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What does it take to become a roofer

I am in high school and trying to start my own business in roofing. What steps do I need to take to get to that stage. #Roofer #Construction #high-school

high-school construction roofer
Thank you comment icon I have worked in the construction industry for nearly 50 years and today I am a Construction Project Manager. It is interesting that I started my career as a roofing labor. You must be strong to lift the materials, many times while climbing a ladder or scaffolding. It may take some time to get comfortable with the heights, but fall hazards are very unforgiving and you need to have someone who can teach you safety. I would suggest that you work with an established crew to start with your career. Learn the details and start with small residential projects before you look to branch out into flat roofs. I was lucky to have a cousin that ran a crew and he really looked out after me to keep me safe and teach me how to make money in roofing. I wish you luck and be safe. Glen Lewis, MBA, PMI - ACP
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William’s Answer

Hi Javen,
I was one of the lucky ones that had friends in High School that all navigated toward all the construction trades. We all started exploring the trades such as masonry, carpentry, roofing ,painting, drywall, etc. My roofing friend is a millionaire now and he started off learning how to install shingles for residential and commercial roofs. He developed cliental because he back up his work with a no leak guarantee, something he learned in business class. He diversified his business into doing flat roofs on building. He would research new protective materials and roof systems that was developing from Owens Corning, GAF, Atlas to name a few.
One thing about my friend though, he was not afraid of going on a 8/12 pitch roof. He had the abilities to run around a roof like a lion. the danger in that was not for me. I ended up painting this huge mansion of a house he built. I got a feeling you've already been expose to a bunch of roofer, which can be dangerous in it's self LOL! You have got the answer told to you in order, from all the fantastic advice from Jesse, Brent, Grant, Ted, and Glen Lewis.
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jesse’s Answer

Hey Javen,

For starters, you'll need a ladder. Just kidding, in order to start a business, I would recommend starting a LLC, required insurances, and equipment. But I believe that's jumping to far ahead. First, like mentioned earlier, an internship is best. Many times people think they know what they want to do, until they do it for some period of time. I would highly recommend staying in college and knocking out your core classes as a backup (Liberal Arts).

Then, during your internship, you can gain the knowledge to see what running a roofing company will entail. There are also classes in college that go over starting a small business and LLC's! Highly recommended. Good luck!
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Grant’s Answer

Hello, roofing is a good trade that will gain employment for you anywhere in the USA, I will speak to a few roofers for you in the early new year and will get you onto the right track to work in the trade.

I'll also contact a slate quarry and a tile maker and find out lots of information for you, and will make arrangements to get some new roofing tools sent to you as well, will log on here and check in early in the new year.

Have a great christmas there and be well


Grant
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ted’s Answer

I agree 100% with Brent. Work for a roofer or better yet several as you need to learn the best practices for providing good work. Some firms may teach you poor habits. If you do a bad job that requires you come back to fix things your profit will take a big hit. Try to learn as much about the cost estimates of a job from your roofing boss or Owner. Let them know you'd like to learn and help develop estimates. Many new construction firms, including roofing, are started by people who have been in the business in the past - particularly estimators who know what profit can be made in a field. And don't forget insurance - particularly when you or your people are on a roof.

Good luck and give yourself time to learn the business. It may be five years or so of education.
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Brent’s Answer

Hi Javen. First off, you need to have worked as a roofer. In fact, it is imperative that you have first worked in the field before you consider starting your own roofing business. I would also suggest getting some business training, maybe through your local community college. You may wish to work for a roofing company part-time while you are get your business education. I worked as a residential carpenter during my undergraduate degree to help pay the bills. It worked out well for me and I think you could certainly do something similar.

Hope that helps,

Brent

Brent recommends the following next steps:

1) Enroll in community college business courses/degree
2) Get part-time employment with a roofing company
3) Find out what is needed to start a business in your home state
4) Find out what is needed to become a licensed roofer
5) Start your business
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