Roofers who are licensed are certified contractors who repair and install roofs on both commercial and residential structures. An individual must typically gain some on-the-job experience and complete a certification process to become a licensed roofer. Some jurisdictions demand that roofers be bonded and insured before they can complete the licensing process.
This profession installs roofs on properties using materials such as tiles, metal sheeting, asphalt, and gravel. Many areas have building codes that specify how these materials should be installed, and anyone interested in becoming a licensed roofer should familiarize themselves with these regulations. Solar panels may be installed a licensed roofer in some areas, but contractors must be familiar with electrical wiring procedures and local ordinances that govern this type of work. Some companies offer formal apprenticeship programs, while others provide no formal training but allow trainees to gain experience working under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Many local government agencies have rules in place that require applicants for licensing to have worked in the roofing trade for a certain number of hours, whether as apprentices or as entry-level contractors. People who meet this criterion may be required to attend a series of training classes covering local regulations, installation techniques, liability issues, and construction materials. These classes usually end with a written or practical exam in which an assessor determines whether or not applicants have the necessary skills to obtain a license. Individuals who pass the exam are eligible to submit a formal application for a license, which in many cases includes the payment of a fee.
Some countries’ laws require roofers to purchase a bond and liability insurance policy before receiving a license. In the event of a lawsuit arising from the contractor’s work, the bond protects both the contractor’s and third parties’ financial interests. The bond issuer agrees to pay a payout to cover damages that the licensed roofer may be ordered to pay during a damages lawsuit in exchange for a one-time premium payment. Bond payouts are capped, and the bond coverage level may not be enough to cover the required payout in some cases. As a result, many local governments require contractors to purchase liability insurance in excess of the bond amount.
The roofer must provide evidence of both a bond and a liability insurance policy to the licensing authority. Before completing the licensing process, a self-employed roofer may need to register with the state as a business entity or owner. Depending on local laws, a licensed roofer may have to reapply for a new license after a certain period of time while in other areas these professional designations never expire.