Profile -- by Natasha Acker

If you have a good sense of balance, the ability to work in high places, like to be outside and get lots of overtime this is the job for you! Just get a work pouch, a hammer, a utility knife, work boots, a harness (tie-off ropes) and make the call to a roofing company in your area!

The roofer's work hours are very dependent on the weather, being that the work is outside. Typically, a roofer's day begins at dawn and can end at dusk if the weather is good. Most roofers are employed by roofing contractors on construction or repair jobs.

Terry McDougall (not real name) has been a roofer with GAF, a roofing company in Edmonton, for over two years. Terry began roofing as a summer job in Quebec. After completing high school, he continued roofing full-time. Since then, he has moved to Alberta and registered as an apprentice. He has completed his second year with the goal of becoming a roofing contractor.

Roofers may advance to supervisory positions or become contractors themselves. Alberta certified journeyperson roofers who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

As a roofer apprentice, Terry's typical day starts at 6am on the job site. He collects all the tools he may need for the day and puts them in his work pouch before climbing up to the roof of the house. He then cleans the roof off to prepare it for laying down hot bitumen. After the hot bitumen is set, he then takes measurements to determine where the shingles will begin and makes chalk lines (as a guide to keep shingles in a straight row). The shingles are nailed on top of the bitumen where the lines are chalked. Depending on where the shingle has to be laid, the roofer may have to cut the shingles. Terry's day generally ends at 3pm but if the weather is good, the crew might stay until dark.

This occupation is less sensitive to economic changes than some construction trades because there is steady demand for repair work even if construction is slow. Roofs require replacement every 15 to 20 years depending on the system used. "As long as there are roofs out there, there will be a call for a roofer".

About 2,050 Albertans are employed in the Roofers and Shinglers occupational group which is expected to grow 2.5 to 3.5 per cent each year from 2006 to 2011 in Alberta. It is forecasted that 50 to 70 new positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

In 2005, Albertans in the Roofers and Shinglers occupational group working part-time or full-time earned from $21,500 to $103,500 a year. The average salary was $42,400 a year (2005 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey).

"When you are a roofer, your job load depends so much on the weather so you have to work as much as you can when the weather is good. There is a lot of overtime in my line of work".

Roofer - Video Profile.

Running Time Approx. 1:38 min/sec