Do you like:
- Working outside with a team ?
- Being fit and working in high places ?
- Making a decent living ?
You could become a roofer!
Roofers install, repair and replace roofs. They may also waterproof basements, foundations and decks.
Roofers are employed by roofing companies, construction contractors, property owners and can also be self-employed.
Roofers are a key part of the new home building, renovation and commercial construction sectors.
Hourly Pay Rates
- JOURNEYPERSON
- LOW $21 HIGH $32
- APPRENTICE
- Year 1 – 65% > LOW $13.65 High $19.50
- Year 2 – 75% > LOW $15.75 HIGH $22.50
- Year 3 – 85% > LOW $17.85 HIGH $25.50
- Year 4 – 95% > LOW $19.95 HIGH $28.50
Day-to-Day Duties
- Installing, repairing or replacing roofing systems using materials such as ashphalt and gravel, 2 ply modified bitumen, EPDM, PVC and TPO
- Installing, repairing or replacing shingles and other roofing tiles
- Applying waterproof coatings to concrete surfaces
- Installing and repairing metal roofs using hand and power tools
- Installing scaffolding to provide safe access to roofs
- Estimating required materials and costs
- A variety of roof systems can be mechanically, cold-adhesive or self-adhered installed
Working Conditions
A standard work week for roofers is 40 hours (8 hours a day, 5 days a week) As with many careers in construction, there are peak periods that will require you to work overtime. The number of additional hours you work each week depends on the construction sector and region you work in, and will vary from one job to the next.
As a roofer, you will work mostly outdoors, and with a crew of other construction professionals. The job can be physically demanding – you may have to lift heavy materials, and roofing can be quite hot during the summer.
As with all careers in the construction industry, safety is the top priority. Roofers are trained to work safely, and wear special equipment like safety harnesses to protect themselves from injury.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a great way of starting out in the construction industry. It involves both classroom studies and on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified roofer, called a journeyperson.
As an apprentice, you earn while you learn and are paid by the hour while working on the job site. Wages start at about 65% of a journeyperson’s hourly rate and increase during yourapprenticeship, until you reach the full rate.
Becoming an Apprentice
Requirements for roofer apprenticeship programs vary across Canada. In Nova Scotia you must have a Grade 10 education, or equivalent, to enter a roofer apprenticeship program.
Some provinces and territories offer secondary school apprenticeship programs that allow high schol students to work towards a career as a roofer.
Program Length
Apprenticeship training programs for roofers vary across Canada, but in Nova Scotia it involves three to four 12-month periods, including at least 5,400 hours of on-the-job training, three 6-week blocks of technical training, and a final Red Seal examination.
Certification
Roofer certification is required in some provinces, and is available but voluntary in others. Even where certification is voluntary, it still recommended. Certification tells employers and other workers that you are a skilled professional. It also helps you get jobs.
To be certified as a roofer, you usually need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program, Once you successfully complete the on-the-job training, technical training and examinations required by the program, you are awarded a journeyperson certificate.
RCANS joined the Canadian Roofing Contractor’s Association in 1964.
RCANS members attend annual conferences, events and participate in the training and standards set out by the national association.
Website: www.roofingcanada.com
Phone: 1-800-461-2722
Fax: 613-232-2893
