To become a roof inspector, you’ll need a combination of experience, education, and licensing. This type of building inspection usually necessitates several visits to a construction site to ensure that each roofing layer complies with local safety regulations. A prospective roof inspector should be comfortable walking on sloped surfaces at high elevations on a regular basis to be successful in this field.
To become a roof inspector, you must have on-the-job experience. Many inspectors start their careers as roof installers; the manual labor required as an installer gives the future inspector a firsthand understanding of roofing construction techniques and common issues. In addition, to resolve a material or structural issue, roofing installers may collaborate closely with experienced inspectors. As a result, the installer learns about inspection techniques and roof construction strategies.
To work as a roof inspector, most companies require that potential employees have a high school diploma. Indeed, due to increased competition for jobs, some employers are requiring a two- or four-year college degree in construction technology or building inspection. These degrees typically require a background in mathematics and physics, two subjects that are frequently used in determining the structural integrity of a roof. It’s possible that a roof inspector with a college degree will earn more money than one with only a high school diploma.
Each state in the United States has its own licensing requirements for roofing professionals; however, many states do require that a person pass an examination before becoming a roof inspector. The state exam will put your roofing knowledge to the test, especially if you live in an area where specialized roofs are common, such as a snowy climate. To assess a person’s inspection abilities, they are also tested on their knowledge of national regulations. Until the examination is passed, no one can work as a roof inspector. After that, a license or certificate is usually given to future employers as proof of passing the exam.
After becoming a roof inspector, you must renew your license and attend continuing education classes to stay up to date on new laws and regulations. New roofing techniques and materials may become more widely available, and each roof inspector should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each change in industry practices. Newer technology may be unfamiliar to roofing installers, necessitating the roof inspector’s explanation and application of the new technique or material for a safe roof construction. When inspecting a roof installation in progress, inspectors must pay close attention to the small details.