Roofer Building & Related Trades Workers
SaveWhat Does a Roofer Do?
Roofers cover structures with roofs. They install the weight-bearing elements of a roof, either flat or pitched, then cover it with a weatherproof layer.
Resource recommendations may include affiliate links. Learn more
Where Do I Start?
Roofing Techniques
Techniques used to form the upper covering of a building according to specific materials such as ceramic tiles, wood shingles, slate, metal, concrete of plant stalks.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Roofer
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
-
EssentialRoofing Techniques knowledge
Techniques used to form the upper covering of a building according to specific materials such as ceramic tiles, wood shingles, slate, metal, concrete of plant stalks.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
EssentialFollow Health And Safety Procedures In Construction skill
Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialFollow Safety Procedures When Working At Heights skill
Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInspect Construction Supplies skill
Check construction supplies for damage, moisture, loss or other problems before using the material.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInstall Insulation Material skill
Place insulation material, often shaped into rolls, in order to insulate a structure from thermical or acoustic influences and to prevent fire. Attach the material using face staples, inset staples, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInterpret 2d Plans skill
Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInterpret 3d Plans skill
Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialSecure Working Area skill
Secure the operation site fixing boundaries, restricting access, placing signs and taking other measures in order to guarantee public and staff safety.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialSort Waste skill
Manually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialTransport Construction Supplies skill
Bring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUse Measurement Instruments skill
Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialUse Safety Equipment In Construction skill
Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialWork Ergonomically skill
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialApply Roll Roofing skill
Roll out mats of roofing material, often bituminous asphalt, to cover flat or low-pitched roofs. Apply the felt layer first if required. Make sure there are no gaps so the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialConstruct Wood Roofs skill
Build the structural elements of wood flat or pitched roofs. Lay rafters to provide strength and battens at regular intervals to account for lateral forces and attach any covering. Back …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInspect Roofs skill
Inspect the condition of an existing roof. Check the state of the weight-bearing structure, roof covering, insulation, and accessibility. Take into account the intended purpose of the roof, including any …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInstall Gutters skill
Take measurements, cut the desired length of gutter, assemble gutter pieces to form the corners using adhesive substances and screws, drill a hole for the connection with the vertical gutter, …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialInstall Roof Flashing skill
Form and fix the pieces, usually made of metal, that make the joint between the roof and the masonry or brick work, and prevent water infiltration into the structure.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialLay Interlocking Roof Tiles skill
Lay interlocking roof tiles of various shapes and materials. Fix the tiles to the battens judiciously, and take special care of the verges, ridges and hips.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPerform Roof Maintenance skill
Inspect the roof or facade cladding to assess its general state and identify any damage, recommend and perform maintenance and repair work such as fixing broken shingles, replacing flashing, clearing …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialPrepare Roofing Materials skill
Select the appropriate pieces and, if necessary, prepare them for fixing by cutting, sawing, trimming the edges.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRecognise Signs Of Wood Rot skill
Check whether a wood element shows signs of rot. Aurally inspect the wood by testing what sound it makes on impact. Check for visual signs of rot.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
EssentialRemove Roofs skill
Remove faulty or otherwise unneeded roofs. Unmount roof elements and accessories such as rain gutters and solar panels. Protect the structure from the elements while the roof is being removed.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 29 displayed)
-
OptionalSolar Panel Mounting Systems knowledge
Different ways of setting up solar panels, such as pole mounting, where the panels are fixed to a surface, ballasted mounting, where weights are used to keep the panels in …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalBuilding Codes knowledge
The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalCrane Load Charts knowledge
Understand crane load charts which detail the features of the crane and how its lift capacity varies depending on distance and angle.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalEnergy Efficiency knowledge
Field of information concerning the reduction of the use of energy. It encompasses calculating the consumption of energy, providing certificates and support measures, saving energy by reducing the demand, encouraging …
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalEnergy Performance Of Buildings knowledge
Factors that contribute to lower energy consumption of buildings. Building and renovation techniques used to achieve this. Legislation and procedures regarding energy performance of buildings.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalAsbestos Removal Regulations knowledge
The legislation and regulations surrounding the removal of asbestos contamination from buildings or structures, the safe removal of contaminated materials and the regulations to avoid and prevent contamination.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalRoofing Drones knowledge
Types of remotely operated aircraft (ROA) which are used for visually assessing roofing damage, image or video capturing and gathering general size information for roofing works and further construction.
No book recommendations available yet.
-
OptionalAdvise On Construction Materials skill
Provide advice on and test a wide range of construction materials.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalAnswer Requests For Quotation skill
Make up prices and documents for the products that customers may purchase.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalApply Proofing Membranes skill
Apply specialised membranes to prevent penetration of a structure by dampness or water. Securely seal any perforation to preserve the damp-proof or waterproof properties of the membrane. Make sure any …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalBuild Scaffolding skill
Assemble temporary scaffolding structures for construction, maintenance or event-related purposes. Set vertical standards on the base plate of the scaffolding structure. Ensure the scaffolding structure is secured from lateral forces …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalCalculate Needs For Construction Supplies skill
Take measurements on site and estimate the amount of materials required for the construction or restoration project.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalKeep Personal Administration skill
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalKeep Records Of Work Progress skill
Maintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalMaintain Work Area Cleanliness skill
Keep the working area and equipment clean and orderly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalMonitor Stock Level skill
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalOperate Forklift skill
Operate a forklift, a vehicle with a pronged device in front for lifting and carrying heavy loads.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalOrder Construction Supplies skill
Order required materials for the construction project, taking care to purchase the most suitable material for a good price.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalProcess Incoming Construction Supplies skill
Receive incoming construction supplies, handle the transaction and enter the supplies into any internal administration system.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalUse Sander skill
Use different types of drywall sanders, automatic or manual, handheld or on an extension, to sand surfaces to a smooth finish or to rough them up for better adhesion.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalWork In A Construction Team skill
Work as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalEstablish Green Roof skill
Establish vegetation on roofs, taking into account water and drainage, filters and soil. Plant suitable grasses, and possibly bushes and trees. Establish the green roof with regards to health and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalInstall Facade Cladding skill
Prepare facade covering materials such as wood shingle, slate or metal by cutting, drilling, bending or trimming, and use the appropriate fixing techniques according to the material.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalInstall Lightning Protection System skill
Fix the electrodes deep in the ground, fasten the metal conductors such as copper cables to the walls, and install the lightning conductor on the roof.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalInstall Metal Roofing skill
Install the underlayments over the main roof decking and other covering materials such as ice and water shields, form and screw down the starter flashing along the eaves and wrap …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalInstall Roof Windows skill
Install various types of windows on the roof such as skylight, dormer windows and flat roof windows.
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalLay Non-Interlocking Roof Tiles skill
Lay roof tiles that don't interlock, such as traditional slate tiles or asphalt shingles. Take care to provide the right overlap between the tiles, taking into account local weather conditions …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalPlan Scaffolding skill
Plan the construction of the scaffolding, based on the nature of the project, the environment, and the available resources. Apply knowledge of scaffolding standards and load bearing properties of the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
-
OptionalThatch Roofs skill
Cover a roof with thatch, any type of dry vegetation such as straw that is used to create a weatherproof roof. Bundle the material and attach it securely either to …
Course recommendations coming soon.