Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Roofer

🎯 Role Definition

A Roofer installs, repairs and maintains roofs on residential, commercial and industrial buildings using a range of materials (asphalt shingles, metal, TPO/PVC/EPDM, built-up roofing, tile). The role requires hands-on roofing skill, safety-first practices, accurate measurements and material handling, clear customer communication, and the ability to work at heights. Ideal candidates demonstrate trade experience, familiarity with industry tools and fasteners, and the ability to troubleshoot leaks and structural roof issues. This job description is tailored for recruiters and hiring managers seeking roofers and roofing technicians skilled in installation, repair, inspection and job-site safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Roofing Apprentice / Roofer Assistant
Construction Laborer or Carpenter's Helper
General Maintenance Technician

Advancement To:

Journeyman Roofer / Lead Roofer
Roofing Foreman or Crew Leader
Roofing Estimator or Project Manager
Roofing Superintendent / Operations Manager
Owner / Contractor (Small Business)

Lateral Moves:

Siding or Exterior Cladding Installer
Sheet Metal Fabricator / Installer
Waterproofing and Exterior Insulation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform full roof installations on residential and commercial properties using asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, metal panels, single-ply membranes (TPO, EPDM, PVC), modified bitumen and built-up roofing systems, following manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
Diagnose and repair roof leaks by performing detailed inspections, locating the source of water intrusion (flashings, penetrations, valleys, seams), and executing timely repairs using appropriate sealants, flashing replacement, or membrane patches.
Measure roofs and produce accurate material takeoffs and cut lists; calculate square footage, waste factors, and order roofing materials and fasteners to minimize cost and downtime.
Install and correctly flash roof penetrations including vents, skylights, chimneys and plumbing stacks using metal flashing, step flashing, counterflashing and roofing cement to ensure watertight seals.
Set up and maintain fall protection and safe access systems, including harnesses, lifelines, guardrails, roof anchors and scaffolding, and ensure crew compliance with OSHA fall protection regulations.
Prepare roof decks for installation by removing old roofing, replacing or repairing damaged decking, installing underlayment, ice and water shield, and ensuring proper ventilation and substrate alignment.
Operate roofing power tools and equipment safely and efficiently (roofing nailers, torches for hot-applied membranes, heat guns, membrane welders, forklifts, lifts, and cutting saws) and perform routine maintenance on tools and equipment.
Install edge metal, drip edge, fascia, soffit, gutters and downspouts as part of comprehensive roof systems and to protect roof edges from wind uplift and water intrusion.
Apply hot and cold roof system techniques including torch-down modified bitumen, adhesive-applied membranes, and cold-applied composite systems when specified by the scope of work.
Execute proper roof ventilation strategies (ridge vents, soffit vents, box vents) to reduce moisture buildup and prolong shingle life; advise homeowners on ventilation improvements when needed.
Read and interpret blueprints, roof plans, product specifications and work orders; follow layout instructions and ensure installations meet project blueprints and industry best practices.
Supervise and mentor apprentices or crew members, assign tasks, inspect work quality and enforce safety procedures and quality standards on-site.
Document work performed on the job, complete daily roof reports, take progress photos for warranty and quality assurance, and maintain accurate records for customer invoices and warranty claims.
Coordinate with project managers, general contractors, electricians and other trades to schedule roof penetrations, final inspections and on-site deliveries to minimize project delays.
Conduct post-installation inspections and walkthroughs with customers to explain roof warranties, recommended maintenance, and identify any follow-up services such as warranty registration or minor adjustments.
Perform emergency roof repairs for storm damage or sudden leaks, including temporary tarping, quick patching, and coordinating with insurance adjusters when required.
Maintain a clean and organized job site by removing debris, disposing of old materials per local regulations, recycling materials where possible and returning tools and equipment to proper storage.
Apply industry-standard sealants, adhesives and coatings for roof preservation projects, including solar reflective coatings, roof restoration systems, and preventative maintenance sealing.
Install and repair commercial roof systems such as ballast roofs, tapered insulation, and multi-layer membrane systems; ensure compliance with commercial roofing standards and manufacturer warranties.
Follow quality control checklists for each roof type, verify fastener patterns, seam welds, membrane adhesion and shingle alignment to deliver consistently high workmanship and reduce call-backs.
Assist in on-site safety meetings (toolbox talks) and actively participate in hazard assessments and risk mitigation planning before and during roofing activities.
Evaluate substrate conditions and recommend necessary structural repairs or reinforcement to roofing decks prior to roof system replacement, coordinating with structural engineers when required.
Provide professional customer service by answering homeowner questions, explaining scope and timeline, discussing material options and pricing, and ensuring satisfaction during final walkthroughs.
Load and unload roofing materials, stage materials on roof per safety protocol, and use lifting equipment appropriately to reduce physical strain and increase productivity.

