Roofers Wanted: Those Afraid Of Heights Need Not Apply

The construction industry has been hit hard by the recession, with many experienced professionals out of work or willing to take on jobs for a huge pay cut, just to bring in some income. Roofers; however, haven't experienced the same crushing layoffs and lack of available work. Unlike other areas in the industry, it is one part of housing repair that cannot be put off for very long. Many workers who once specialized in other areas of construction are now choosing to pick up the trade to further supplement their earnings. While it can still be sluggish in the coming years for new apprenticeships and those just entering the business, if you have a reasonable amount of experience and aren't afraid of heights, it just might be the right career for you.

Roofers don't have an easy job, which is one reason why there will still be growth and demand in this field as opposed to other construction and repair jobs. Injury and even fatality rates are high with as many as 10 to 11 workers out of every 1000,000 dying due to job-related circumstances (much higher when compared with the average occupation). Roofers not only have to be sure-footed, but strong with a good lung capacity as they are required to haul heavy tools and materials up and down tall ladders for a large portion of the day. The climate and conditions of work can also be fierce, depending on the area. You may have to deal with oppressive heat that makes the tar stick to you or slippery ice threatening to knock you off the top of a building.

Roofers don't tend to have very long careers due to frequent injuries that result in periods of disability, ageing that affects their ability to perform the job, and the overall high physical demands of the field. So while it may not be a permanent position for most, due to frequent turnover, there is an increased opportunity to find temporary work and projects. Repair and replacement are needed regularly as well, even in residential areas, driving up demand. Wages can vary greatly by location, job, and experience. The lower end hovers around $12 to $13 an hour while those on the high end can expect to make as much as $28 hourly. Good health insurance is a must for this position due to the high risk of accidents.

The most common way of getting into the industry is by learning on the job. Many roofers get into it as a family trade or through friends and acquaintances. If you have difficulty finding an in-route, there are apprenticeships available, but those are usually taken by younger people who are new to the construction industry. If you want to start learning the trade early, most students in high school prepare by taking wood shop classes and focusing on carpentry, metalworking, or other related occupational classes. Most professionals work for contractors. However, it is possible to be self-employed or start your own company, but they generally work with residential housing rather than commercial buildings.