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
• journeyman/woman roofer
• metal roofer
• roofer
• roofing mechanic
• shingler
• wood shingler

Skills

You should have physical stamina, agility, and coordination, and be capable of climbing, reaching, crouching, and handling heavy materials. You must be willing to work outdoors and at heights.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• For roofers, completion of a two- to three-year apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade are usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
• Roofing trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia.
• Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified roofers upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
• Shinglers require one to two years of on-the-job training.

Other considerations

Jobs in the construction industry are strongly affected by seasonal changes and general economic conditions, and many are on a project basis. As a result, workers in these jobs should be prepared for periods of unemployment. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Regulations

Contacts