Some Facts About Becoming a Roofing Contractor

Roofing is a huge industry in the United States, which makes sense since any building with a roof will need to be replaced or repaired at some point. Here’s what you need to know about taking roofing jobs in Springfield, MA and what being a roofing contractor entails.

How to become a roofer

Some roofers learn skills and techniques on the job, but most acquire special training through apprenticeships before they are cleared to work on residential, commercial and industrial buildings’ rooftops. There are no specific education requirements for roofers, although classroom instruction is available—it’s the special training that gives them the bulk of their knowledge.

Roofer training typically takes place during on-the-job training programs. Here, experienced roofers teach new roofers terminology and how to use roofing equipment, materials and machines, as well as how to carry these roofing supplies safely up to roofs. Other important skills roofers in training learn include how to erect scaffolds and hoists. After a couple months, trainees will learn to measure, cut and fit roofing materials, followed by learning how to lay asphalt shingles and other roofing materials.

Characteristics of quality roofers

The roof on your commercial building is the first line of defense against the elements and fire. To ensure safety, all roofers need to possess the following qualities:

• Physical strength: Being a roofer means having to lift and carry heavy roofing materials up and down ladders on a regular basis. This can be ongoing for hours each workday.
• Endurance: Roofers are called out to job sites year-round, so not only must roofers have the physical stamina to perform strenuous tasks all day, but they have to have the endurance to do it while on their feet for long periods of time, bending and maneuvering for hours in all sorts of weather and temperatures.
• Balance: Roofs vary in size and shape. Some pose bigger fall hazards than others, which is why roofers should have excellent balance. Additionally, roofers cannot have a fear of heights.
• Precision: To prevent damage to the roof and building, roofers need to be precise when installing roofing materials and operating tools.

Responsibilities of roofers

The job of a roofer is not merely to install the roofs of buildings. They are also trained to repair and replace roofing using a variety of materials. But what is it that roofers typically do?

All trained roofers can inspect roofs, looking for problems to determine the best way to repair them. They will measure your roof to figure out how much material will be needed to complete a new job, or to replace damaged or rotting wood components. And they do a lot of installing, including metal and other roofing materials, ventilation systems and insulation. To weatherproof a roof, roofers will choose the right materials and cut them to fit around vents and walls and align materials with the edges of the roof.

Want to be sure you’re hiring a team of roofers with lots of experience in commercial or industrial roofing jobs in Springfield, MA? Call R & H Roofing, LLP today to learn what our experts can do for you!

Categorised in: Roofing Contractors

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