A roofer is a skilled tradesperson responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs on a wide range of buildings, from residential homes to large commercial properties. This role is crucial for protecting structures from the elements and ensuring their longevity. Daily tasks can vary significantly, involving everything from measuring and cutting materials to fitting insulation, laying tiles, slates, or felt, and ensuring proper drainage and weatherproofing. Roofers work with various materials, including natural slate, clay tiles, lead, felt, single-ply membranes, and sometimes green roof systems or solar panel integration. The job requires a good head for heights, physical fitness, and a strong understanding of building regulations and health and safety procedures. Working as a roofer often means being outdoors in all weather conditions, so resilience and adaptability are key. Precision and attention to detail are paramount to prevent leaks and ensure a durable, aesthetically pleasing finish. Many roofers specialise in particular types of roofing, such as pitched roofs, flat roofs, or heritage roofing, which involves working on historic buildings. There are opportunities for self-employment, leading teams, or moving into supervisory and project management roles within roofing companies.
In the UK, a roofer's salary typically ranges from around 22,000 GBP for those starting out or with less experience, up to 40,000 GBP or more for highly experienced or self-employed roofers. Project managers or specialist roofers can earn significantly more.
The construction industry in the UK consistently faces a demand for skilled tradespeople, including roofers. Projections indicate a steady need due to ongoing construction, maintenance, and repair work across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
While there are no formal academic entry requirements, most roofers gain qualifications through apprenticeships (e.g., Level 2 or Level 3 NVQ in Roofing) or by working as a labourer and learning on the job. A valid CSCS card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) is usually essential for working on construction sites.
Focuses on the installation, repair, and maintenance of flat roofs, common on commercial buildings and modern residential extensions. This often involves specific materials like felt, EPDM rubber, or single-ply membranes, requiring specialist skills beyond traditional pitched roofing.
Specialises in the repair and restoration of historic roofs, often found on listed buildings, churches, or grand old homes. This work requires knowledge of traditional materials like lead, slate, and terracotta tiles, and adherence to specific conservation techniques.
Installs 'living roofs' that are partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. This combines roofing expertise with knowledge of drainage systems, horticulture, and sustainable building practices.
Understand what the roofing trade involves, including different types of roofing, tools, and safety requirements. This initial research will help you determine if it's the right path for you.
Explore resources such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) website to gain insights into the industry, common practices, and the daily life of a roofer. Consider watching videos of roofers at work to get a visual understanding of the tasks involved. Familiarise yourself with various roofing materials like slate, tile, flat roofing membranes, and leadwork, and understand the basic principles behind their application and maintenance.
Seek out opportunities to get hands-on experience, which is crucial for a practical trade like roofing. This could involve an entry-level position or a formal apprenticeship.
The most common and highly recommended route into roofing is through an apprenticeship. This combines on-the-job training with classroom-based learning, leading to recognised qualifications such as an NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Roofing. Look for roofing companies in your local area offering apprenticeships, often advertised through government apprenticeship services or college websites. Alternatively, you might find labourer roles where you can assist experienced roofers and learn the ropes before progressing to a full apprenticeship.
Undertake relevant vocational qualifications to solidify your skills and knowledge in roofing techniques and safety.
While gaining practical experience, you'll typically work towards an industry-recognised qualification. In the UK, this often means completing an NVQ in Roofing at a local college or training provider, usually as part of your apprenticeship. These courses cover essential skills like health and safety at height, working with different roofing materials (e.g., pitched roofing, flat roofing), leadwork, and specific techniques for repairs and installations. Obtaining a CSCS card is also essential for working on most construction sites; you'll need to pass a health, safety, and environment test to get one.
Once qualified, continue to refine your skills and expand your expertise into more complex or specialised roofing areas.
Focus on developing proficiency in specific areas that interest you or are in high demand, such as heritage roofing, green roofs, or advanced flat roofing systems like single-ply membranes or liquid applied systems. Consider undertaking additional short courses or certifications in these niche areas to enhance your skillset. This continuous learning not only makes you more valuable but can also open doors to higher-paying or more interesting projects. Staying updated with new materials and techniques through industry publications and workshops is also key.
Work on a wide variety of roofing projects to build a strong portfolio and a reputation for quality workmanship.
Seek opportunities to work on diverse projects ranging from small residential repairs to large commercial installations. Exposure to different building types, roofing styles, and client requirements will broaden your experience and problem-solving abilities. Document your successful projects, perhaps with 'before and after' photos, to build a professional portfolio. Over time, consistent high-quality work will lead to positive word-of-mouth referrals and a strong professional network within the industry.
Explore options for becoming a specialist in a particular type of roofing or moving into a team leader or supervisory position.
With significant experience, you might choose to specialise in a particular type of roofing that is less common, such as lead working, conservation roofing for historic buildings, or installation of solar roofing systems. Alternatively, if you have good leadership and organisational skills, you could aim for a supervisory role such as a 'Foreman' or 'Site Supervisor'. This involves overseeing teams, managing project timelines, ensuring safety compliance, and coordinating with clients and other trades. Further management training or qualifications might be beneficial for this path.
If you aspire to run your own roofing company, develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your services, target market, and financial projections.
Your business plan should include details on the types of roofing services you'll offer (e.g., repairs, new installations, specific materials), your pricing strategy, and how you plan to market your services. Research your local competition and identify your unique selling proposition. Outline your startup costs, including tools, vehicle, insurance, and initial marketing, and project your revenue. Consider seeking advice from business support organisations or mentors with experience in the construction sector.
Formally establish your business by registering it, securing necessary insurance, and acquiring essential equipment.
This involves registering your business with Companies House or as a sole trader with HMRC. You'll need public liability insurance, and potentially employer's liability insurance if you plan to hire staff. Invest in high-quality tools and a reliable work vehicle. Create a professional brand identity, including a business name, logo, and contact information. Setting up clear invoicing and accounting systems from the start will save you a lot of hassle down the line. Becoming a member of an industry body like the NFRC can also lend credibility to your new venture.
Actively promote your roofing services to attract clients and establish a strong reputation in the local market.
Utilise various marketing channels such as creating a professional website, social media presence (showcasing your work), local advertising (e.g., flyers, local newspapers, online directories), and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals. Provide excellent customer service and high-quality workmanship on every job to build a strong reputation. As your business grows, consider expanding your team by taking on apprentices or experienced roofers, and continuously investing in new equipment or training to keep your services competitive and up-to-date.
Scaffolders erect temporary metal structures (scaffolding) to provide safe access and working platforms for construction and maintenance projects, often working closely with roofers.
Builders and bricklayers construct and repair walls, foundations, and other structures using bricks, blocks, and other materials, forming the structural elements that roofers then work upon.
Plasterers apply plaster, render, and other finishes to interior and exterior walls and ceilings, contributing to the internal finishing of buildings once the roof provides protection.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Roofer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
You can get into this job through:
You can take a college course which will teach you some of the skills you'll need to get a trainee position with a roofing company.
You could do a course in roof slating and tiling or roof sheeting and cladding.
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could do a Roofer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This can take up to 2 years to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.
You'll usually need:
You could work as a roofing labourer or 'mate' and do further training while you work to get a roofing qualification.
You can find out more about becoming a roofer from Go Construct and House Building Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2026 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
