Roofer
Summary
Roofers cover houses and other structures with roof tiles, slates, shingles or steel sheeting to form waterproof surfaces.
Duties & Tasks
Roofers may perform the following tasks:
- look at drawings, specifications and worksites to determine materials required
- assess risks
- erect ladders and tile elevators
- erect and dismantle restricted height scaffolding
- place roofing underlays over eaves and secure by nailing or stapling to roofs
- correctly space and nail wooden strips (called battens) across the roof rafters on which the tiles or other roofing material will be placed
- lay aluminium, steel or clay tiles, stone slates, wooden shingles or steel sheeting
- install metal gutters, downpipes and other rainwater products
- overlap successive layers of tiles and measure and cut roofing material to fit around vents, chimney edges and the hips and valleys of the roof
- fix roof flashings (weatherproof covering)
- fix the ridge caps and gable ends with cement mortar or tech screws
- handle waterproofing materials, tools and equipment
- apply protective paint coating systems
- clear the roof of debris when the job is finished.
Working Conditions
Roofers' work involves a lot of bending, climbing and lifting. They work outdoors, at heights, in all weather conditions.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual work
- good sense of balance
- good hand-eye coordination
- willing to work at heights and outdoors.
