Atlantic County Roofers cover roofs of structures with shingles or other materials. They also inspect problem roofs and set up scaffolding to access them.
Service roofers often have multiple crews and can complete jobs quickly. But their sales presentations can be lengthy and pushy, and they start with the highest priced options first.
Roofers are responsible for the installation of new roofing materials on buildings. This includes preparing the surface to receive the shingles or other material, measuring and cutting the roofing materials to fit the building, and installing underlayment and fasteners. They also ensure that the roofing material is properly aligned, secured, and weatherproofed to prevent leaks and other damage.
Roofers usually work as part of a team, collaborating with other construction professionals to ensure the safety and quality of the finished product. They must also have excellent customer service skills to interact with clients, answering their questions and providing them with information about roofing materials and techniques.
Residential roofers typically work on single-family homes or multiunit housing complexes. They use ladders and scaffolding to access the roof, and must be mindful of the surrounding property when working on high areas of the roof. These roofers may need to install or repair soffits, fascia, and gutters in addition to the roof itself. They must also inspect the existing roof to determine what repairs are necessary before beginning the project.
Commercial roofers work on larger structures such as warehouses and office buildings. They install a wide variety of roofing materials, including shingle, bitumen, and metal. They also use insulation and vapor barriers to reduce energy costs and protect the structure from moisture. Roofers must be familiar with the specific requirements for each type of roofing material that they install.
Generally, roofers must be licensed to perform roofing work. They can be licensed as roofing contractors or general contractors who specialize in roofs, or they can be certified by a trade association such as the National Roofing Contractors Association. Roofers should also participate in continuing education courses to stay current on the latest roofing technologies and procedures. They should also maintain good standing with their insurance company to avoid being denied coverage in the event of a claim. Lastly, they should be able to provide customers with references and reviews of their work. This will help them build trust with potential customers and establish long-term relationships.
Maintenance
Roofers maintain roofs by inspecting them and repairing or replacing worn components. They may also paint or stain the surface of a roof to improve its appearance or protect the materials from the elements. Roofers can also install vapor barriers and insulation to create a more comfortable indoor environment or reduce utility bills. Depending on the nature of the job, roofers may use ladders or scaffolding to access the roof. They must be mindful of their surroundings and work with precision to ensure the integrity of the building.
Roofer qualifications usually include a high school diploma or equivalent and training in the trade. Some employers provide on-the-job training or apprenticeship opportunities. Other requirements include physical strength and endurance, the ability to operate tools, and excellent balance and coordination. In addition to these general skills, roofers must have the ability to communicate clearly with clients and other workers.
Some roofers specialize in a particular type of roof. For example, some repair or replace shingle roofs while others specialize in tile or slate roofs. Other roofers may focus on storm damage repairs or replace lead sheeting and cladding. Still others may focus on servicing roofs, which involves working with insurance companies and streamlining the process for their customers. These roofers often have larger service areas and may offer long-term warranties on their services.
Most roofers wear protective clothing to protect themselves from the weather conditions and working environment. This includes hard hats, goggles, and gloves. They also wear long sleeved shirts and pants to protect themselves from cuts and sunburn. Roofers must also be skilled at climbing on steep slopes and working with mechanical equipment.
Roofers typically have strong Realistic interests, which means they like to work with plants, animals, and practical, hands-on tasks. They also prefer to be independent and enjoy tasks that are tactile, athletic, or mechanical. However, not all roofers have these interests, so it’s important to find a career that fits your personality. To help you do that, take our free Career Test. The results will indicate your strengths and interests, and give you tips on what careers might be a good fit for you.
Sales
Roofers who use value-selling techniques focus on the benefits that their roofing services will bring to the customer. The goal is to help homeowners solve problems and achieve goals, rather than just making a sale. This type of sales pitch can be especially effective with people who may be skeptical about buying a new roof.
The most successful roofing salespeople listen to their customers and adjust their approach accordingly. For example, if a homeowner mentions that they are worried about dealing with insurance companies, the salesperson can point out that their company is familiar with these issues and will handle most of the paperwork. If a homeowner complains that traditional roofing processes can cause damage to prized rose bushes, the roofer can describe how innovative new equipment, such as the Equipter RB4000, changes the way in which roofers work and eliminates much of the risk.
