Summary
A roofer installs, repairs and replaces roofs on homes and buildings. The work is physical and outdoors, usually on a crew, and it follows the weather.
Safety belongs near the top of the posting. Say how you train for heights and what protective equipment you provide.
Duties and responsibilities
- Set up ladders, harnesses and other fall protection before working at height.
- Remove old roofing material and inspect the roof surface and decking.
- Install underlayment, shingles, flashing and other roofing materials to the manufacturer’s steps.
- Repair leaks and damaged areas, and seal around vents and chimneys.
- Carry materials and tools safely between the ground and the roof.
- Clean the site, including nails and debris, at the end of each day.
- Work with the crew lead and tell them about hazards right away.
Skills and qualities
- Comfortable working at heights and in the sun.
- Strong and fit enough for carrying and repetitive work.
- Careful about safety for yourself and others.
- Good balance and coordination.
- Able to follow directions and work on a team.
- Dependable attendance on early starts.
Typical requirements
- No fear of heights and ability to work on steep and high surfaces.
- Ability to lift the weight you name, climb ladders and work in heat and cold.
- Fall protection and safety training, which you provide or require. Check what your area requires.
- A valid driver’s license if the job involves driving.
- Experience that matches the work you offer, or willingness to train as a helper.
Requirements differ by state, city and employer. Check the licensing, age, safety and pay rules that apply to your business before you post. This page is a starting point, not legal advice.
Schedule and conditions
Roofing crews often start early to beat the heat. Give the start time, days of the week and how overtime works.
Weather affects the schedule and busy seasons often follow storms. Explain how you handle rain days and surges.
Nice to have
- Experience with the roof types you install, such as shingle, metal or flat.
- Experience leading a small crew.
- Training in recognized safety practices.
- A clean driving record.
Tips for posting this job
- State your safety training and equipment up front.
- Name the roof types and whether the work is residential or commercial.
- Explain how pay works for rain days and busy seasons.
- Say whether you provide tools, gear and transportation.
- Give the start time and service area.
Put your real pay, schedule and location in the posting. Candidates skip posts that leave them out.
Sample job post
Copy this, then change the words in brackets to match your business.
Roofer: [residential / commercial] roofing crew in [city or service area]
[Company name] is hiring a roofer to join a [residential / commercial] crew installing and repairing [shingle / metal / flat] roofs in [service area]. Safety comes first: we provide [fall protection gear and training].
Pay: [pay rate or range]. Schedule: [days and start time], with [how rain days and busy seasons are handled]. Start: [start date].
- Set up ladders, harnesses and fall protection before working at height.
- Tear off old roofing and inspect the roof surface and decking.
- Install underlayment, shingles, flashing and other materials to the manufacturer’s steps.
- Repair leaks and seal around vents and chimneys.
- Clean the site, including nails and debris, at the end of each day.
- Requirements: [roofing experience, or helper welcome], comfort working at heights, the ability to lift [weight] and work in heat and cold, and a valid driver’s license if you drive.
- We provide: [safety gear, fall protection training, tools, transportation, other benefits].
Interview questions for a roofer
- What kinds of roofs have you worked on: shingle, metal, flat or others?
- Walk me through how you set up fall protection before you start on a steep roof.
- How do you find the source of a roof leak?
- What do you do if you see a coworker working at height without protection?
- How do you handle long days in the heat?
- Tell me about a time a job got hard because of weather. What did the crew do?
- Can you reliably make an early start time every day?
Ask every candidate the same questions so you can compare answers fairly. HRGP keeps your questions, notes and scores with each applicant.
Questions and answers
What does a roofer do?
A roofer installs, repairs and replaces roofs on homes and buildings. The job includes tearing off old material, inspecting decking, installing underlayment, shingles and flashing, sealing around vents and chimneys and cleaning the site. Most roofers work outdoors on a crew, and the schedule follows the weather.
What are the requirements to be a roofer?
Most employers want people who are comfortable at heights, fit enough to carry materials and work in heat and cold, and willing to follow safety steps every time. Many hire helpers and train them. Some states and cities license roofing contractors, and fall protection training rules apply in many places, so check what your area requires.
What is the definition of a roofer?
A roofer is a tradesperson who builds, repairs and replaces roofs. Roofers work with materials such as shingles, metal, tile and flat-roof systems. A roofer’s responsibilities also include working safely at height and protecting the building and property below.
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