Build and maintain protective roof systems on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings across Canada.
Roofing is high-risk, high-skill work. You're always exposed to fall hazards, extreme temperatures, and weather. Your joints will take a beating from repetitive work. But the reality? Buildings leak. Roofs fail. Your skill keeps homes and businesses dry and safe. That responsibility is real, and the compensation reflects it. Only commit if you're willing to master safety protocols obsessively.
6:30 AM: You arrive at a residential replacement job. The old asphalt shingle roof is being stripped. You inspect the roof deck for rot or structural damage.
7:00–9:30 AM: You install underlayment (synthetic or felt) to provide secondary water protection. Proper overlap and fastening are critical. One mistake = future leaks.
10:00 AM: Roof is ready for shingles. You organize materials and safety anchors at the perimeter.
1:00 PM: You nail architectural asphalt shingles starting at the eave, working upward in precise rows. Each shingle must be aligned and fastened to code specifications (typically 4–6 nails per shingle).
3:00–5:00 PM: You install flashing around chimney, vents, and skylights. These transitions are where most leaks occur—they demand perfection.
5:30 PM: Job complete. Final walkthrough with the homeowner. You clean all debris from gutters.
5:30 AM: You're at a 100,000 sq ft commercial building with a failing flat roof. This is a torch-applied modified bitumen system.
6:00–10:00 AM: You and your crew strip the old membrane and inspect the deck. You apply primer and begin heat-welding the new modified bitumen rolls. Each pass overlaps 4–6 inches. Temperature control is critical—too hot = material burns; too cold = poor adhesion.
10:30 AM: You install flashing around HVAC units and penetrations. Detail work takes time.
1:00 PM: Roof sections are inspected by quality control. You perform holiday (moisture) testing to verify no water intrusion. Any weak areas get immediate repair.
2:30–5:00 PM: You seal all seams and apply protective coating. Commercial flat roofs are complex systems—any corner cut leads to costly failures.
Evening: You document the project with photos and warranty paperwork. Commercial roofing = extensive documentation.
6:00 AM: You're at an industrial facility (warehouse, factory) with a large-area TPO (thermoplastic) single-ply membrane system. The project covers 200,000+ sq ft.
6:30–10:00 AM: Your crew unrolls TPO membrane and heat-welds seams. TPO is faster than modified bitumen but demands precise heat application. Too much heat = material shrinkage; too little = weak seams.
10:30 AM: You mechanically fasten large-radius flashing and ballast the perimeter for wind resistance.
1:00 PM: You coordinate with HVAC crews to integrate ductwork and equipment penetrations. Industrial roofs must be watertight AND support heavy equipment loads.
2:30–5:00 PM: You complete seam tracking and final pressure testing. Industrial work = zero tolerance for defects. A single failed seam can leak water directly into manufacturing equipment.
Evening: You prepare documentation for engineering sign-off. Industrial roofs require third-party inspection and certification.
Layers of bitumen and aggregate. Traditional, durable, but heavy. Requires torch application and crew experience.
Modern, lightweight membranes. Fast installation, energy-efficient. Requires heat-welding or adhesive bonding expertise.
Modern torch-applied or adhesive systems. Flexible, good wind resistance. Requires torch safety certification.
Residential asphalt shingles, architectural grades, metal roofing. Highest volume work, good pay premium for quality.
Living roofs with vegetation and drainage systems. Emerging field, environmental focus, premium rates.
Standing seam metal, corrugated, specialty alloys. Aesthetic and performance-driven. High-end residential and industrial.
High school diploma. Physical fitness is essential. Some climbing/height experience helps.
Learn safety protocols, shingle basics, fall protection. ~6 weeks classroom + 46 weeks on-site. Wage increases 10%.
Torch-applied systems, flashing installation, flat roofing systems. Final exam for journeyperson status.
Fully certified. Lead crews, bid projects, specialize in high-performance systems.
Interprovincial certification. Work anywhere in Canada. Start your own roofing company.
CRITICAL for roofing. Every project requires this certification. Non-negotiable safety requirement.
Hazard communication for bitumen fumes and adhesives. Mandatory before handling roofing materials.
Essential for modified bitumen and BUR work. High-demand specialization. Increases pay significantly.
Critical for remote or high-access jobs where emergency response is delayed. Valued by employers.
For accessing high surfaces. Often required for commercial and industrial roofing projects.
For industrial roofing work around equipment and ventilation systems. Niche but premium skillset.
Average Canadian rates based on Government of Canada Job Bank and provincial labour data. Wages vary significantly by province, employer, and experience.
Source: Government of Canada Job Bank, provincial apprenticeship authorities. Wages reflect approximate 2024–2025 data and vary by province, union/non-union status, and experience.