Is Roofing the Hardest Job in New York?

Surveys already revealed that roofing is one of the most challenging jobs in the United States. A roofer’s job includes installing, replacing, and repairing roofs on homes and buildings. Which means they need to climb on top of tall buildings and houses, with a very high risk of falling. A roofer is, not to mention, should not be afraid of heights. 

Roofing work involves heavy lifting some roofing materials, frequent kneeling, and works for a more extended time, depending on the type of roofing work that needs to be done. Not to mention, roofers also work regardless of the weather condition there is, as long as it does not compromise their safety. Because of that, it is considered the most physically demanding and strenuous work to do. 

Duties and Responsibilities of Roofers

Roof Inspection

Prior to starting any roofing work, it is essential to have your roof inspected by roofing contractors in New York first, to determine what type of job to be done and on which part of the roof needs repair or replacement. It’s one way to determine what type of materials and tools are required in order to get the work done. This also helps the roofer identify how sturdy your roof is and if it’s safe to work on with, or perhaps they need more extra prepping to do. 

A roof inspection is best done by professionals. There might be serious problems with your roof that are not visible to your untrained eyes. However, experienced roofers in New York have keen eyes that could easily spot signs of roof damage from the most obvious one down to the smallest detail. 

What to look for during an inspection:

• Broken/Missing shingles
• Blistering, buckling, or curling of shingles
• Roof leaks or Interior Water Stains
• Roof’s decking condition
• Roof vents
• Roof’s skylight and penetration
• Damaged/Cracked Flashing 
• Clogged Gutters
• Check for any mold presence
• Rust on the roof

Measure and Cut Roof Materials

Ensuring that materials used are appropriately shaped and trimmed to fit correctly is one of the roofer’s duties. They make sure that everything fits accordingly while keeping the entire roof sturdy. 

Roof Installation

Depending on what type of roof material the homeowner prefers, roof installation usually takes five to seven days. Each roofing material has a different kind of preparation and installation techniques:

• Asphalt Shingle roofs are the most simple type of roof material to install; it is a very popular option of roofing type because it is affordable, durable, and available in a different range of colors. You can immediately cover an old shingle with a new one without requiring to remove the old layer or two of your asphalt shingle roof.

• Metal roofs are a favorite to some homeowners since they can perform for a lifetime if properly installed. Metal roofing comes in a wide variety of colors and types: shingles, shakes, tile, and standing-seam panels. It is a lightweight roofing material that can be installed easily. 

Asphalt shingles and metal roofs are among the many types of roofing materials a roofer installs, repair or replace. Each type differs in the difficulty of preparation and installation. The roofers use different kinds of tools and professional techniques to install them accordingly without compromising the quality of their work.  

Roof Repair or Replacement

Roof replacement can be done by section or replacing your entire roof. If there’s no need to replace the whole roof, it will usually take two to three days to replace just the sections of the roof, depending on the severity of your roof’s damage. 

Before anything else, your roofer prioritizes protecting your property and the entire family living in the house, and this includes your pets as well. Protection tarps or plywoods are used to protect your walls, lawns, and siding. Your roofer may even ask you to keep your family away from the house, depending on the severity of your roof damage. 

Your roofer will then proceed in repairing or replacing the damaged part of your roof that was determined during the inspection. 

Complete Site Set Up and After Cleaning

Preparing the site and cleaning after the work is done is one of the roofer’s responsibilities. When arriving on the site, roofers set up scaffolding or ladders and other necessary temporary structures in order to complete their job. After completing the work, the roofer must tear down everything they have temporarily constructed. It is a must to break them down entirely and ensure they won’t forget single debris or nails on the site for the safety of the family and pets living in the house. 

To be a Roofer is Not An Easy Job

To be a successful roofer, one must be detail-oriented and is willing to work outdoor construction. Because this job requires constant kneeling, heavy lifting, and long working hours, one must be strong, physically fit, and have the stamina to get the job done. 

A roofer must be dedicated to construction safety and are expected to follow safety protocols while on the job. They must be able to safely handle a variety of tools, for it could incur unnecessary injuries if they’re not precise and careful. And lastly, a roofer must have great communication skills, interpersonal skills and must possess excellent customer service skills. Providing a great experience throughout the roofing process is critical for their job. Click here to learn more @ ManhattanRoofingNyc.com.