Roofer

Career path and progression

You could become a roofing surveyor, estimating costs, dealing with contracts and working with architects. You could also be a site manager, move into equipment sales or work as a steeplejack.

With a lot of experience, you could train apprentices or set up your own business.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of maths
• physical fitness and endurance
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be able to cope with working at height
• have a good level of fitness

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Roofers measure roof areas to calculate how much material is needed, work out angles for cutting tiles and slates, and estimate costs for jobs. They use maths daily for measurements, quantities, and ensuring everything fits together accurately.
• Design and Technology - Roofers work with a wide range of materials – tiles, slates, lead sheeting, membranes, and cladding – and need to understand how each behaves in different conditions. Practical skills like measuring, cutting, and fitting materials precisely are central to the job.
• Physics - Roofers need to understand how forces, loads, and weight distribution work to ensure roofs are structurally sound. Knowledge of thermal insulation, waterproofing, and how materials expand and contract with temperature changes helps them build roofs that last.

Also relevant

• Engineering - Roofers work with structural elements like roof timbers and need to understand how different roofing systems are constructed and supported. As the role increasingly involves installing solar panels and energy-efficient technologies, engineering knowledge becomes more valuable.
• Business - Roofers often progress to running their own businesses or move into estimating costs and managing contracts. Understanding how to price jobs, manage finances, and deal with clients is important for those who want to work independently.
• Geography - Roofers benefit from understanding weather patterns and climate, since roofs must withstand rain, wind, frost, and heat. Knowledge of environmental factors also helps when choosing materials and fitting insulation for energy efficiency.