Why be a residential roofer?

On the off chance that you were pondering why you might want to apply for a job as a roofer, I’m going to give you a few great reasons.

You’ll always have a great story to tell.

Here’s my roofing story. The first time my feet ever left the ground was to install T-lock shingles on a barn roof that looked something like this —–>>

I was a scrawny little 155lb kid (okay, I was in my mid 20’s).  My last job had been selling Kirby vacuum cleaners.  What did I know about T-locks? Or better yet, what did I know about scaling a gambrel style barn roof 45′ in the air?  Each bundle weighed 85lbs–and if you do the math, that’s almost 2/3 of my own weight.  Well, Brian had me carry those bundles up ladders, and across toe boards nailed to the roof, and lay them out so that he could nail them down. Looking back, I can’t say whether my skinny legs shook more from the fear of being up that high or from the weight of the shingles!

No one will ever question how tough you are.

The number one reason that folks don’t get jobs in construction is that they just may not be tough enough.  I assure you, when you interview for any construction job, they guy interviewing you is sizing you up.  All that he’s thinking about is, “Can this kid hack it?”  Well the answer is roofing.  Get roofing on your resume and no one will ever again question whether or not you can handle yourself on a construction job.

You get the best views

I can tell you that as much as it sometimes scared the snot out of me, the feeling of accomplishment, of having conquered…it’s difficult to explain, but sitting up on that ridge, looking out over the fray––you just feel really good!

Of course the main reason to be a Roofer is because it is a skilled trade you can be proud of

Make no mistake about it, roofing is 90% finesse and skill.  Sure, you’ll likely do a lot of asphalt shingles, but advance in the trade and you’ll work with slate, tile, cedar, and copper. You’ll flash curbs, walls, and chimneys.  If you’re serious about your craft then you’ll study Building Science.  You’ll learn about the building “envelope” and how to control heat, moisture and energy.

The Artisan Roofer is a noble trade.  Apply for a job as a Roofer today.

**Just for fun, go read The Confessions of a Sissy Roofer

**Photo credit to Just Two Farm Kids