Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flat Roofer

🎯 Role Definition

A Flat Roofer installs, maintains, inspects, and repairs low-slope and flat roofing systems on commercial and residential buildings. This role requires hands-on expertise with membrane systems (EPDM, TPO, PVC), modified bitumen and built-up roofing (BUR), hot-air welding and torch-applied systems, plus strong knowledge of flashing, insulation, substrate preparation, leak diagnosis and safety protocols. The Flat Roofer works alongside foremen, general contractors and building owners to deliver watertight, code-compliant roofing solutions on time and within budget.

Keywords: Flat Roofer, flat roofing, EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, built-up roof, torch-applied, roof repair, roof installation, roof inspection, commercial roofing, residential roofing, roofing safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Roofing Laborer / Roofing Apprentice (flat and pitched systems)
General Construction Laborer with roofing exposure
Carpentry Assistant or Sheet Metal Helper working on roofing components

Advancement To:

Lead Flat Roofer / Crew Lead
Roofing Foreman or Site Supervisor
Commercial Roofing Estimator or Project Manager
Roofing Specialist (waterproofing, green roofs, solar roof mounts)

Lateral Moves:

Waterproofing Technician
Sheet Metal Fabricator for roof flashings
Building Envelope Inspector / Roof Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Install, repair and replace flat roofing systems including EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing (BUR) on commercial and residential structures, following manufacturer specifications and industry best practices to ensure long-term waterproofing performance.
Accurately measure roof areas, calculate material quantities, cut and seam membrane sheets, and lay out insulation and cover boards to achieve proper roof system alignment and minimize waste.
Prepare substrates by removing old roofing materials, inspecting and repairing decks and substrates (plywood, OSB, metal decking, concrete) for rot, corrosion or structural defects, and apply primers, adhesives and underlayments as required.
Install roof insulation, tapered insulation systems and cover boards to meet R-values, slope requirements and building code requirements for drainage and energy efficiency.
Apply and seal flashings around curbs, parapets, roof drains, vents, skylights and penetrations using metal flashings, termination bars, sealants and membrane tie-ins to prevent leaks and ensure a watertight roof-to-wall transition.
Perform hot-air welding of TPO/PVC seams and heat-seal EPDM/splice repairs, operate heat guns and welders safely, and inspect all seams and welds for continuity and integrity using visual and destructive seam testing when required.
Execute torch-applied modified bitumen and asphalt work (where authorized and licensed), ensuring safe torch practices, fire watch procedures and compliance with local codes and company policies.
Conduct leak investigation and repair by identifying water entry points, performing flood tests, infrared or moisture detection scans, and installing permanent repairs that address root causes rather than temporary patches.
Read and interpret blueprints, roof drawings, specifications and shop drawings to coordinate roof system installation with site conditions and other trades (HVAC curbs, solar mounts, façade contractors).
Follow project schedules and sequencing, coordinate deliveries, stage materials on site to minimize handling and roof traffic, and supervise crew members to optimize productivity while preserving roofing membrane integrity.
Install roof accessories such as scuppers, overflow drains, roof hatches, momentum anchors, and photovoltaic mounting flashings, ensuring proper integration with the roofing system and building envelope.
Execute demolition and removal of existing roofing systems, safely bagging and disposing of waste, segregating recyclable materials and maintaining clean and hazard-free job sites.
Perform routine and emergency maintenance, inspection rounds and preventive maintenance programs to extend roof life, document conditions and recommend remediation or replacement strategies to clients.
Maintain all tools, welding equipment, torches, nailers and power tools in safe working order, perform daily pre-use inspections and arrange for repairs or replacements as necessary.
Enforce and model fall protection, ladder safety, PPE usage, confined space awareness and other OSHA and local safety standards; conduct daily safety briefings and ensure all crew members comply with company safety procedures.
Prepare accurate time sheets, material usage logs, site reports, inspection records and warranty documentation; complete required paperwork for quality control, client sign-offs and closeout packages.
Assist project managers and estimators by providing on-site measurements, material takeoffs, and labor hour estimates, and by offering technical input on roofing system selection and detailing.
Train and mentor apprentices and junior roofers on flat roofing installation techniques, membrane handling, seam welding skills, safety practices and manufacturer-required installation methods.
Communicate directly with property owners, building managers and general contractors to explain repair recommendations, scope of work, timelines and warranty coverage, maintaining a professional client-facing presence.
Coordinate with subcontractors (sheet metal, HVAC, insulation, solar installers) to sequence work and ensure roof penetrations and curb installations are properly flashed and integrated.
Conduct post-installation quality assurance inspections and punch lists, correcting deficiencies promptly and documenting warranty handover, care and maintenance instructions for the building owner.
Implement environmental and site-specific controls for stormwater, debris containment and material storage; adhere to local regulations for disposal of asphalt, solvents and other roofing-related waste.

