Roofer

Roofer handles the described job steps and this page stores 23 real tasks for learning. Each entry explains typical timing, collaborators, and common trade-offs. Each one shows where we found it, and comes with an AI prompt you can copy and use straight away.

23evidenced tasks
23ready prompts
8tools of the trade
47-2181.00O*NET-SOC code
135,490hold this job (US, BLS 2025)
$55,440median pay/yr (US)
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What it pays

Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.

Half of all Roofers in the U.S. earn more than $55,440 a year — the middle 80% land between $37,460 and $81,720. About 135,490 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Roofers”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Craft and related trades workers earn about ₹16,825 a month on average — around ₹2.0 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$55,440typical pay / year
135,490people in this work
$81,720+top 10% earn
₹2.0 lakha year in India (family avg)
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The work, task by task

These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.

Fixing6

Apply roofing materials

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Apply new asphalt shingles and underlayment across the south slope, stagger courses toward the eave, fasten…
Apply new asphalt shingles and underlayment across the south slope, stagger courses toward the eave, fasten at manufacturer spacing, seal all flashing and ridge caps, keep walkways clear, and log progress and leftover materials before quitting at 4pm.
The tools that do the workjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia

Make repairs to roofs

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Patch the leaking valley on the two-story house at 412 Maple, remove damaged shingles and rotten decking,…
Patch the leaking valley on the two-story house at 412 Maple, remove damaged shingles and rotten decking, install new underlayment and flashing, rivet and seal joints, then run a water test and photograph the repair for the homeowner.
The tools that do the workASR Software TopView MEjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia

Install new roofing systems

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Install the full roofing system on the new garage: lay breathable underlayment, install starter strip,…
Install the full roofing system on the new garage: lay breathable underlayment, install starter strip, shingle courses with vents and drip edge, set ridge cap and verify all fasteners meet spec, then sweep site and collect waste for disposal.
The tools that do the workAppliCad Roof WizardESCOjob descriptionsO*NET

Install roofs of buildings

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Install the pitched roof on the commercial unit: construct roof framing to plans, deck with plywood, apply…
Install the pitched roof on the commercial unit: construct roof framing to plans, deck with plywood, apply vapor barrier and battens, fit tiles to alignment lines, secure eaves and install gutters, then record measurements and punchlist any shortages.
The tools that do the workCADAFISESCOjob descriptionsWikipedia

Maintain existing roofs

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Inspect the apartment block roof, clear debris from drains, reseal failed flashings, replace cracked tiles…
Inspect the apartment block roof, clear debris from drains, reseal failed flashings, replace cracked tiles and re-bed ridge mortar where necessary, log condition photos, and schedule a follow-up for moss treatment next month.
The tools that do the workEnergy cost evaluationjob descriptionsO*NET

Apply waterproof coatings

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Apply liquid waterproof membrane to the flat roof at 88 High Street: prepare surface, prime as needed, roll…
Apply liquid waterproof membrane to the flat roof at 88 High Street: prepare surface, prime as needed, roll two coats to manufacturer thickness with reinforced corners around vents, inspect for pinholes, and leave curing barricades for 24 hours.
The tools that do the workASR Software LWC-Plusjob descriptionsO*NET
The daily work17

Install skylights and vents

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Install two curb-mounted skylights and two ventilator caps on the south slope at 14:00 Friday: cut openings…
Install two curb-mounted skylights and two ventilator caps on the south slope at 14:00 Friday: cut openings to the marked dimensions, fit and flash curbs, seal with continuous flashing and appropriate sealant, inspect the attic for leaks before cleanup and sign off the installation sheet.
The tools that do the workASR Software TopView MEjob descriptionsO*NET

Install green technologies such as vegetative roofs

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Build and install a modular vegetative roof on the west flat at the clinic by next Thursday, verify load…
Build and install a modular vegetative roof on the west flat at the clinic by next Thursday, verify load capacity, install root barrier and drainage mat, place growing medium and sedum mats, water-test drains and edge flashing.
The tools that do the workEnergy cost evaluationO*NETWikipedia

Transport equipment and materials

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Load truck today at 07:30 with plywood, shingles, nails, tarps and scaffold sections for the 1200 Elm job,…
Load truck today at 07:30 with plywood, shingles, nails, tarps and scaffold sections for the 1200 Elm job, secure loose gear with ratchet straps, deliver to site by 08:15 and unpack to the staging area with safety cones.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsWikipedia

Cement or nail flashing strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.

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Fit and fasten continuous metal flashing along the chimney and valley, nail through ledger into solid…
Fit and fasten continuous metal flashing along the chimney and valley, nail through ledger into solid decking, bed lower edges in roofing cement, rivet overlapping joints, then test with a water run-off check.
The tools that do the workAppliCad Roof WizardO*NET

Punch holes in slate, tile, terra cotta, or wooden shingles, using punches and hammers.

