Install, repair, and maintain the roofing systems that protect Ohio’s homes and businesses — from steep-slope shingles to low-slope membrane roofs — working at height across new construction and re-roofing jobs alike.
Roofers install, repair, and replace the roofing systems that keep water, wind, and weather out of Ohio’s homes, schools, and commercial buildings. Working from steep-slope shingles and slate to low-slope single-ply membrane systems, roofers cut and fit materials, seal joints and flashing, and apply insulation or waterproof coatings — often on ladders, scaffolding, or the roof deck itself, across new construction and re-roofing jobs alike.
- ✓ Cement or nail flashing strips of metal or shingle over joints to make them watertight.
- ✓ Inspect problem roofs to determine the best repair procedures.
- ✓ Set up scaffolding, ladders, or other equipment to provide safe access to roofs.
- ✓ Estimate materials and labor required to complete roofing jobs.
- ✓ Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs prior to applying roofing materials.
- ✓ Install partially overlapping layers of shingles or roofing material, using chalk lines or gauges to keep courses straight.
- ✓ Cut felt, shingles, or flashing to fit angles formed by walls, vents, or intersecting roof surfaces.
- ✓ Apply plastic coatings, membranes, fiberglass, or felt over sloped roofs before applying shingles.
- ✓ Install, repair, or replace single-ply roofing systems using waterproof sheet materials such as EPDM or TPO membranes.
- ✓ Cover roofs with slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, gravel, or related materials, using brushes, knives, hammers, or other tools.
- ✓ Install attic ventilation systems, skylights, or solar-panel mounts without damaging the roofing system below.
Building & Construction — Materials, methods, and tools involved in constructing or repairing structures such as houses, roofs, and commercial buildings.
Mechanical — Knowledge of tools and equipment, including their design, use, repair, and maintenance.
Design — Techniques, tools, and principles used to plan and lay out roofing systems and roof-line details.
Public Safety & Security — Equipment, policies, and procedures for protecting people and property, especially fall protection at height.
Mathematics — Arithmetic and geometry used for measuring, estimating materials, and laying out roof angles and pitches.
Gross Body Equilibrium — Keeping or regaining your balance on steep, high, or unstable surfaces.
Extent Flexibility — Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with the body, arms, or legs.
Stamina — Exerting yourself physically over long periods, often in heat, without getting winded.
Trunk Strength — Using abdominal and lower back muscles to support the body repeatedly over time.
Arm-Hand Steadiness — Keeping the hand and arm steady while using tools at height.
Problem Sensitivity — Noticing when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, such as spotting roof damage or hazards early.
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Prevailing wage is set per county and local, so actual pay varies by employer, project type, and location. Source: Ohio Department of Commerce / ACT Ohio county prevailing-wage schedules.
Typical Entry Requirement — A high school diploma or GED is generally preferred; most roofing skills are built through on-the-job training and a registered apprenticeship rather than a four-year degree.
Apprenticeship Path — Roofers can enter the trade through a multi-year apprenticeship sponsored by the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction at a regional JATC training center.
Core Coursework — Fall protection and OSHA 10/30 safety certification, steep- and low-slope roofing systems, blueprint reading, and material-specific installation techniques are emphasized throughout the apprenticeship.
Certifications — Many roofers pursue OSHA safety credentials along with manufacturer certifications (e.g. GAF, CertainTeed, single-ply membrane systems) that qualify them to install warrantied roofing systems.
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