Roofer

Learn how to prepare and apply protective coverings to flat and sloped roof surfaces in accordance with construction plans and specifications.

If you want a career where you are physically active, working with your hands and being outdoors, you'll enjoy working as a roofer. Roofers will work on flat roofs (primarily commercial and industrial buildings) and sloped residential roofs.

For flat roofs, you will use a variety of substances and systems which include conventional roof systems (hot-applied asphalt), elastomeric roof membrane systems (rubber-like properties), thermoplastic roof membrane systems and modified bitumen roof membrane system (asphalt and plastic).

For sloped residential roofs, you'll work with shingles made of asphalt or fibreglass, concrete, clay, rubber, slate, wood shakes or metal. You'll apply membranes, fibreglass or felt over parts of the surface before applying shingles, nail shingles in overlapping rows, cement or nail flashing over the joints around vent pipes or chimney and cover exposed nail heads with cement to prevent rust and water leakage.

As a roofer, you may also inspect problem roofs to determine the best procedures for repairing them, estimate materials required and quote costs, repair older roofs, waterproof roofs, basements, foundations, plaza decks or parkades, install green/vegetated roof components and incorporate new future roofing technology (for example, conventional and non-conventional solar roofing technology).

This is a non-compulsory trade – individuals can work in the trade without certification if the employer deems the individual to have the skills of a journeyperson. However, individuals who are working in the trade and learning the trade must become a registered apprentice.

Is this the right fit for me?

Students who have the following characteristics see greater success in the roofing trade:

• good eye-hand coordination, strength and stamina to carry heavy materials
• be sure-footed and able to work at heights
• be partial to working outdoors
• the ability to work as a part of a team
• a commitment to safe working conditions

Credentials

Upon successfully completing the required working hours and technical training periods, graduates will be awarded journeyperson status by Alberta’s Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

Roofers are a Red Seal Endorsed trade – a recognizable standard that allows tradespeople to work across Canada.