A Day in the Life of a Roofer: What It Takes to Build a Roof

When you see a finished roof, it’s easy to admire its clean lines, sturdy structure, and the way it complements a home.
But what you don’t see is the hard work, precision, and teamwork that goes into building it.
Roofing is not just a job—it’s a craft, a discipline, and, let’s be honest, a workout.

Let’s take a closer look at what a day in the life of a roofer looks like and what it really takes to build a roof.

Early Start: Planning the Day

Roofers are early risers. The day often begins before the sun is fully up, with a team meeting to review the day’s project.

• The Game Plan: The crew leader goes over the scope of work, safety protocols, and the materials needed. This is where the team ensures everyone knows their role—whether it’s tearing off the old roof, installing underlayment, or laying shingles.
• Loading Up: Trucks are loaded with shingles, nails, tools, and safety equipment. Every item is checked because forgetting something can mean costly delays.

Morning: Tear-Off and Prep Work

Once on-site, the first task is usually tearing off the old roof. This is where the real physical labor begins.

• Tear-Off: Using tools like roofing shovels and pry bars, the crew removes the old shingles, underlayment, and nails. It’s messy, dusty work, but it’s crucial to start with a clean slate.
• Inspection: After the tear-off, the decking (the wooden base of the roof) is inspected for damage. Any rotted or weakened sections are replaced to ensure the new roof has a solid foundation.
• Underlayment Installation: A waterproof barrier, like synthetic underlayment or ice and water shield, is installed to protect the roof from leaks. This step is all about precision—any gaps or overlaps can compromise the roof’s integrity.

Midday: The Roofing Process

As the day heats up, the crew moves on to the main event: installing the new roof.

• Shingle Installation: Shingles are laid row by row, starting at the bottom edge of the roof and working upward. Each shingle is nailed down with precision to ensure proper alignment and wind resistance.
• Ventilation and Flashing: Roof vents are installed to allow proper airflow, which prevents moisture buildup and extends the life of the roof. Flashing is added around chimneys, skylights, and valleys to prevent water infiltration.
• Teamwork: Roofing is a team effort. While one crew member might be cutting shingles to fit around edges, another is nailing them down, and another is cleaning up debris to keep the site safe and organized.

Afternoon: Attention to Detail

As the roof takes shape, the focus shifts to the finishing touches.

• Ridge Caps and Sealing: The ridge caps (the shingles that cover the roof’s peak) are installed, and all seams are sealed to ensure the roof is watertight.
• Cleanup: The crew meticulously cleans the site, using magnetic sweepers to pick up nails and ensuring no debris is left behind. A clean site isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety for the homeowners and their neighbors.

End of Day: Wrapping Up

Before leaving the site, the crew does a final walkthrough to ensure everything is up to standard.

• Quality Check: The crew leader inspects the roof to ensure every shingle is properly aligned, every nail is secure, and every vent and flashing is sealed.
• Customer Interaction: If the homeowner is present, the project manager might walk them through the completed work, answering any questions and ensuring they’re satisfied.
• Planning for Tomorrow: If the project isn’t finished, the team discusses what’s left to do and prepares for the next day.

What It Takes to Be a Roofer

Roofing isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires physical strength, endurance, and a keen eye for detail. But beyond the technical skills, it also demands:

• Teamwork: A successful roofing crew operates like a well-oiled machine, with each member relying on the others to get the job done safely and efficiently.
• Problem-Solving: Every roof is different, and unexpected challenges—like hidden damage or tricky angles—require quick thinking and adaptability.
• Pride in Craftsmanship: Roofers take pride in their work, knowing that they’re not just building a roof—they’re protecting a home and the family inside it.

Final Thoughts

A day in the life of a roofer is demanding, rewarding, and anything but boring.
It’s a job that combines skill, strength, and a commitment to quality.
So the next time you look up at a roof, remember the hard work and dedication that went into building it.

Thinking about a new roof? Contact MARASUN today to experience the craftsmanship and care that goes into every project we take on.
Let us protect your home with a roof built to last.