Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tinsmith

🎯 Role Definition

A Tinsmith (also known as a sheet metal worker or metal fabricator) shapes, assembles, installs and repairs sheet metal components used in roofing, flashing, gutters, rainware, architectural metalwork and HVAC duct systems. This role requires expert pattern development, precision forming, soldering and brazing, on-site installation, and strong blueprint interpretation. The ideal candidate combines hands-on fabrication skills with field installation experience, safety awareness, and the ability to coordinate with contractors, roofers, architects and site teams to deliver watertight, durable metal assemblies.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice Tinsmith / Sheet Metal Apprentice
Roofer Helper / Roofing Apprentice
Sheet Metal Fabrication Helper

Advancement To:

Journeyman Tinsmith / Lead Tinsmith
Sheet Metal Foreman / Shop Supervisor
Architectural Sheet Metal Estimator
Project Manager or Construction Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

HVAC Sheet Metal Technician
Metal Roofing Specialist
Metal Patternmaker / Shop Layout Specialist
Restoration and Historic Metalwork Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Interpret architectural and construction blueprints, shop drawings and specifications to develop accurate metal patterns and cut lists for flashing, gutters, cornices, copings and custom architectural metal elements.
Lay out complex sheet metal patterns using templates, hand measurements, CAD outputs or computerized flattening methods, ensuring precise fit for roof penetrations, parapets and transitions.
Fabricate copper, zinc, stainless steel, lead-coated copper, galvanized steel and aluminum components using brakes, folders, shears, rollers, pan brakes, seamers and hand tools to meet design tolerances.
Perform precision soldering, soft and hard soldering, brazing and lead work on seams, joints and ornamental metal components to ensure watertight assemblies and long-term joint integrity.
Form standing seam roof panels, roof copings, counterflashings, eaves, valley flashings and custom cornices using mechanical seaming and hand-seaming techniques.
Install gutters, downspouts, leaders, scuppers and rain chain systems on residential, commercial and historic buildings, including alignment, pitch, hangers and sealants.
Install architectural sheet metal on sloped and flat roofs, flashings at chimneys, skylights and roof-to-wall intersections, ensuring watertight integration with the roofing system.
Fabricate and install HVAC ductwork and plenums to design dimensions, including layout, seam welding, cleating, mutual sealing and insulation coordination when required.
Perform field fitting and assembly: make on-site adjustments, measure openings and verify tolerances prior to final soldering, seaming or mechanical fastening.
Cut sheet metal accurately using power shears, band saws, plasma or torch cutting where appropriate, and finish edges with hand tools to specification.
Operate roll-forming equipment and brakes to produce custom profiles, gutters, fascia, drip edges and decorative metalwork for both new construction and restoration projects.
Select proper fasteners, sealants, gaskets and flashing materials; apply corrosion protection, primers and coatings per project specifications and manufacturer instructions.
Collaborate directly with roofers, general contractors, architects and project managers to coordinate sequencing, site logistics and install details that impact watertightness and aesthetics.
Perform on-site leak diagnostics and troubleshooting, isolate failure points in flashings or seams, and execute repairs using soldering, patching or replacement techniques.
Prepare material takeoffs and assist in estimating labor and material costs for sheet metal work, providing accurate quantities for project bids and shop procurement.
Maintain strict adherence to job site fall protection, ladder safety, rigging, PPE and OSHA regulations while performing elevated roofing and gutter installation tasks.
Train and mentor apprentices and junior fabricators on pattern development, shop machine operation, safety best practices and quality control processes.
Execute high-quality historic restoration work using traditional methods and materials (e.g., terne-coated, lead-coated copper, hand-seamed copper roofs) to meet preservation standards.
Coordinate shop-to-site logistics: package, label and protect fabricated items for transport and oversee proper staging and handling at the installation site.
Perform quality inspections and dimensional checks on finished fabrications, document nonconformances and implement corrective actions before shipment or installation.
Maintain and service shop equipment (brakes, shears, seamers, soldering irons, torches), schedule maintenance, and ensure calibration for consistent part production.
Keep accurate shop drawings, as-built documentation and site records to support warranty items, change orders and future maintenance.
Provide excellent customer-facing service during site meetings, explaining repair options, recommended materials and expected timelines while preserving client relationships.

