Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Roofer
What roofers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Meet the crew at the shop, load materials and review the job and weather. From there, the day usually includes tear off old roofing and inspect the roof deck, replace damaged sheathing and install underlayment, and install flashing around chimneys, vents and valleys. Most roofers work full-time, with long days during the busy season and less work in rain or freezing weather. Storm damage can bring overtime.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a roofer working full time.
- Meet the crew at the shop, load materials and review the job and weather.
- Set up roof anchors, harnesses and ladders, and tarp landscaping below.
- Tear off old shingles and underlayment into a dumpster.
- Replace two sheets of rotted decking and install ice and water shield in the valleys.
- Install synthetic underlayment, drip edge and starter strip.
- Shingle the main roof, working up from the eaves with the correct nail pattern.
- Install ridge cap and flashing, run a magnet for nails and clean up.
Where roofers work
Roofers work outdoors on residential and commercial roofs in heat, cold and wind. The job involves climbing, kneeling, lifting bundles and working at heights. Hot-asphalt and torch-applied systems add burn hazards.
Hours and schedule
Most roofers work full-time, with long days during the busy season and less work in rain or freezing weather. Storm damage can bring overtime.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Tear off old roofing and inspect the roof deck
- Replace damaged sheathing and install underlayment
- Install flashing around chimneys, vents and valleys
- Lay shingles, metal panels, tile or membrane roofing
- Seal seams and penetrations to prevent leaks
- Set up and use fall protection systems
- Clean up the site and haul away debris
Tools you’ll use every day
- Pneumatic roofing nailers
- Roofing hatchets and utility knives
- Harnesses, lifelines and roof anchors
- Metal brakes and snips
- Heat welders and torches for membranes
- Ladders and material hoists
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Start working right away with on-the-job training
- Steady demand from repairs and storm damage
- Clear path to foreman or contractor
- Visible results every day
What’s hard
- Among the most dangerous construction jobs because of falls
- Hot, exhausting summer work
- Seasonal and weather-dependent hours
- Hard on knees and back
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I’m comfortable working on rooftops and ladders
- I like hard physical work outdoors
- I don’t mind heat and changing weather
- I want to start earning right away
- I take safety rules seriously
- I like seeing a finished project at the end of the day
Not sure? Take the free Roofer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use fall protection whenever you work on a roof or near an edge
- Keep ladders secured, extended three feet above the landing and set at the right angle
- Stay hydrated and take breaks in hot weather
- Watch for overhead power lines when moving ladders and materials