Roof sheeting and cladding operative

Roofing operatives work on the protective layers of a building which separate the inside from the elements using a range of materials, methods and structures.

The Role

Roof, sheeting and cladding operative

Making buildings waterproof by covering the roof (sheeting) and walls (cladding).
using drawings and specifications to decide the type and amount of materials needed
knowing building regulations
hoisting and placing coverings
sealing the joints
installing insulation
fitting features such as roof lights

Roof slater and tiler

Installing and repairing all the waterproof coverings
Applying slates or tiles to a designed framework, such as the roof of a house
Understanding drawings and specifications to know what materials to use
Fixing underlay, insulation and roof coverings in place
Repairing old or faulty roofing
Making sure any new covering is weatherproof

Roof slater and tiler (heritage specialist)

Working on roofs ranging from Victorian terraced houses to ancient churches
Using the handmade materials of earlier eras, including clay tiles and different types of natural stone or slate
Working with historic buildings and learn conservation aspects of roofing from the beginning

Hard metal and cladding roofer

Creating decorative designs and functional metal items such as roofs and gutters
Working across the construction industry on heritage, commercial, industrial and housing projects
Putting a knowledge of design theory to work through their practical skills in shaping and forming the metal

Single-ply roofer

Applying a waterproof layer of flexible synthetic material to a roof to keep the inside of the building dry – and make the outside more stylish
Creating unusual shapes on roofs
Using an insulating material secured with ballast, mechanical fasteners or adhesive
Seal joints between sheets to make them watertight
Fit roof lights
Inspect roof problems
Find the best way to repair them
Install vapour barriers or layers of insulation
Work out the amount of materials and labour needed

Built-up felt roofer

Bonding layers of felt to a roof to form a watertight covering that will keep the interior of the building dry
Sealing joints between sheets to make them watertight
Applying alternate layers of materials on roofs
Pouring hot asphalt or tar to roof basesmay
Glazing top layers to make a smooth finish
Embedding gravel in the bitumen for rough surfaces
Installing vapour barriers and/or layers of insulation on the roof decks of flat roofs

Leading hand/chargehand

In charge of a team of between two and five roof slaters and tilers
Making sure the work their team does is good quality
People become chargehands after gaining experience and knowledge of the skills used in roof slating and tiling

Roofing surveyor

Making sure all roofs are built properly on a construction project
Involved from start to finish and usually based in the office or factory
Estimating costs and budgets
Planning schedules (and seeing they’re followed)
Drafting plans and details for craftspeople
Helping clients, architects, builders and surveyors in the construction of a roof structure

Roofing consultant

Experts in everything to do with roofs and give advice to other construction workers
This is a senior career and a roofing consultant only takes on the role when he or she has gained significant experience in the roofing industry
A consultant must be impartial when it comes to roof design, roofing installation, contract procedure, installation methods, legal testimony and general roof management

Salary

Newly trained roofing operatives can earn in the region of £12,000+
Trained with experience roofing operatives can earn in the region of £15,000 - £25,000
Senior/master crafts roofing operatives can earn in the region of £25,000 - £32,000

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, and the amount of overtime worked. Self-employed roofing operatives set their own pay rates.

Qualifications and Training

There are no formal requirements to hold qualifications for this career but it helps to have GCSEs, Welsh Baccalaureate, WJEC GCSE, BTECs or Standard Grades/Scottish Nationals.

With on-the-job and off-the-job training, you would work towards a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) or National Vocational Qualification (NVQ in Cladding Occupations (Construction): Roof, Sheeting and Cladding at Levels 2 and 3 (SCQF levels 4 and 5).

The Roofing Industry Alliance has a RIA Roof Training Prospectus with further guidance on qualification routes and training requirements.

Employers such as construction companies and construction agencies often look for people with some on-site experience. If you haven’t worked in construction before, you can start off as a roofing labourer. Your employer might then train you in roofing techniques.

Many roofing operatives start out as apprentices with a roofing or building firm. To search for apprenticeship vacancies in your area, visit the Government's vacancy matching site, or in Wales, Careers Wales.

Alternatively, you can do a college course to learn roofing skills, though employers will still want to see you’ve had experience on a site.

Career trends and forecasts

43,830

total people needed

According to the latest Construction Skills Network research, the UK construction industry will need an additional 43,830 roofers every year for the period 2017 - 2021. The highest demand for these construction jobs in the UK will be in the North West followed by South West, Yorkshire & Humber, East England, North East, Wales and South East.

Roofing Operative

The Role