What does a Metal Roofing Contractor do?

If you’re considering starting a career as a tradesperson or in the contracting field, working as a metal roofing contractor is a fantastic path to take.

This role involves working in a thriving field, which represents the very latest advancements in architectural design, sustainable products, sophisticated materials, and pioneering solutions.

In short, working as a metal roofing contractor offers a variety of specific benefits and opportunities, spanning everything from day-to-day variety to job security with a competitive pay.

So, if you’re interested in this sector, keep reading. Below, our team of metal roofing contractors have shared their guidance for anyone thinking about joining the roofing sector, including the benefits of the role, typical salary expectations, and the qualifications required.

What is a metal roofing contractor, and what does their role involve?

Roofing contractors are one of the most common types of tradespeople. As their name suggests, they specialise in the supply, installation, maintenance repair and replacement of roofs.

In the case of metal roofing contractors, their services specifically cover metal roofs.

Metal roofing contractors have the skills required to work with a wide variety of metal roof types – including roofs made from zinc, copper, aluminium and steel – while catering to the specific needs of all property types, including domestic, commercial or industrial buildings.

What are the standard day-to-day requirements of a metal roofing contractor?

One of the best things about working as a metal roofing contractor is that every single day is different.

Your daily routine will vary considerably, including everything from the material that you are working with, to the location where you will be based, and the structure of the roof, to the specific requirements of your client. So, if you prefer hands-on work and like to be kept on your toes, this career is a great fit!

However, generally speaking, the standard requirements of a metal roofing contractor’s role include:

• Metal roof fittings
• Installations
• Repairs and replacements
• Assessments
• Consultations
• Client meetings and advising clients
• Roof design
• Project planning
• Preparing a site
• Operating specialist equipment
• Conducting risk assessments
• Working with clients on bespoke projects
• Learning about the latest metal roofing materials and techniques

What are the benefits of working as a metal roofing contractor?

Pursuing a roofing career offers a wide range of great benefits. Plus, the specific advantages of working as a metal roofer include working at the forefront of the industry, specialising in pioneering techniques and state of the art sustainable materials.

The benefits of following a career as a metal roofing contractor include:

• Job security – as one of the core elements of building construction (and an element that will require regular maintenance throughout its lifespan), metal roofers will always be needed. So, this gives the job a very high level of security.
• An increasingly popular material – by choosing to become a metal roofer, you’re specialising in a very high-demand roof material. Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular and – thanks to their bold aesthetic, sustainability, durability and low-maintenance requirements – this trend is only set to continue.
• Promoting more sustainable approaches – if sustainability is important to you, working as a metal roofing contractor is sure to provide you with a lot of job satisfaction.
• A competitive salary – metal roofers can earn a competitive salary, which also typically increases over time, as roofers gain more experience and specialist skills.
• Day-to-day variety – every day is different, which definitely keeps the job interesting! This includes working on a wide range of projects, site types, materials and with lots of different people.
• Continuous learning – new technologies and approaches are developing all the time. So, working as a metal roofer, you have the opportunity to constantly learn and develop your skill set.
• Creativity, innovation and problem-solving – metal roofers work closely with their clients, often designing bespoke solutions for their specific property and requirements. This gives roofers plenty of opportunities to be creative, and makes the job a great fit for anyone who enjoys problem-solving.

What are the educational requirements to become a metal roofing contractor?

To become a metal roofer, there are a number of different career paths or qualifications that you could pursue.

Below, we’ve listed some of the most common routes to becoming a metal roofing contractor:

• A Level 2 Diploma in Roofing Occupations college course
• A Level 2 Diploma in Roof Slating and Tiling college course
• A roofer intermediate apprenticeship
• Work experience as a roofing labourer (then continuing to train while you’re on the job)

Careers at Salmon Solutions

We’re hiring! At Salmon Solutions, we have a range of metal roofing career vacancies. These include roles to suit candidates of all experience levels, and great scope for further training and long-term career progression.

If you would like to find out more about what it’s like to work as a metal roofer, or to explore careers at Salmon Solutions, speak to our friendly team today.