Secondary Functions

Support estimating teams by providing on-site measurements, condition notes, and labor time estimates to improve bid accuracy and profitability.
Maintain inventory of roofing materials, fasteners and safety gear, notify supervisors of low-stock items and assist with supply ordering to avoid project delays.
Participate in warranty repair planning and execute scheduled maintenance or warranty callbacks promptly and professionally.
Contribute to continuous improvement by suggesting process, tool or material changes that increase safety, reduce waste, or save time on repetitive roof tasks.
Attend training sessions for new roofing materials, manufacturer installation certifications, and safety updates to ensure compliance and enhance skills.
Assist administrative staff with job documentation such as digital photos, signed change orders, lien waivers and final completion paperwork.
Coordinate minor permitting needs and ensure roof replacements comply with local building department requirements, including arranging inspections when necessary.
Help triage incoming customer service requests for roof leaks and damage, escalate complex issues to supervisors, and schedule emergency or follow-up appointments.
Participate in pre-construction site walks with sales and project management to identify potential challenges, access points and staging areas.
Support marketing by providing job site photos, testimonials from satisfied customers and notes on distinctive or high-profile installations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Asphalt shingle installation (3-tab, architectural/laminate) — alignment, nailing patterns, starter and ridge cap details.
Single-ply membrane systems (TPO, EPDM, PVC) — seaming, heat welding, adhesion and flashings.
Metal roofing installation (standing seam, corrugated, snap-lock) — panel layout, sealing, and attachment techniques.
Built-up and modified bitumen roofing — torch-down and cold-applied methods, seam detailing, and surfacing.
Roof leak detection and diagnostic techniques — moisture meter use, infrared camera basics, and systematic tracing.
Flashing fabrication and installation (metal, step, counter, chimney flashings) to prevent water penetration.
Roof deck repair and replacement — plywood/OSB replacement, sag correction and proper fastening to structure.
Roofing tools and equipment operation — nail guns, membrane welders, torch equipment, circular saws and lifts.
Fall protection and job-site safety systems — harnesses, anchors, guardrails, scaffolding and OSHA-compliant procedures.
Blueprint reading, roof plan interpretation and accurate material takeoff (squares, waste factors, ordering).
Gutter and drainage system installation and repair, including downspouts and strainers to optimize roof runoff.
Roof ventilation strategies and installation (ridge, soffit, power vents) to ensure code-compliant systems.
Estimating basics and job costing — understanding labor hours, productivity rates and material pricing.
Roofing coatings and restoration applications — reflective coatings, sealants and waterproofing membranes.
Certification familiarity: OSHA 10/30, NRCA best practices, manufacturer installation certifications for major roofing brands.

Soft Skills

Strong safety mindset with attention to detail — consistently enforces PPE and safe work practices.
Clear customer-facing communication — explains scope, timelines, and warranty details in a professional manner.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting — quickly identifies root causes of leaks and proposes durable solutions.
Team leadership and mentorship — trains apprentices, delegates tasks and maintains crew morale.
Time management and reliability — arrives on schedule, meets project milestones and adheres to deadlines.
Physical stamina and dexterity — comfortable working at heights, carrying materials and using hand tools for extended periods.
Adaptability and flexibility — handles changing weather conditions, project changes and urgent repair calls.
Professionalism and integrity — represents the company well during customer interactions and maintains clean job sites.
Attention to quality and craftsmanship — takes pride in neat, code-compliant installations with minimal callbacks.
Conflict resolution and customer reassurance — manages on-site concerns calmly and escalates when needed.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certificate in roofing technology, construction trades, or building science.
Manufacturer-specific training or certification (e.g., Carlisle, GAF, CertainTeed).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management
Carpentry or Building Trades
Roofing Technology / Applied Roof Science
Architectural Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry-Level Roofer / Apprentice: 0–2 years (supervised)
Roofer / Roofing Technician: 2–5 years (independent)
Lead Roofer / Journeyman: 5+ years (supervisory experience preferred)

Preferred:

3–7 years of direct roofing installation and repair experience across multiple roofing systems (asphalt, metal, single-ply).
Prior experience with commercial roofing projects, estimating, or crew leadership is highly desirable.
Holding or willing to obtain OSHA 10 or 30, fall protection certification, and first aid/CPR is preferred.

If you need this tailored to a specific segment (residential only, commercial only, metal roofing specialist, or apprentice program) I can adapt responsibilities, skills and the experience ranges accordingly.