What is the work like?
As a roofer, your work could range from re-slating the roof on a house, to restoring the lead sheets on an old building. You would choose a roofing method best suited to the job, for example:
- slating and tiling – using traditional or synthetic slates, or concrete tiles to cover a sloped roof
- built-up felt roofing – fitting felt sheets or spreading a waterproof bitumen layer on a flat roof
- leadwork – covering a roof using lead (or copper) rolls, often seen on churches
- thatching – a specialist skill using natural materials to provide roof coverings (see the job profile for Thatcher).
On a typical roof slating job you would:
- strip off the existing roof, or repair broken slates and tiles
- check that the roof timbers are sound
- resize, cut and re-hole slates or tiles
- fit insulating materials between the joists
- lay felt across the roof trusses and nail rows (courses) of wooden battens to them
- attach slates to the battens, working from the bottom course (eaves) to the top (ridge)
- put lead flashing around the chimney as you move up the roof
- ‘top off’ the roof with ridge tiles
- seal joints with mortar or synthetic cement to make it watertight (pointing).
You would usually work on jobs with other craftspeople, such as joiners and plumbers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could start out in in this job as an entry-level roofing labourer. This will give you the on-site experience employers often ask for. Once you are working, your employer may be willing to give you further training in roofing.
You could become a roofer through an Apprenticeship with a building or roofing company. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To get on to an apprenticeship, you may need some GCSEs (A-C) in subjects such as maths, English and design and technology. Equivalent qualifications like the BTEC Introductory Certificate or Diploma in Construction may also be accepted.
Alternatively, you could take a college course, such as the Intermediate and Advanced Construction Award (Roof Slating and Tiling), which would teach you some of the skills needed. However, employers may still ask for some site experience. Check with local colleges for course entry requirements.
See the ConstructionSkills website for more information on construction careers and qualifications. The Know Your Place campaign aims to promote the construction trades as a career choice for women.
What further training and development can I do?
You could work towards one of several NVQs, approved by Construction Skills and City & Guilds, including:
- Roofing Occupations levels 2 and 3 (options in tiling, slating, metallic roofing and thatching)
- Mastic Asphalt levels 2 and 3
- Roof Sheeting and Cladding levels 2 and 3
- Applied Waterproof Membranes Level 2.
You could apply for membership of the Institute of Roofing (IOR) at a grade that matches your exact area of work and level of experience. The IOR membership scheme offers a programme of continuing professional development (CPD), which could improve your career prospects. To find out more, visit the IOR website.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS)
Many building contractors now insist that you have a CSCS card to work on their sites. The card is proof of your skills and competence. To get your card you must:
- pass a health and safety assessment
- have an NVQ or equivalent qualification.
If you are working without qualifications, you may be able to use On-Site Assessment and Training (OSAT) or Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA) to get your NVQ and card. Contact CSCS or SkillsDirect for further details.
Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme
The Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme aims to address skills shortages within the traditional crafts and built heritage sector by offering bursaries and organising work-based training placements for eligible applicants.
To find out more about the scheme, eligibility and what placements are available, visit the Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme website.
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- A roofing labourer can earn around £13,000 to £15,000 a year.
- Roofers with qualifications can earn between £16,000 and £21,000.
- Experienced roofers can earn up to £27,000 a year.
Overtime and shift allowances will increase wages, while self-employed roofers set their own rates.
Figures are intended as guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your typical working week would be around 40 hours, but may be longer during the summer months. Overtime may be available.
You would work at heights, using ladders and scaffolding and safety equipment like a hard hat and knee-pads. The job is physically demanding and dirty, and you would be exposed to all weather conditions.
You would travel from site to site and, depending on the contract, overnight stays away from home might be necessary.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- practical skills for using tools
- the ability to understand building plans
- good maths skills to work out areas, quantities and prices
- a good head for heights
- the ability to work as part of a team
- an awareness of health and safety
- a good level of fitness.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work with roofing companies, building contractors, roofing materials suppliers, local authorities and other public organisations.
With experience, you could become a site manager, technical salesperson or roofing technician, dealing with project planning and costing jobs. You could also set up your own roofing business.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
bConstructive (directory of building companies)
Construction Jobs Network
Jobcentre Plus
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