Depending on the size of the roofing company, it may be necessary to use different approaches to sell roofing. Larger companies that do retail roofing or storm chasing typically require a long sales presentation with all decision makers present. These types of roofers are more likely to offer in-house financing and zero-percent interest loans, which can be attractive to homeowners who may not be able to afford the cost of a new roof right away.
Smaller roofing companies often rely on salespeople who use an approach that builds off of friendship. These salespeople begin the conversation by asking how the person is doing and listening to their response. They avoid canned lines and try to stay natural, feeling out when it’s appropriate to naturally transition into a discussion about their roofing business.
When hiring a roofing salesperson, it is important to include a detailed job description that lists the sales goals they must meet and what kind of support the roofing company will provide. It’s also important to explain the payment structure, including whether it is commission based or salary.
Having a clear understanding of the sales requirements will help to attract the best candidates for the position. Some companies post the job requirements on their website and use online recruiting tools to connect with potential candidates. Others rely on an outside recruiting company that specializes in connecting people with jobs.
Tools
Whether they are independent roofing experts/technicians (roofers) or work for a construction company, roofers must have all of the right tools to perform their job. In addition to standard tools like a ladder, hammer, and screwdrivers, roofers also need to have specialty tools and equipment to tackle more difficult tasks.
Among the most important roofing tools is a nail gun. It is a pneumatic tool that shoots nails at high speed, which makes it much faster and easier to install new shingles than with traditional hammers. This tool is a must-have for most roofing contractors.
Another essential roofing tool is a shingle cutter, which helps them cut shingles to the right size and shape. It can save them a lot of time and effort, as well as ensure the accuracy of their work. A good quality shingle cutter will be easy to use and provide a clean, precise cut.
A stapler is another useful tool for roofers, as it can tack underlayment to the roof quickly and effectively. A specialized model designed for roofing will be lightweight and have an extra-long magazine to reduce the time spent reloading.
Before installing a new roof, it is necessary for roofers to remove the existing shingles. A Roofing Shovel is an effective tool for this purpose. It is similar to a regular shovel, but the edge of this roofing tool has teeth that help the roofers in prying shingles off.
In addition to the above mentioned roofing tools, a roofer should have a few other general-purpose hand tools in their tool kit. They include a Pry Bar, which is a handy lever for use in removing shingles or other objects from the roof. A sturdy model, such as the Stanley Wonder Bar, is an ideal choice.
Other general tools that roofers need to carry with them on the job are Safety Harnesses, which prevent workers from falling off the roof while they are working. They should also have steel-toed shoes and a hard hat to protect themselves from potential injuries on the job site. Finally, roofers need a work vehicle to transport all of their tools and materials to the jobsite.
Training
Whether they work in residential or commercial roofing, roofers need to be well trained. This includes training in the specific materials and equipment used for each type of roof. They also need to understand how different types of roofs work and be able to diagnose problems.
Because roofers work with dangerous materials and mechanical equipment, they need to wear safety gear on a regular basis. This includes hard hats, eye protection, and thick gloves. In addition, they need to wear long-sleeve shirts and pants that protect them from environmental conditions and cuts. Wearing shoes with a sturdy sole helps them grip the roof surface and prevents injury when stepping on tools or nails that have been driven into the ground.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all roofers to undergo extensive on-the-job training. The roofing contractor that hires them will usually provide this training, but it is important for roofers to continue their own education by attending classes. These classes can be found at many different venues. Some are offered by roofing manufacturers, and industry organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association University offer others. For instance, the NRCA offers a Certified Roofing Torch Applicator Program that trains roofers in the proper use of roofing torches.
Some roofers specialize in a particular kind of roofing. For example, they may be experts in shingle installation, or they may have special knowledge of metal roofing systems. They may also have expertise in underlayment and ventilation. In addition to their job-specific training, roofers need to have a thorough understanding of building codes and construction techniques.
A good roof protects a home or business from weather and other threats, but it takes a team of skilled people to make sure the structure is protected properly. A successful roofing team includes:
- A project manager or general contractor who oversees the entire job.
- A lead roofer who manages each crew.
- A customer service representative who answers questions about the process and schedules appointments.
Because everyone needs a safe place to live or work, there is always demand for roofers.