Secondary Functions

Assist in inventory control, reorder commonly used metals and consumables, and optimize stock levels to reduce shop downtime.
Support bid preparation by providing input on material availability, fabrication lead times and labor hours for complex metal assemblies.
Participate in pre-construction and coordination meetings to align sheet metal scope with roofing, waterproofing and structural teams.
Cross-train with adjacent trades (roofing, carpentry, HVAC) to improve site efficiency and enhance overall project performance.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for shop layout, workflow and fabrication standards to boost output and reduce waste.
Provide emergency field response for urgent leak repairs and storm-related metalwork restoration.
Maintain clean, organized and safe shop and work sites, ensuring tools and materials are stored properly and debris is removed.
Document lessons learned and fabricate sample mock-ups for design approval and quality benchmarking.
Assist with measuring and templating specialized architectural components during mock-ups and pre-installation trials.
Support the company’s sustainability goals by advising on recyclable materials and waste reduction practices within sheet metal operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert sheet metal layout and pattern development for architectural applications (coppers, flashings, gutters, cornices).
Proficient in soldering (soft solder), hard soldering (brazing), lead work and mechanical seaming techniques for watertight joints.
Skilled with metal forming equipment: press brakes, pan brakes, slip rolls, seaming machines, and hand-forming tools.
Accurate blueprint and shop drawing reading, including architectural, structural and MEP coordination drawings.
Proficient with sheet metal fabrication software and CAD: AutoCAD (Sheet Metal), SolidWorks (sheet metal), or similar pattern flattening tools.
Experience cutting and shaping metals using shears, band saws, plasma cutting or oxy-fuel torches where appropriate.
Knowledge of metal properties (copper, stainless, aluminum, galvanized steel, lead-coated copper) and appropriate corrosion protection/finishes.
Competence in installing gutters, downspouts, scuppers, through-wall flashings and roof edge systems with proper pitches and connections.
HVAC duct fabrication skills: layout, seam welding/cleating, support layout and gasketed connections where required.
Accurate measuring, material takeoffs and ability to produce cut lists and fabrication schedules for shop production.
Proficient in using hand and power tools safely: sheet metal snips, seamers, mallets, hammers, hand brakes, crimpers and rivet guns.
Ability to perform on-site leak detection, moisture investigation and implement durable repair strategies.
Familiarity with building codes, roofing standards and preservation restoration practices.
Basic welding skills (MIG/TIG) for specialized components or attachment points when required.
Experience applying sealants, primers and industry-standard coatings for long-term performance.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail with a commitment to dimensional accuracy and finish quality.
Excellent problem-solving ability to adapt shop patterns to field conditions and resolve fit-up issues.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for coordination with contractors, architects and clients.
Time management and ability to prioritize multiple fabrication and installation tasks to meet project schedules.
Team-oriented mindset with experience supervising or mentoring apprentices and junior fabricators.
Customer service orientation: professional on-site demeanor and the ability to explain technical options to non-technical stakeholders.
Physical stamina and comfort working at heights, in confined spaces and in variable weather conditions.
Safety-first attitude and habit of enforcing PPE, fall protection, and safe machine operation.
Flexibility and adaptability to change scopes, work on fast-track projects and respond to emergency repairs.
Quality-driven approach, proactive in identifying defects and implementing corrective actions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Completion of a sheet metal apprenticeship program, trade school certificate, or journeyman certification.
Additional coursework or certifications in welding, historic preservation roofing, or advanced sheet metal CAD.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Sheet Metal Technology / Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Programs
Welding Technology / Fabrication
Construction Technology / Roofing Technology
Architectural Metalwork / Historic Preservation
Mechanical or Building Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 to 10+ years of combined shop fabrication and field installation experience in sheet metal and tinsmithing.

Preferred:

5+ years of hands-on tinsmithing or architectural sheet metal experience with demonstrable projects in copper roofing, custom flashings and gutter systems.
Experience in both shop fabrication and field installation on commercial and residential roofing projects, including historic restoration work.
Previous supervisory or lead experience and a solid portfolio of completed installations and shop mock-ups.