Roofers and Shinglers

Nature of work

Roofers install, repair, or replace flat roofs and shingles, shakes or other roofing tiles on sloped roofs. Shinglers install and replace shingles, tiles, and similar coverings on sloped roofs. They work for roofing and general contractors, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Roofers:

• Install, repair or replace built-up roofing systems using materials like asphalt saturated felts and hot asphalt and gravel.
• Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing system using waterproof sheet materials like modified plastics, elastomeric or other asphaltic compositions.
• Install, repair, or replace shingles, shakes and other roofing tiles on sloped roofs of buildings.
• Install sheet metal flashings.
• Apply waterproof coatings to concrete or other masonry surfaces below or above ground level.
• Install and repair metal roofs using hand and power tools.
• Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.
• May estimate materials required and quote costs.

Shinglers:

• Install or replace asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes and masonry or baked clay roofing tiles on sloped roofs of buildings.
• Set up scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs.

Sample job titles

• apprentice roofer
• asphalt shingle roofer
• journeyperson roofer
• metal roofer
• roofer
• roofing mechanic
• shingler
• wood shingler

Skills

• Mechanical aptitude
• Manual dexterity
• Sure-footed and able to work at heights
• Strength and stamina
• Agility and coordination
• Interest in working outdoors
• Ability to work as a team

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• For roofers - training through a 5,400-hour apprenticeship program with three apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
• Trade Qualifier option, 8,100 hours, and other criteria.
• Certification for roofers is voluntary in Nova Scotia.
• Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for roofers.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
• Shinglers require one to two years of on-the-job training.

Other considerations

• Roofers install, repair, maintain and replace roofing systems. They work with membrane roofing systems that consist of a variety of materials with different application methods. They also install, replace, maintain and repair shingles, slates, shakes, roofing tiles, sheet metal, and other pre-formed sheeting on sloped roofs.
• Roofers and shinglers work outdoors on roofs of varying heights. When the weather is good and building activity is high, roofers may work a considerable amount of overtime.
• The work environment is exposed and may vary from extreme cold to extreme heat.
• Roofing is physically demanding work and requires considerable effort in lifting, climbing, bending, kneeling, and balancing on high, sloped, and sometimes slippery surfaces.
• Risks include injury from falls and from working with hazardous, hot materials.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program are completed.
• Jobs in the construction industry are affected by seasonal changes and economic conditions. Work may be on a project basis. Workers should be prepared for periods of unemployment.
• Roofers work with other tradespeople in the construction trades. With additional training, roofers may transfer their skills to related trades like carpenter or sheet metal workers. With experience, they may advance to positions such as supervisors, contractors, or inspectors.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

Contacts