ROOFING

ABOUT THE ROOFING: Black Girl Beauty School of Careers welcomes students who are strong, self-motivated and fast paced learners who desire to learn, grow and help others. The Roofing Business is a recession free industry that’s wide open, with unlimited opportunities! 

As a roofing apprentice, you'll learn the skills and techniques necessary to install, repair, and maintain roofs. Roofing apprenticeships typically combine hands-on experience with classroom instruction, helping you build a foundation in roofing that will prepare you for a successful career in the field. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to learn during your roofing apprenticeship:

• Types of Roofing Materials: Learn about the different roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile, slate, wood shakes, and synthetic materials.
   
• Roof Decking & Underlayment: Understand how to install and prepare roof decking (plywood or OSB) and underlayment (such as felt paper or synthetic materials).
   
• Shingle Installation: Learn how to install asphalt shingles, including how to stagger the rows and ensure proper overlap for waterproofing.
   
• Metal Roofing: Gain experience working with metal panels, understanding how to install standing seam, corrugated, and other metal roofing systems.
   
• Tile & Slate Installation: Learn to install traditional roofing tiles or slate, including how to properly secure each piece and manage the weight distribution.
   
• Flat Roofs & Membranes: Master the techniques used for installing flat roof systems, including EPDM, TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen membranes.
   

• Hand Tools: Learn to use essential hand tools like roofing hammers, utility knives, pry bars, and snips.
   
• Power Tools: Gain proficiency in using power tools like pneumatic nail guns, circular saws, drills, and screwdrivers.
   
• Ladders, Scaffolding, and Safety Equipment: Learn how to safely use ladders, scaffolding, and aerial lifts for accessing roofs.
   
• Roofing-Specific Tools: Understand specialized tools like roof jacks, roofing nailers, and shingle splitters.
   

• Roof Anatomy: Learn the various components of a roof, including rafters, trusses, decking, eaves, ridges, valleys, and flashings.
   
• Roof Pitches and Angles: Understand the different roof pitches (slopes) and how they affect roofing material choices and installation techniques.
   
• Framing and Structural Integrity: Understand how to properly frame roof supports, such as installing trusses, ridge beams, and supporting structures to ensure the roof is secure.
   

• Spotting Roof Damage: Learn how to identify damage caused by weather, age, or improper installation (e.g., leaks, missing shingles, cracked tiles).
   
• Repair Techniques: Gain hands-on experience repairing damaged roofs, such as replacing shingles, patching holes, or fixing flashing and vents.
   
• Roof Inspections: Learn how to conduct thorough roof inspections to assess overall condition and ensure the roof meets safety and code standards.
   

• Fall Protection: Learn safety protocols to prevent falls, including the use of harnesses, guardrails, safety lines, and roof anchors.
   
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Understand the importance of wearing proper PPE, such as hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip footwear.
   
• Weather Safety: Learn how to work safely in various weather conditions, avoiding roofing work during storms or extreme heat, and understanding how weather affects roofing materials.
   
• Ladder & Scaffold Safety: Gain knowledge of proper ladder placement, scaffold assembly, and safe practices to prevent accidents on the job.
   

• Flashing & Valleys: Learn how to install flashing around roof penetrations, like chimneys, vents, and skylights, and how to manage roof valleys (where two sections of the roof meet).
   
• Drip Edge & Eaves: Understand how to install drip edges along the eaves to prevent water damage and ensure proper water runoff.
   
• Ventilation: Learn how to install and maintain roof ventilation systems, including ridge vents, soffit vents, and turbines, to prevent moisture buildup and ensure proper airflow.
   
• Gutters & Downspouts: Gain skills in installing gutters, downspouts, and other drainage systems to direct water away from the roof and foundation.
   

• Building Codes: Learn the building codes and regulations governing roofing work, ensuring that installations meet local standards for safety, insulation, and durability.
   
• Blueprints and Diagrams: Understand how to read blueprints and roof designs to interpret installation instructions and material specifications.
   
• Estimating Materials and Costs: Learn how to estimate the amount of material needed for a roofing job, calculate the cost of labor, and estimate the project’s total price.
   

• Project Management: As you advance in your apprenticeship, you will learn basic project management skills, such as planning work schedules, coordinating teams, and managing resources.
   
• Customer Communication: Develop skills in communicating with customers, explaining roofing problems, discussing options, and providing cost estimates.
   
• Time Management: Learn how to effectively manage your time and meet deadlines while working efficiently on the roof.
   

Upon completing your roofing apprenticeship, you may be eligible to:

• Become a Journeyman Roofer: After gaining enough experience, you can take a journeyman exam (if required) to become a fully licensed roofer.
   
• Advance to Foreman or Supervisor: With additional experience, you may be able to oversee teams of roofers, manage larger roofing projects, and take on more responsibilities.
   
• Specialization: After gaining expertise, you could specialize in areas like flat roofing, green roofs, solar panel installations, or historic roof restoration.
   

As a roofing apprentice, you’ll work in a variety of settings, including:

• Residential Roofing: Installing and repairing roofs for homes, which may include repairs due to storm damage or general wear.
   
• Commercial Roofing: Working on larger commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs.
   
• Industrial Roofing: Involves specialized roof systems for factories or warehouses, often requiring advanced techniques and materials.
   
• Roofing Contractors: Many apprentices work for roofing contractors or roofing companies, which could lead to full-time employment after completing the apprenticeship.