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Punch mounting holes in replacement slate to match existing roof pattern, using center punch and mallet to…
Punch mounting holes in replacement slate to match existing roof pattern, using center punch and mallet to avoid cracking, coat holes with roofing cement, then set and secure slates with copper nails.
The tools that do the workCADAFISO*NET

Estimate material needs

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Measure the north and south slopes, calculate waste and overlaps, produce a material takeoff for shingles,…
Measure the north and south slopes, calculate waste and overlaps, produce a material takeoff for shingles, underlayment, nails and flashing and price it for Monday’s subcontractor bid.
The tools that do the workASR Software TopView MEMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions

Estimate costs for roofing projects

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Prepare a measured takeoff from the site notes and roof sketches, list labor hours, tear-off and disposal,…
Prepare a measured takeoff from the site notes and roof sketches, list labor hours, tear-off and disposal, underlayment, flashing, shingles and fasteners with unit rates, then produce a client quote with a 15% contingency for unknowns.
The tools that do the workAppliCad Roof WizardMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions

Work safely at heights

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Draft a written safe-work plan for the job at 24 Oak Street: fall-arrest arrangements, scaffold and ladder…
Draft a written safe-work plan for the job at 24 Oak Street: fall-arrest arrangements, scaffold and ladder set-up, PPE checklist, rescue procedure, and who supervises each shift, to sign before mobilising.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptions

Use hand and power tools

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Create a tool and equipment register for the crew: list each hand and power tool, inspection date, assigned…
Create a tool and equipment register for the crew: list each hand and power tool, inspection date, assigned operator, consumables needed, and next maintenance reminder so foreman can brief the team each morning.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions

Follow building regulations

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Compile a compliance dossier for 12-unit development: cite applicable building code clauses, list inspections…
Compile a compliance dossier for 12-unit development: cite applicable building code clauses, list inspections required, record product certifications for membranes and fixings, and produce a checklist for the building inspector.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordDigiTools Roof CADjob descriptions

Create decorative metal items

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Plan a set of small bespoke copper finials and gutter covers: sketch dimensions from the moulding at site,…
Plan a set of small bespoke copper finials and gutter covers: sketch dimensions from the moulding at site, list sheet sizes, edge profiles, soldering and fixings, and cost the fabrication and install time for approval.
The tools that do the workCADAFISjob descriptions

Work on heritage or cultural buildings

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Prepare a conservation method statement for the church roof: record original materials and joinery, propose…
Prepare a conservation method statement for the church roof: record original materials and joinery, propose like-for-like repairs, source matching slate and lead, list conservation techniques, and get sign-off from the conservation officer.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordDigiTools Roof CADjob descriptions

Work with insulation, sheet metal, and vapor barriers

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Fit the insulation boards, set the sheet metal flashings and seal all laps of the vapor barrier on the south…
Fit the insulation boards, set the sheet metal flashings and seal all laps of the vapor barrier on the south wing roof section, inspect seams with the smoke test, and report any failed joints to Karim by noon for remedial cutting.
The tools that do the workDigiTools Roof CADWikipedia

Install rainwater harvesting systems

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Layout and fix the rainwater header, fit downpipe outlets through the parapet, install the 5,000‑litre tank…
Layout and fix the rainwater header, fit downpipe outlets through the parapet, install the 5,000‑litre tank at the north yard, and run a test downpour to confirm inlet filters and overflow route work before handing to Maria in procurement for invoice.
The tools that do the workEnergy cost evaluationWikipedia

Climb and work at heights

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Erect edge protection, set two harness anchor points, climb the west slope to replace three ridge tiles,…
Erect edge protection, set two harness anchor points, climb the west slope to replace three ridge tiles, carry out tie‑off checks every hour and log the safety checks on the site sheet before leaving at knock‑off.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia

Bend and kneel during roofing tasks

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Prepare knee pads and adjustable brackets, bend the metal apron to the roof pitch, and work from the eaves…
Prepare knee pads and adjustable brackets, bend the metal apron to the roof pitch, and work from the eaves inward alternating knees and standing so my back holds up through the six‑hour slate run, pausing for a stretch every 45 minutes.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia

Cover it with a weatherproof layer

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Lay the breathable underlay, roll out the membrane across the valley, nail the battens, and apply the final…
Lay the breathable underlay, roll out the membrane across the valley, nail the battens, and apply the final weatherproof layer across the south bay ensuring 150mm overlaps and sealed edges before I sign off with the client.
The tools that do the workDigiTools Roof CADESCO

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Activities this job lives in

The human activities behind the tasks — each with its honest AI ceiling.

The logs, files & records this job keeps

Shared with other careers — the same record means something different in each.

Related careers

Same family of work — each with its own tasks and prompts.

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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses