If you’re wondering which job is the most physically demanding, the roofing will probably be included on the list. According to a survey, contractors believe that roofing is one of the most challenging jobs in the construction industry, making about fifteen percent of all jobs. Demolition is ranked next with eleven percent, carpentry works at eight percent, and drywall or insulation construction at seven percent. This barely comes as a surprise for the people connected in the roofing sector.
Roofers are assigned to perform numerous job responsibilities such as lifting heavy objects, clearing out debris, and bending when installing roof parts throughout a project. This job involves a lot of bending and kneeling, aside from working with power tools, scaffolding, ladders, hammers, and other installation materials. Worse, they experience the most prolonged sunlight exposure, which significantly contributes to different health problems from heat stroke to dehydration for the workers. Aside from physical exhaustion, roofers also work a lot of overtime hours in an attempt to complete the job as quickly as possible.
In addition to many responsibilities and risks, roofers also need to negotiate with clients at competitive service rates. Roofing seems to be challenging since roofers are expected to provide possible roofing solutions for their clients. The contractor must also be registered, licensed, and bonded to offer legitimate roofing services without violating federal laws.
Roofing is indeed dangerous for those with no relevant experience in roof installation and repair. Within the construction industry, falls from the roof to the ground level account for over thirty-three percent of all fatalities in relation to accidental falls. Half of the numbers involve falls from twenty feet or less, of which most have survived the accident, while the rest accounts for various degrees of injury.
Why Is Roofing A Hard Job?
When you climb up the roof, whether to inspect or repair broken shingles, you’re constantly at risk of falling due to a slip or trip accident. If you don’t have prior experience dealing with roof problems, even if the weather seems perfect, sustaining severe injuries from falling off is always possible. A roofer often deals with heavy equipment, roof materials, and toxic chemicals every single day, not to mention the roof debris and defective gutter components that need to be removed. This is why roofing contractors need to provide a fall protection system on-site, including safety accessories, respirators, and guard rails to secure workers.
Roofers should take safety precautions on different forms of roof damage such as moss formation, broken shingles, exposed nails, broken underlayment, and rotting roof frames to avoid any potential accident. They may not notice these possible hazards immediately if the sunlight is too bright. If the worker steps on a severely damaged shingle, it can result in slipping and might cause injury. The roof may collapse if the damage is extensive enough or if the broken parts are no longer repairable.
Electrocution is another potential problem for roofers when exposed to electrical wirings, mainly if metal scaffoldings and utility ladders come in contact with live wires. Incidents of head injuries may happen when roof debris or tear-off materials accidentally drop on your head during waste disposal or clearing activity. In some cases, workers may suddenly become afraid of height while carrying tools and equipment on top, causing their legs and arms to tremble. These accidents can happen if roofers are not professionally trained or not adequately equipped with reliable safety helmets and protective goggles.
Since roofing is a physically demanding job, contractors need to be in perfect shape each time they climb up the roof. If you wish to become a professional roofer one day, you need to keep your body in great shape to maintain balance and mental sharpness. Your body needs to develop stamina and strength as you will be carrying heavy equipment and roofing materials from the start until the project is completed. Aside from physical strength, roofers also need to recall various technical specifications and operations to ensure proper installation or repair of the roof.
Roofing is a specialized job that everyone needs when the roof begins to show some leaks and a defective rainwater drainage system. But many people still think that roofing can do with minimal tools and equipment. Realistically, you have to be strong and intelligent enough to become a professional roofer since roofing is a risk-taking service calling for expertise, experience, and mental focus.
Because of the factors mentioned above, roofing has become one of the most challenging jobs to perform. If you’re not skilled and knowledgeable enough, better leave all your roofing concerns to the pros of Roofing Contractor Bronx to avoid hurting yourself. If you need more helpful information about quality, you can roofing Bronx and allow our service professionals to take care of all your roofing concerns.