Secondary Functions

Support sales and estimating departments by visiting prospective sites to assess existing roof conditions and provide accurate recommendations for repair vs replacement.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to optimize installation techniques, material usage and waste reduction on flat roofing projects.
Assist in the development and review of project RAMS (Risk Assessment Method Statements), JHAs (Job Hazard Analyses) and method statements for complex roof penetrations and rooftop equipment.
Contribute to training programs by preparing standard operating procedures and hands-on demonstrations for new membrane products and equipment.
Help maintain inventory and order materials, track supplier lead times for membranes, adhesives, insulation and metal flashing components to prevent project delays.
Perform minor roof-related carpentry or metal work such as blocking, curbing or fabrication of custom metal flashings when required by site conditions.
Participate in mock inspections and internal audits to ensure job site compliance with company quality and safety standards.
Provide after-hours emergency response for major leaks or storm damage as part of a rotating on-call schedule.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven proficiency installing EPDM, TPO and PVC single-ply membrane roofing systems, including seam welding, adhesive application and mechanical fastening.
Experience with modified bitumen (APP/SBS) and built-up roofing (BUR) systems including torch-applied and cold-adhesive methods, with strict adherence to fire and safety protocols.
Hot-air welding and heat-welder operation for thermoplastic membranes; ability to test seam integrity and perform repairs to manufacturer standards.
Flashing fabrication and installation skills for metal flashings, counterflashing, curb flashings and complex roof-to-wall details.
Substrate inspection and repair: ability to assess and repair wood decking, metal deck corrosion, concrete spalling and insulation damage prior to roof system installation.
Roof insulation and tapered insulation layout and installation knowledge, including polyiso, extruded polystyrene (XPS) and cover board attachment methods.
Competency in roof leak detection techniques including visual diagnosis, water tests and use of moisture meters or infrared imaging as applicable.
Familiarity with rooftop drainage design: scuppers, internal drains, roof sumps and positive slope solutions to prevent ponding water.
Blueprint reading, roof plan interpretation and accurate material/takeoff measurement skills for precise estimating and ordering.
Proficiency with hand and power tools common to flat roofing: cutters, seam rollers, heat guns, welders, nailers, grinders and caulking guns.
Knowledge of building codes, manufacturer installation specifications, local fire codes and industry standards for roofing systems.
Competence operating on rooftops at height, using fall-arrest systems, harnesses, guardrails, safety nets and portable anchor systems.
Ability to perform quality assurance checks and produce warranty documentation and closeout reports that satisfy clients and manufacturers.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with an emphasis on long-term waterproofing performance and workmanship quality.
Excellent communication skills to coordinate with clients, general contractors and on-site trades and to clearly explain repair options and warranties.
Reliable, punctual and able to manage time effectively across multi-day projects and tight schedules.
Problem-solving mindset to diagnose complex leak patterns and identify durable repairs that address root causes.
Team leadership and mentorship ability to train apprentices and lead small roofing crews safely and productively.
Customer-service oriented approach with professional demeanor during client interactions and site visits.
Physical stamina, dexterity and comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.
Adaptability to changing project requirements, site constraints and material availability.
Strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate job records, material logs and compliance paperwork.
Commitment to safety culture and continuous learning — open to training, certification updates and manufacturer rollouts.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Vocational or trade school certificate in roofing, construction or building envelope technology.
OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety certification.
Manufacturer-specific certifications (EPDM/TPO/PVC welding, modified bitumen system training) or industry certifications (e.g., NRCA, RRO).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Technology / Building Trades
Roofing & Waterproofing Technology
Carpentry or Sheet Metal Apprenticeship programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–7 years of hands-on flat roofing experience (varies by employer; many roles accept 2+ years for mid-level positions).

Preferred:

3+ years installing commercial flat roofing systems with documented experience in EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen or BUR.
Experience working on multi-story commercial projects, roof replacements and coordinated jobs with other trades.
Supervisory or lead experience for roles with crew oversight, scheduling and quality control responsibilities.