Roofing contractors are, without a doubt, some of the most critical assets to our society. Every building needs a roof, and every roof needs a skilled contractor to build and maintain it. As a result, a career in roofing is a highly lucrative one.
However, there are numerous steps towards getting your roofing license and becoming a certified roofing contractor. We'll break down each type of license and what industry they're used for in this post. We'll also touch a bit on why becoming a roofing contractor is an excellent career choice.
What Do Roofing Contractors Do Exactly?
In short, roofers are responsible for removing, replacing, and repairing roofs on commercial and residential properties. As a professional roofer, you can either be self-employed or work with a larger construction firm. Roofers may be in charge of installing a roof on an entirely new structure or repairing an older room on a neighborhood home.
One reason why roofers are so valuable is that there's always a new job. No matter the season, people need their roofs. So, roofers can work all year round and earn a pretty decent living.
Roofers will not only do the construction, but they are also in charge of selecting the tools and building materials for the project. As a result, many successful roofing contractors have a background in carpentry. In addition, the construction plans have to be in accordance with the structure's original design.
What Kind of License Does a Roofing Contractor Need?
There isn't an industry-wide roofing license that allows you to work in any job. The construction industry is one of the most heavily regulated job sectors in the United States. What's more, every state has its own certification requirements and regulations for roofing contractors. So, you'll need to have a license to conduct work legally in your state.
To work on residential properties, you need to obtain a state-verified certification or Residential Roofing License. Some states offer an Unlimited Roofing License that allows you to work on both residential and commercial structures. Most states require a license at a state level, and others need a contractor license at all levels.
So, what does this all mean to you? Considering most states require a Residential Roofing License, you can start to learn more about your state's regulations for obtaining a license.
Here's some information about the stuff you'll need to get your license:
- Proof of unemployment insurance
- Proof of worker's compensation
- Proof that you've passed your residential or commercial exam
- Proof of property and liability insurance
Preparing for Your Roofing License
One of the best ways you can prepare for passing your roofing license exam and get your license is to purchase all the study materials your state offers for the exam. There are also several exam prep classes you can take to give you a good idea of what to expect from the real thing.
The third parties that offer prep classes often have a deep understanding of the industry and the licensing process, so they provide a wide range of resources to prepare you for becoming a licensed roofing contractor.
What's more, most of these prep classes are done online, so you can study all the license materials without leaving your home. Although the prep classes and exams don't have the same questions on the actual exam, the questions are extremely similar. This should give you a good boost of confidence when it's time to take the exam and get your license.
Training and Education
One of the first things you need to start your career is training. You can seek entry-level employment jobs, apprenticeships, or courses so that you can get some hands-on experience in the industry. During your training, you'll learn all the necessary skills and safety requirements. You'll also learn about the various pieces of equipment and materials you'll be working with daily.
Besides your roofing license, there aren't any formal educational requirements to become a roofing contractor. However, having a background in mechanics, blueprint design, carpentry, and other construction-related subjects can give you an edge when applying for positions.
You can apply to these classes at trade schools in your area. Furthermore, having these skills and your license will open up numerous other opportunities in the construction industry if you plan to build a long-term career.
Personal Characteristics
No matter what kind of work you want to partake in, the job requires some personal characteristics to be successful. For example, roofing companies typically want dependable, detail-oriented, collective thinking individuals who have a general desire to help others.
Homeowners and businesses rely on roofers to protect the integrity of their property. What's more, you need to be able to work together with other roofing contractors to get the job done quickly and effectively. Roofers also need to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. Some of the job requirements are to strap on harnesses and scale buildings, so having strength and endurance can go a long way.
To be a roofing contractor, you have to be inclined to work in harsh weather conditions. For example, during the summer, you may have to put up with some brutal heat. On the other hand, some roofing jobs may be in the rain or snow.
Why Choose To Become a Roofing Contractor?
While roofing isn't typically the first career choice for the general public, it can become an extremely lucrative business if done right. The job offers a wide range of benefits, and you learn numerous valuable skills throughout your career. Furthermore, you become an extremely valuable member of society.
Here are some of the top benefits of becoming a roofing contractor:
Lots of Fresh Air
Who doesn't love being outdoors? If working in an office behind a computer isn't for you, then perhaps consider being a roofing contractor. You get plenty of sunshine, great views, and a ton of fresh air. What's more, you get to work on different job sites for each project.
Promising Career Opportunities
While being a roofing contractor is a fantastic career alone, you can also open yourself up to various other exciting careers in the future. During your time as a roofer, you'll learn several technical skills and requirements needed in a wide variety of industries. You can go on to open your own business or get more senior-level positions at large construction firms.
Low-Stress Work
It may not seem like it from the surface, but working in roofing is relatively low-stress. Since you get to use your hands and constantly perform physical activities, your body relieves stress on the job. As a result, several roofing contractors claim they love their job and wouldn't trade it for any other career.
Consistent Work
One of the most significant challenges of being self-employed is finding consistent jobs to maintain your lifestyle. With roofing, there seems to be a never-ending flow of jobs. Everyone needs their roof, so you'll be the one they call whenever there's a problem. Even if you live in a small town, you can guarantee there's someone that will eventually need your services.
The Bottom Line
No doubt, a career in roofing is a fulfilling one. Getting your state requirements and licenses out of the way may take some time, but it will all be worth it in the end. As long as you stay patient and persistent, there's no reason you can't be a successful roofing contractor.
If you want to get your certification as a roofing contractor, we offer exam resources and study materials for roofing exams in Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi to help you take the exam and get your license. Feel free to get in touch with one of our friendly team members if you have any questions.