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What Does a Roofer Do? Duties, Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

08/10/2026

What Does a Roofer Do? Duties, Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

What Does a Roofer Do?

A roofer installs, repairs, maintains and finishes roofs on residential, commercial and other buildings. Roofers in the UK work with different roofing materials and systems, including tiles, slates, flat-roof systems and associated components such as membranes, insulation, flashing and drainage details.

Roofing is an important construction trade because the roof protects a building from weather, water ingress and environmental exposure. A roofer must therefore combine practical skills with accurate measurements, knowledge of materials and strong awareness of working-at-height safety.

What Are the Main Duties of a Roofer?

A roofer's responsibilities depend on the type of project and roofing system, but common duties include:

Reading Drawings and Specifications

Roofers may need to understand construction drawings, roof plans and project specifications before starting work.

These documents can show:

  • Roof dimensions

  • Roof slopes

  • Materials

  • Openings

  • Roof details

  • Insulation requirements

  • Flashing details

  • Drainage arrangements

Understanding the specification helps ensure that the finished roof meets the required design.

Preparing the Roof Area

Preparation is an important part of roofing work.

Depending on the project, preparation can involve:

  • Removing damaged roofing materials

  • Checking the roof structure

  • Preparing roof surfaces

  • Installing underlays or membranes

  • Checking battens and supports

  • Preparing areas around openings

  • Ensuring materials are ready for installation

On refurbishment projects, roofers may also need to identify existing defects before work begins.

Installing Roof Coverings

Roofers install different types of roof coverings depending on the building and specification.

These can include:

  • Roof tiles

  • Natural or manufactured slates

  • Metal roofing systems

  • Flat-roof membranes

  • Roofing sheets

  • Specialist roofing products

Installation methods vary between materials, so roofers need to understand the correct techniques for each system.

Installing Flashing and Roof Details

Roofing work involves more than covering the main roof area.

Roofers may work around:

  • Chimneys

  • Roof windows

  • Ventilation outlets

  • Valleys

  • Junctions

  • Edges

  • Abutments

Flashing and other detailing help manage water around these areas and reduce the risk of water penetration.

Repairing Roofs

Roof repair is another major part of the trade.

A roofer may investigate and repair:

  • Broken tiles

  • Damaged slates

  • Leaks

  • Loose materials

  • Damaged flashing

  • Defective membranes

  • Weather-related damage

  • Deteriorated roof components

Repair work requires the roofer to identify the likely source of a problem rather than simply replacing visible damage.

What Types of Roofing Do Roofers Work On?

Roofers can specialise in different areas of the trade.

Pitched Roofing

Pitched roofers commonly work with tiles, slates and related components. They may install new roofs, replace coverings and carry out repairs.

Flat Roofing

Flat roofing involves specialist systems designed for low-slope roofs. Roofers may work with membranes and other systems according to the project specification.

Leadwork

Some roofers develop specialist skills in leadwork, including detailing around roof junctions, chimneys and other areas.

Heritage Roofing

Specialist roofers may work on historic or traditional buildings where existing materials and construction methods need to be considered carefully.

Roof Repair and Maintenance

Some roofers focus primarily on inspection, repair and maintenance rather than new-build installation.

What Skills Does a Roofer Need?

Roofing requires a combination of practical, technical and safety skills.

Practical Skills

Roofers need good hand skills to measure, cut, position and secure roofing materials accurately.

Measuring and Calculation

Accurate measurements are essential when calculating roof areas, material requirements and dimensions around openings and junctions.

Attention to Detail

Small installation errors can lead to water penetration or premature deterioration. Roofers therefore need to check details carefully.

Problem-Solving

Repair and refurbishment work can involve unexpected problems. Roofers need to assess the condition of existing materials and determine suitable solutions.

Physical Fitness

Roofing can involve climbing, lifting, carrying materials, bending and working in different weather conditions.

Working at Height Awareness

Roofing is a trade where work-at-height risks are particularly important. Workers need to follow site safety procedures and use appropriate access and protection systems.

Teamwork

Roofers may work alongside carpenters, scaffolders, bricklayers, insulation installers, electricians, plumbers and other construction professionals.

What Tools Do Roofers Use?

Roofing tools vary according to the type of work, but may include:

  • Roofing hammers

  • Trowels

  • Slating tools

  • Tile cutters

  • Measuring tapes

  • Levels

  • Chalk lines

  • Knives

  • Cutting tools

  • Drills

  • Nail guns

  • Hand tools

  • Access equipment

Specialist roofing disciplines can require additional equipment and tools.

What Materials Do Roofers Work With?

Roofing materials can include:

  • Clay tiles

  • Concrete tiles

  • Natural slate

  • Fibre-cement products

  • Roofing membranes

  • Insulation

  • Timber battens

  • Metal components

  • Lead

  • Flat-roof membranes

  • Roofing sheets

  • Sealants and fixings

The materials used depend on the building design, roof type, specification and project requirements.

