are an important part of this team. Roofing specialists play a part in both building roofs of houses when they are first being built and also in maintaining them in the long term. Of course, they will be there in 20 years when the roof needs to be replaced again.
Roofers sometimes specialize in a certain type of roof and can work with a variety of materials, including slate, tile, terracotta, asphalt, and metal.
Roofing can be a great role for someone with a head for heights, wants to work outdoors, and isn’t afraid to work in various weather conditions. Roofers are often seen working hard in the baking heat and even the rain, all the while doing a job that can be fairly physically demanding.
The rewards are there for those who choose this line of work, though. Experienced roofers can pick up an excellent wage package when they are established, and there will be a need for roofing specialists wherever you want to live. Sound like something you’re interested in?
So, what does it take to become a great roofing specialist? Read on to find out.
1. Acquire a High School Diploma
A diploma or GED is always a good idea but not required to become a roofing professional.
2. Go to a Trade School
It isn’t absolutely necessary to attend a trade school to become a roofing specialist, but it may improve your chances of securing a great position within a roofing company. Looking into local community colleges for programs that fit your needs is a great place to start.
3. Get an Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships help you to gain the skills and experience you need in the career of your choice and get paid while doing so. For roofing specialists, this means working with an experienced roofer, who will not only show you the ropes but also supervise as you become an expert in new skills. Receiving on-the-job training is a great way to hone your roofing ability. It will also give you the opportunity to figure out whether roofing is for you. If you realize you really don’t like being up on a ladder with the wind blowing, then perhaps roofing isn’t for you.
4. Find a Great Company
All great roofing contractors are looking for new talent. If you show the desire, they will put you on a path for success.
What Characteristics Do Roofers Need?
The most important characteristics that you need as a roofer are an attention to detail, concern for others, self-control, dependability, and integrity.
Your job as a roofer will mean protecting the client, their property, and the people you work with. You must make sure that, after a job, you leave the property in good condition, with all the work carried out in exactly the way agreed upon with the client.
Of course, as a roofer, you must also be pretty physically fit. Lugging tiles up a building all day long is impossible if you are not in good shape. One thing is for sure: if you aren’t in good shape when you start being a roofer, then you soon will be.
Do You Have to Keep Books as a Roofer?
If you are a self-employed roofing specialist, then you must make sure that you track both your income and your expenses. This will mean that when it’s time to fill out your tax return, it will be much less stressful. Watching what you make and spend help you more easily plan ahead for slow periods.
How Much Does It Cost To Be a Roofer?
Roofing does not require you to dedicate years of college and tens of thousands of dollars before you even start work. As a roofer, you will start earning a wage from your first day on the job, without having an enormous student loan hanging over your head. Considering that in the United States in 2021 the average amount of debt someone was in after attending college was $35,000, this is certainly an advantage to think about.
How Much Do Roofers Earn?
In the United States, roofers make around $45,000 per year. This is dependent on the state where you are working. In some states, such as Oregon, roofers can make an average of $70,000 per year or even more.
Alongside a salary, you can also receive paid time off, a 401k, paid leave, and different types of insurance, such as health and disability.
Do Roofers Have Long-Term Prospects?
While many jobs have become irrelevant or even unnecessary due to technology, this is unlikely to happen to the roofing trade. This means that, if you want to train as a roofing specialist, you will be likely to have a solid profession with plenty of work for a long time to come.
At Interstate Roofing, we value all of our employees and appreciate the skills that they have learned and the great work they do to ensure your roof continues to protect you far into the future.
Hopefully, you have gained a better idea of how roofing specialists train for their jobs and know whether you want to be a roofing specialist yourself. Of course, you will only really know if it is for you if you actually start the work. So go for it!
