Roofing

"The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining"
John F Kennedy

Roofs play a vital role in keeping homes protected from the elements

The roofing industry knows all too well that work must be performed when the sun is shining during the hottest summer months. We have got roofing workers covered with some Hi-Vis moisture wicking T-Shirts shown below. First, though, let us shed some light on the industry itself. Roofing first and foremost provides homes with necessary protection from heat, rain, and storms.

The roofing industry looks to reach around 47 billion in 2018 and shows no sign up slowing down. The industry involves companies that replace, repair, and install roofs on buildings, using an assortment of materials. Companies also install siding and gutters, along with spraying roofs and sidings. Spraying is required to bind, seal, insulate, and soundproof sections.

New Roof Construction

New construction accounts for around 35% of all roofing business. Housing starts and construction activity play a significant role in this roofing segment. 65% of roofing business though resides around reproofing, repair and maintenance.

The average life of a commercial roof is roughly seven years, due to the wind, falling trees, rain, and hail storms, all taking a toll on roofs.

Roof Materials

Weather events create an early replacement of roofs. Tornadoes and hurricanes often destroy roofs, which drive demand for roof replacement and roof repair is closely tied to storm activity.

There is a multitude of materials used for constructing roofs. The most common materials roofers use are shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, or related materials. From a safety standpoint, materials change the hazards faced. For those installing a metal roof, wearing cut resistant gloves becomes a high priority. We cover sheet metal in depth. Here are the materials found in roofing:

Asphalt Shingle

Most common residential roofing material used, low cost and easy to install, yet a short life span of 10-30 years.

Clay Tile

Attractive, long lasting roof

Concrete Tile

Durable and low maintenance, yet expensive.

Metal

Aluminum, copper or stainless steel. It doesn't crack, split, rot or burn and will typically last over 50 years. Metal does require periodic painting.

Slate Tile

Natural stone quarried in blocks and split into thin layers. Fireproof and long lasting, one of the oldest roofing materials and is heavily used in the Northeast.

Spanish Tile

Upscale look and last up to 70 years. Very expensive and heavy.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Natural look and offers insulation. High maintenance and a fire hazard.

Employment Numbers

Roofing isn’t a job for everyone. With that said, roofers held about 146,200 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of roofers were as follows:

Roofing Contractors	71%
Self-Employed workers	21%
Construction of buildings	3%

California, Florida, and Texas are where are the majority of roofing contractors are centered.

Occupations

Roofers

A worker who constructs and repairs roofs.

Helpers

Workers who hold materials, transport tools, and cleanup work sites.

Sheet Metal Workers

Workers who perform tasks requiring great physical strength.

Construction Laborers

Workers who perform tasks requiring great physical strength.

Work Activities

A.

Adding a roof vent
Applying mortar
Applying roofing materials
Attaching solar panels

B.

Bending flashing for chimneys

C.

Caulking
Carrying metal panels
Covering nail heads with roofing cement or caulking
Cutting excess material with a utility knife

F.

Fixing leaks

H.

Handling asphalt, tar paper, and wood shingles

H.

Handling asphalt, tar paper, and wood shingles

I.

Installing metal gutters
Installing roof brackets
Installing skylights

L.

Layering shingles
Lifting shingles

M.

Mopping and pouring hot asphalt

P.

Painting, spraying, or coating

R.

Re-coating
Removing debris from sites
Removing snow, water, and debris prior to work
Replacing a shake with a chisel mallet
Replacing shingles
Replacing a vent flashing
Resurfacing and repairing roofs
Resetting tiles
Rolled metal flash handling

S.

Sealing a valley joint
Set up scaffolding
Spray roofs and sidings to bind, seal and insulate

T.

Treating roofs

U.

Use chisels and rubbing bricks to smooth surfaces
Utility blade use to remove excess shingles

W.

Working around chemical sealants, adhesives and cleaners

The National Roofing Contractors Association is an excellent resource for those interested in exploring the roofing world a little more...

Roofing Safety

Roofing involves heavy lifting, sharp metal, climbing, bending, and working in very hot temperatures. They also work long hours, especially during the busy summer months. Safe rooftop work should always be a focal point for roofers. The height and sloped surfaces of roofs should be enough for a worker taking safety precautions. Throw in gusty winds, hot temperatures, icy shingles, power lines and the potential for falling; staying aware of the hazards is 100% necessary.

The numbers back this up too. There are 40% more injuries in roofing when compared to the average of all US Industries. For every 100 employees, 5.6 are injured.

Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors	Framing contractors	23813	7.0
Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors	Structural steel and precast concrete contractors	23812	6.3
Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors	Roofing contractors	23816	5.6

Please don’t underestimate the need for following safety procedures and wearing correct newbb电子 when roofing. OSHA creates an excellent document all roofers should read. Just click to the OSHA link and check out over 40 pages covering safety and newbb电子 while roofing.

With the risk of being injured being so high, there is no reason to not wear the correct newbb电子. Let us make you aware of the best newbb电子 for specific roofing hazards.

We've highlighted a lot of roofing information and thrown a bunch of industry stats at you. Now, the remaining part of this page showcases some of the most common roofing hazards and different newbb电子 options roofers should consider wearing while performing their work.

If you prefer to return to the main Construction home page, click the image below. From the home page, you'll be able to access any of the numerous construction industries we cover. If you would prefer to check out some of roofing’s specific trade hazards, please continue reading below the Construction page image.

newbb电子平台 Safety's dedicated Construction industry resource page.

Roofing Sub-Industry

Common Roofing Hazards

Find the right newbb电子平台 Safety product that protects you against these common hazards.

Abrasive Material Handling

Handling asphalt, tar paper and wood shingles will scrape up your hands.

Learn More About Abrasive Material Handling Protection

9676

newbb电子平台 Safety CutPro® 13-Gauge Dyneema® Diamond Technology Shell Cut Resistant Work...

All Chemical Protection

Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Butyl Gloves

Latex Gloves

Neoprene Gloves

Nitrile Gloves

PVC Gloves

Aprons

Chemical Suits

Face Shields

Safety Goggles

Foot Protection

All Eye & Face Protection

Safety Glasses

Series Guide

Tactical Safety Glasses

Safety Goggles

Accessories

Cleaning

Balaclavas

Face Masks

Headgear

Neck Gaiters

Face Shields

All Flame Resistant

FR Shirts

FR Coveralls

FR Hi-Vis

FR Jeans

FR Pants

Balaclavas

FR Triple Vented Clothing

FR Winter / Insulated

Limited Flammability

Sleeves

Shelby Fire Gloves

All Foot Protection

Comfortable / Lightweight

Lace Up

PVC Plain Toe

Steel Toe

Yellow Latex

All Arm & Hand Protection

Chemical

Cut Resistant

General Purpose Coated

Cotton

Disposable

Impact Resistant

Leather

Mechanics Gloves

Tactical

Sleeves

Insulated

All Safety Clothing

Safety Vests and Shirts

Rain Gear

Insulated

FR Clothing

Aprons

Disposable

Accessories

Cooling Gear

Welding Gloves

Cutting Glasses

Welding Goggles

Welding Clothing

Face Protection

All Chemical Protection

Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Butyl Gloves

Latex Gloves

Neoprene Gloves

Nitrile Gloves

PVC Gloves

Aprons

Chemical Suits

Face Shields

Safety Goggles

Foot Protection