A roofer, roofing contractor, or roof maintenance technician is a tradesman who specializes in roof repair. Roofers repair, replace, or install the roofs of commercial buildings using various materials, such as asphalt, shingles, sheetrock, gypsum, and metal. They install roof shingles and repair the damage caused by weathering. They inspect the roof, check for damages, diagnose problems, discuss repair options and make recommendations. Also, they provide the necessary equipment to perform these tasks.
Roofers must be very physically demanding. They work long hours and perform many different jobs. They frequently lift heavy materials on their backs and climb ladders and roofs. Many are required to carry materials up ladders and down ladders.
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used materials on roofs. They are made from asphalt slabs that are firmly pressed together to form a smooth surface. Other types of materials used by roofers include clay tile, slate, stone, tile, rubber, glass, and plastic.
Some roofers specialize in installing helical-style roof structures, which are V-shaped roof structures. These V-shapes use different materials than typical asphalt shingles. For example, gypsum and ceramic tile are used on steep-slope roofs. These materials are heavier and more costly than other materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Other types of specialized roofers include those who work on pole and mast roofs. These occupations include pole and mast roofer and pole and gutter roofer. In addition to working on standard roofs, some roofers also specialize in one particular type of roof. One such type of specialty is the median annual roofing job. This occupation requires roofers to climb up a ladder to inspect for leaks and repair or replace leaky materials such as gutters and downspouts.
Roofers who work on low-slope roofs may also specialize in inspecting and repairing cantilever rafters, which are vertical strips of wood used to support beams and joists. The materials used to construct low-slope roofs are usually sticks or gravel. The roofer inspects these layers for rot and warping. Also, he inspects for cracks in the materials. If any cracks or gaps appear, the low-slope roof repairs them before installation begins.
There are also specialties within the field of roofing. One is the ventilation layer, which includes materials that prevent moisture from entering or building up in roofing layers. Another specialty is shingle installation, which involves laying metal shingles that are waterproof and heat resistant. Also, some specialized roofers perform materials handling and cleaning. These layers include removing old or damaged shingles to prepare for new ones, cleaning chimneys and ventilation systems, inspecting flashing between the roof and ceilings, and cleaning gutters.
Green roofing workers also serve as surveyors to determine leaks and structural damage in roofing systems. They inspect roofing systems to identify areas of concern and recommend solutions that include waterproofing, soundproofing, and paint protection. Some green roofers also specialize in installing reflective roofing materials that allow heat and sun to pass freely through the roof. While the job titles and job functions are similar to traditional roofers, many contractors say that green roofs offer environmentally friendly and economically beneficial solutions to all types of roof problems.
The typical green roofer is a roofer with a certificate of training who works closely with an engineer or architect. He usually starts by conducting a site investigation to determine the extent of the problem, including any water, air, noise, and debris accumulation issues. Based on the information gathered during the investigation, the roofer will develop a detailed cleaning plan to address the issues and recommend solutions. Once the job is done, the roofers can install the system themselves or have it installed by expert roofers.
Although most states require roofers to be licensed or registered, some states don’t have any licensing requirements. The National Roofing Contractor’s Association has put in place educational requirements for roofers working on green roofs. It states that all members must complete a training program that includes lectures about materials and installation techniques. Some states have also developed their own curricula to train members.
Green roofing also involves repair and replacement of roofing materials, as well as inspection and clean up. If the existing roofing material has become damaged or stained due to weather exposure or other causes, the roofers may suggest the use of new materials, such as sealants. The NRCA also conducts periodic assessments of the condition of the roofing systems and recommends solutions if necessary. As part of the assessment, the inspectors check the quality of flashing on the walls and evaluate the level of maintenance performed on the structures. With these techniques and materials, the roofs of commercial buildings can protect from weather and vandalism for a very long time.
