How to Become a Roofer

How to Become a Roofer

What Does Becoming a Roofer Actually Mean?

Becoming a roofer means working at height to install, repair, and maintain roofs on homes, offices, and industrial buildings. It’s not just hammering tiles or laying felt — it’s about knowing how to keep a building weatherproof, structurally sound, and safe. Roofers work with everything from slates and tiles to flat roofing membranes and lead sheeting. It’s physically demanding, skilled manual labour that requires good balance, strength, and the ability to work safely in all kinds of weather.

How Does It All Work?

In the UK, you don’t need a formal licence to be a roofer, but proper training is essential if you want to work professionally, get insured, and win contracts. The most common route is through an apprenticeship — typically a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Roofing Occupations, which covers pitched and flat roofing systems, health and safety, and proper use of tools and materials.

You can also study at a college offering construction-based courses, but many roofers learn directly on the job. If you're starting from scratch, applying as a roofing labourer and learning the ropes while working alongside experienced tradesmen is a common and realistic route.

Health and safety training is essential. You’ll need a CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card to work on most sites, and further training like Working at Height or Manual Handling may be required by employers.

Once qualified and confident, many roofers go self-employed or start their own small businesses. The work can include residential jobs, commercial sites, emergency call-outs, and renovation projects — with each job bringing its own set of challenges.

Understanding the Life of a Roofer

Roofing is a tough but rewarding trade. Your days start early and involve climbing, lifting, kneeling, and working on scaffolding or ladders. You’ll be reading plans, calculating materials, stripping off old roofs, installing new coverings, and making sure everything’s watertight. You’ll also be working in all weather — cold, heat, rain — and you’ll need the right kit and mindset to stay safe and effective.

Roofers often work in teams, so good communication and coordination are key. Jobs can be noisy, dusty, and physically draining, but there’s satisfaction in seeing a project take shape and knowing your work protects the structure below.

You’ll need to manage tools, materials, and schedules, especially if you're self-employed. That also means quoting jobs, dealing with customers, and managing the business side — things that separate reliable tradespeople from those who struggle to find regular work.

Possible Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Roofer

The big plus with roofing is that it’s always in demand. Every building needs a roof, and repairs are inevitable, especially in the UK’s wet and windy climate. Once you’ve got skills and experience, the earning potential is solid — particularly if you specialise in areas like leadwork, heritage roofing, or flat roof systems.

The downsides? It’s physically demanding and potentially dangerous if proper safety practices aren’t followed. Working at height isn’t for everyone, and the weather can make or break your week. You’ll also need to look after your body — the job can take a toll on knees, back, and shoulders over time.

Summary

Becoming a roofer in the UK is a solid, hands-on career choice for those who don’t mind hard graft, heights, and the outdoors. It doesn’t require a degree, but it does demand proper training, a strong work ethic, and serious attention to safety. If you’re ready to learn the trade, build your experience, and commit to doing reliable work, roofing can offer long-term stability, decent pay, and the satisfaction of doing something real — one roof at a time.