A roofer is a construction worker who specializes in roof construction. Roofers concentrate on the application of materials that water proof and/or weather proof buildings, designed material—as a substrate for the roofing materials to be installed on, the rafters, beams, and trusses are the frame or skeleton for the roof to be built upon. Roofers must be able to work, have good motor skills and possess general carpentry skills. In Australia this type of carpenter is called a roof carpenter and the term roofer refers to someone who installs the roof cladding. In the US, a trained roofer is called a journeyman.
There is not any UK legislation in place that requires a roofer to have a license to trade. Although some belong to recognized trade organization. Most roofers of good repute should come with an abundance of valid references, and proof of workman’s comp. A competent roofer in the UK would be capable of carrying out most domestic roofing projects. These would include built up flat roof systems and pitched roofing works including natural slating and concrete and clay roof tiling. Also he would need a good and applicable knowledge of lead work to weather proof areas such as chimneys and abutments.