Roofing can be a demanding job on the body and the mind. There are plenty of roofing types out there, each with its own pros and cons. Each type of job will need to prioritize which roofing type is used, as commercial jobs may require different products than residential jobs. Every project will have its own challenges and complexities, so, like any other type of construction, problem solving is just as involved in the work as is the actual labor itself.

Depending on the job type, a roofer could install any number of roofing types. If it's a commercial or industrial job, chances are that the roof area is large. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) are just a few of the options out there for these types of roofs. If you're on a job where an architectural and engineering team is involved, the roofing type will already be chosen for you and for specific reasons. As a roofer, it's helpful to bring your expertise on any given product to the owner and the design team's attention to prevent issues during or after the roof is installed.

When roofers work on residential projects, they are usually contracted directly by the owner with no attached design team. The roofing material can be chosen by an owner but can also be chosen through the assistance of the contractor. As a roofer, it is your job to inform the owner of the best options available for their circumstances. The roof area, budget, climate, building design, and project schedule may all point to one roofing material that works best for the job and the client. Having a comprehensive understanding of asphalt shingles is great for the standard residential home, but an understanding of all materials will make for a well-rounded roofer.

Roofing is not a cut-and-paste line of work. Some building designs can be complicated and require multiple points of flashing and custom detailing to get the job done. A certain level of craft is required to become a versatile roofer capable of working multiple project types. Experience is key to honing this craft.

In acquiring experience, roofers will need to employ good safety precautions during all jobs. Roofing is a physically arduous task, and when fatigue sets in, mistakes can be made that could lead to dangerous consequences. Safety harnesses for roof tie-offs, hardhats, eyewear, and the proper tools are required to make any job go smoothly and protect the roofers involved.

Intelligent decisions on roofing materials, construction and craft skills, and habitual safety measures will make for roofers that create quality projects in the construction market for decades to come. Contact a roofing company to learn more.