Roofing or domestic roof construction is the process of creating the ‘framing and roof covering that is found on most detached houses in cold and temperate climates.’ Most buildings are built using timber as the main framework for the shape of the roof. This is then followed by cladding; the applying of materials on top to protect against the elements as well as to offer thermal insulation.
Why are they important skills?
Every single building has to go through these two stages early on in construction. Every roof must have a strong framework and every roof must be covered with materials to protect against the environment. Both usually work in conjunction with each other and both are skills which are essential in most construction projects. And what’s more, SB Skills offer the perfect Roofing and Cladding NVQ course to for people interested in pursuing a career in these fields.
Let’s look at them a little closely…
Roofer – Job Description
A roofer, is a construction worker who specialises in all aspects of roof construction; from roofs repair, replacement to installation. They use a variety of materials including timber, metal, bitumen and shingles; all important components for the framework of any roofs. Roofing is typically very hard work; it entails a lot of heavy lifting and bending, and most importantly, awareness of hazards all around. A Roofer will work in all sorts of conditions; from sun to snow to ice to rain which means that he or she must be prepared to work in all types of weather conditions.
Types of Roofers
There are many various types of roofers:
- Shinglers – who mainly install shingles, “a thin, flat piece of wood or other material” (1) such as tiles or any such material than can be nailed on a roof.
- Metal roofers- those who specialise fitting primarily metal panels.
- Flat roofers- those who specialise in foam roofs.
- Hot roofers- those who work using tar-based products.
There are also varies types of roofer depending on the industry, typically in the category of:
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Factory Shed roofers
- Residential roofers
Even more so, depending on the materials that are used, roofing can be categorised as:
- Steel roofing
- PVC roofing
- Polycarbonate roofing
- Steel roofing
- Terrace roofing
And more…
Having a skill-set in all types of roofing is usually better than specialising in one area as many jobs require multiple roofing requirements.
Cladding- Job Description
In construction, “cladding is used to provide a degree of thermal insulation and weather resistance, and to improve the appearance of buildings.” A cladder is someone who fits cladding materials, such as soffit tiles (waterproof sheets) to the roof. This step is done after the roofing process. Like a roofer, a cladder must also be able to work in all types of weather as well as lift heavy equipment throughout the day. Roofing and cladding are job roles that go hand in hand being building processes that follow up from each other.
Types of Cladding
Cladding can be in the form of many materials, such as, metal, brick, vinyl as well as composite materials which include wood, aluminium, as well as wheat/ rice straw fibres.
Rainscreen Cladding – a type of cladding which is designed to protect against the natural elements whilst offering thermal insulation. It is more of a ‘system’ in the form of a double-wall construction that uses an outer layer to protect against the elements as well as an inner layer that prevents heat loss using the appropriate cladding material. Cladding is also the feature that controls the element of noise from both entering and exiting a building.
Window Capping – a type of cladding which refers to the applying of aluminium or vinyl sheeting cut to fit over the exterior of a building. The main purpose is for long-lasting interior and better protection against the elements.
You can learn more about roofing and cladding or gain an NVQ today with SB Skills.