What Qualifications Does a Roofer Need in the UK?

There are several routes into roofing. People can develop their skills through apprenticeships, construction training, college courses and workplace experience.

Training can cover areas such as:

  • Roofing techniques

  • Materials

  • Roof construction

  • Health and safety

  • Measuring and setting out

  • Installation methods

  • Repair techniques

Because roofing is a practical trade, workplace experience is particularly important for developing competence.

Construction sites can also have specific requirements for worker cards, qualifications and site access. Candidates should check the current requirements for the particular roofing occupation and employer before starting work.

Is Roofing a Skilled Trade?

Yes. Roofing is a skilled construction trade because it requires knowledge of materials, installation techniques, measurements, building details and safety procedures.

A roofer needs to understand how different components work together rather than simply placing materials on a roof.

The quality of installation can affect weather resistance, durability and the long-term performance of the building.

What Is the Difference Between a Roofer and a Carpenter?

Roofers primarily install, repair and maintain roofing systems and coverings.

Carpenters generally work with timber and other materials to construct elements such as roof structures, floors, doors, partitions and frames.

The trades can work closely together. For example, carpenters may construct the timber roof structure while roofers install the external roofing system.

Where Do Roofers Work?

Roofers can work on:

  • New-build houses

  • Apartment developments

  • Commercial buildings

  • Industrial buildings

  • Schools

  • Public buildings

  • Refurbishment projects

  • Heritage properties

  • Maintenance contracts

  • Roofing repair projects

The work environment can change significantly depending on whether the project is new construction, refurbishment or maintenance.

What Is a Typical Day Like for a Roofer?

A roofer's working day can involve several stages:

  1. Checking the day's work and site conditions.

  2. Reviewing drawings or specifications.

  3. Preparing tools and materials.

  4. Inspecting the roof area.

  5. Installing or removing roofing components.

  6. Measuring and cutting materials.

  7. Completing roof details.

  8. Checking the finished work.

  9. Maintaining a clean and safe work area.

Weather conditions can affect roofing work, particularly when working on exposed areas of a building.

How Can a Roofer Progress Their Career?

Roofing can provide several career-development opportunities.

A person may begin as a trainee or apprentice before developing the practical skills required to work independently.

With experience, a roofer can specialise in areas such as:

  • Pitched roofing

  • Flat roofing

  • Slating

  • Tiling

  • Leadwork

  • Heritage roofing

  • Roof repair

  • Commercial roofing

Experienced roofers may also progress into supervisory positions or establish their own roofing businesses.

Some may move towards broader construction roles, particularly after gaining additional management and site experience.

How Should a Roofer Write a CV?

A roofer's CV should clearly demonstrate practical experience.

Useful information includes:

  • Years of roofing experience

  • Types of roofing worked on

  • Pitched or flat roofing experience

  • Tiling and slating skills

  • Repair and maintenance experience

  • Flashing and detailing experience

  • Materials used

  • Tools and equipment

  • Construction qualifications

  • Relevant site cards

  • Health and safety training

  • Types of projects completed

Candidates should describe actual responsibilities rather than simply writing “general roofing duties.”

Why Are Roofers Important in Construction?

Roofers play an important role in protecting buildings from weather and water penetration.

A roof must be installed correctly so that its components work together as intended. Poor installation or inadequate detailing can create problems that affect other parts of a building.

Roofing therefore combines practical craftsmanship with technical knowledge and careful attention to construction details.

Key Takeaways

  • Roofers install, repair and maintain roofing systems.

  • Roofing work can include tiles, slates, flat-roof systems, membranes and specialist details.

  • Roofers work across new-build, refurbishment, commercial and maintenance projects.

  • Measuring, practical skills, attention to detail and safety awareness are essential.

  • Roofing is a skilled construction trade that requires practical training and experience.

  • Roofers can specialise in areas such as slating, tiling, flat roofing, leadwork and heritage roofing.

  • Experienced roofers can progress into supervisory roles, specialist work or self-employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a roofer do?

A roofer installs, repairs and maintains roofing systems. Their work can include preparing roof surfaces, installing tiles or slates, working with membranes, completing flashing details and repairing damaged roofing.

2. What qualifications does a roofer need in the UK?

People can enter roofing through apprenticeships, construction training, college courses and workplace experience. Specific site-access and card requirements depend on the occupation, employer and project.

3. Is roofing a skilled trade?

Yes. Roofing requires practical skills, knowledge of materials, accurate measurements, installation techniques and strong awareness of working-at-height safety.

4. What types of roofs can a roofer work on?

Roofers can specialise in pitched roofs, flat roofs or specialist systems. Some also work with slates, tiles, leadwork and heritage roofing.

5. Can a roofer become self-employed?

Yes. Experienced roofers can work as subcontractors or establish their own roofing businesses, depending on their experience, qualifications, business arrangements and ability to secure contracts.

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