What Is Roofing Trade?
The roofing trade is a hands-on construction career focused on installing, repairing, replacing, and maintaining the roofs that protect homes, businesses, and other buildings from weather and water damage.
Roofers work with materials such as asphalt shingles, metal, bitumen, and other roofing systems. Their work can include inspecting roofs, removing old materials, installing new roofing systems, repairing damaged areas, installing ventilation and insulation components, and making roofs weather-resistant.
Roofing is a practical trade that combines physical skills, construction knowledge, measuring, problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail.
Roofing Contractor:
Residential and commercial roofing registration in Oklahoma is managed under the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB).
Basic Requirements:
Minimum age of 18 years.
Register business name with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Maintain at least $500,000 in general liability insurance.
Provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance or an official exemption.
Submit lawful presence affidavit and application processing fee.
Why Learn Roofing Technology with MR.6T?
Practical Knowledge
Learn concepts that connect to real-world.
Easy-to-Understand
Complex trade topics are presented in a clear and approachable way.
One Learning Hub
Explore Technologies alongside five other essential skilled trades on MR.6T.
What Does Roofing Include?
How Can Roofing Training Help Me?
Roofing training can give you the practical foundation needed to begin developing skills in one of the most important areas of the construction industry.
- Develop hands-on construction skills
- Understand roofing systems
- Improve measuring and problem-solving skills
- Prepare for employment or apprenticeship opportunities
- Build toward advancement
Important: Roofing can be physically demanding and carries serious safety risks, particularly falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds. Workers may also face heat exposure, lifting hazards, and other jobsite risks. Proper fall protection, PPE, training, and safe work practices are essential. .
Residential Roofing
Work on roofs for homes and residential properties, including installation and repair of shingles, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and other roofing components.
Commercial Roofing
Learn about roofing systems used on commercial buildings, offices, retail properties, warehouses, and other larger structures. Commercial roofing can involve different materials and installation techniques than residential roofing.
Roof Repair & Maintenance
Identify damaged or deteriorated areas and perform repairs that help prevent leaks and extend the life of a roofing system. This can include replacing damaged materials, sealing areas, and addressing ventilation or water-management issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what people ask us most.
Q: Do I need a college degree to become a roofer?
No. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists no formal educational credential as the typical entry-level education for roofers. Many roofers learn through on-the-job training, while some enter through apprenticeships.
Q: Is roofing a good career?
Roofing can be a strong option for people who enjoy physical, hands-on construction work. BLS projects 5% employment growth between 2025 and 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 12,000 openings annually.
Q: How do I start a roofing career?
A common way to get started is by applying for an entry-level position with a roofing contractor and learning on the job. Apprenticeship programs can also provide structured technical instruction combined with hands-on experience.
Q: Can a roofer start their own business?
Yes. With sufficient experience and depending on state and local requirements, experienced roofers can move into estimating, supervision, contracting, or business ownership. Licensing, insurance, registration, and contractor requirements vary by location.
Roofing Schools & Training Programs
Mr. 6T note: Roofing is different from trades such as electrical or HVAC because many roofers enter through employer-based training rather than a traditional college program. BLS specifically notes that most roofers learn on the job, while some enter through apprenticeships.