Roofers construct, repair, and replace roofs for homes and businesses. They use various tools, including ladders, power equipment, and hand tools like hammers and roofing nailers.
Retail sales roofers are larger companies specializing in storm chasing or regular roofing. They typically require a lengthy sales presentation and may offer zero-percent financing.
Roofers construct or install roofs on residential and commercial buildings. They may specialize in a certain type of roofing system, such as shingle, tile, or metal. During construction, they review building plans to ensure that the roofing process is in accordance with specifications. They also choose the roofing materials and components for the project. Additionally, they complete other construction tasks on the building’s exterior.
After construction, roofers perform maintenance on the roofs they have built or installed. This maintenance may involve repairing leaks or replacing worn or damaged shingles. They also inspect the roof to identify problems, such as sagging areas or moisture penetration. Depending on the situation, they may also clean gutters or remove debris from the work area.
In some cases, roofers repair roofs that have been damaged by severe weather events. They use specialized equipment and processes to restore the integrity of the roof. They may also consult with clients to determine the most cost-effective approach to repairing or replacing the roof.
Roofers typically have strong Realistic interests, meaning that they prefer activities that are practical and hands-on. They also value independence and the opportunity to make decisions on their own. In addition, they tend to value stability and thriftiness. Those who select this occupation also have moderate Traits for Customer and Personal Services, which means that they are empathetic and courteous when dealing with customers and colleagues. This is because they want to meet the needs of their clients and maintain high quality standards in their work.
Installation
Roofers build, install, and repair roofs for homes, businesses, and other buildings. They use a variety of materials, including shingles, bitumen, and metal. Depending on the type of roof, they may also apply underlayments and insulation. They can also fit skylight windows and replace lead sheeting and cladding. In addition to installing new roofs, they may also inspect and repair existing roofs.
Steep-slope roofs, which are the majority of roofs on single-family homes, are typically covered with asphalt shingles. However, roofers can also lay concrete shingles, tile, solar shingles, metal shingles, and shakes (rough wooden shingles). Some roofers specialize in flat roofing systems or work with specific materials.
For commercial buildings, roofers may work with low-sloped roofs that have a slight pitch or steeper slopes. These roofs are usually built with a combination of asphalt and membranes, such as modified bitumen or a built-up roof. Other commercial roofs feature a single-ply membrane, which is durable and energy efficient. Roofers also work with metal roofs, which require specialized tools and knowledge of different materials to properly maintain.
A roofer should be licensed in their state or province. They should also have adequate insurance coverage and be able to provide references from past clients.
It’s also important to choose a roofer who provides excellent customer service. A good roofer should keep you updated throughout the process, answer questions quickly, and be willing to go above and beyond to make sure the job is done right.
While some roofers may require a down payment before starting the project, they should never ask for the entire amount upfront. This is a red flag that the contractor is not reliable and could disappear with your money.
People who work as roofers have strong Realistic interests, meaning they prefer to solve problems and deal with physical objects. They may also enjoy working outdoors. Compared to other occupations, Roofers have lower Sensitive interests. This means that they may prefer to work alone rather than in groups.
Sales
Roof repairs or replacements can be a significant investment for many homeowners. If their insurance won’t cover the cost, it’s important that your roofing salespeople are able to work with homeowners on payment options and financing, or help file a claim if necessary. This way, homeowners can make the investments they need without the added stress of paying for them in full up front.
Roofers can use a variety of marketing tools and strategies to help close sales. One such strategy is focusing on selling on value rather than price. This means showing customers the benefits they can expect to enjoy from your product or service, such as energy savings or a more attractive home. Another helpful tool is digital sales presentation technology, which can help your roofing salespeople show off different product options and demonstrate the effectiveness of your services.
When hiring roofing salespeople, it’s crucial to have clear job descriptions and expectations. Your postings should include your sales goals, as well as how you expect roofing salespeople to reach those goals, such as through door-to-door sales or cold calling. Ideally, you should also specify whether you’re looking for entry-level or experienced salespeople and what type of pay structure you offer.
Using the right roofing sales tips can help you attract and retain talented and motivated salespeople. For example, you can emphasize that gross margin is a more accurate metric than commission for roofing salespeople. This reflects the true costs of your roofing services, including your cost to buy materials and pay your roofers. By revealing these numbers to your salespeople, you can align their interests with the company’s goals and increase overall job satisfaction.
Your roofing salespeople should be able to demonstrate the value of your services and products through a strong knowledge base. They can also use their skills in a professional manner to develop trusting relationships with potential customers. They should be able to answer any questions customers may have and offer helpful information that helps them decide to work with you. They should be able to answer questions about roofing material durability, installation techniques and how much it costs to repair certain types of damage.